If you're planning a move somewhere new in the UK, Reigate is well worth a look. This picture perfect market town sits in Surrey, right on the edge of the North Downs, and it offers what many people consider the perfect mix of green space and small town amenities. That combination makes it a popular choice for families and for anyone moving on their own.
If you're thinking about making the move to Reigate, read on. We've put together our top tips on what you should know before you get there.
At a glance
- Location: A Surrey market town at the foot of the North Downs, around 19 miles south of central London and 9 miles north of Gatwick Airport
- Population: Around 22,000
- Postcode: RH2, within the Reigate and Banstead borough
- Commute: Direct trains to London Victoria and London Bridge in around 45 minutes, with the M25 and M23 both close by
- House prices: Averaging £679,234 over the past year, well above the UK average of £270,000
- Schools: 100% of Reigate's primary schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and Reigate Grammar School consistently ranks among the town's top performers
- Known for: Priory Park, the ruins of Reigate Castle, the sand mine caves beneath the town, and a high street with a strong independent scene
It's a great commuter town
One of the biggest draws of Reigate is how easily you can reach London from here. Reigate station sits on the North Downs Line, and direct trains run to Victoria and London Bridge, taking around 45 minutes.
If you need to get into the city faster, Reigate Hill station is about a mile away and can get you into London in under half an hour.
Travelling further afield is just as straightforward. Gatwick, one of the UK's busiest airports, is only around 9 miles away, roughly a 15 minute train ride or a 20 minute drive. Reigate also sits close to the M25 and M23, along with the A25 and A217, so driving to other parts of the South East and beyond is easy too. You can find other popular towns in Surrey for quick commuting into London if that is one of the key aspects of moving that you are after.
It can be expensive
House prices in Reigate sit well above the national average compared with many other UK towns, though that's typical of places used for commuting into London. Over the past year, the average sale price in Reigate has been around £679,000, more than double the UK average of £270,000. Semi-detached homes, the most common type sold locally, have averaged around £695,000, while flats have averaged closer to £317,000 and detached houses over £1.1 million.
The closer you get to the town centre, the more you can expect to pay, and Reigate Hill is one of the priciest areas. If you're happy to look further out towards Redhill, where average prices sit closer to £460,000, or towards Earlswood or Merstham, you can expect a noticeably lower price tag while still only being a short drive or train ride from the centre.
If buying isn't on the cards straight away, renting is a common route into the town. Average rents across the wider Reigate and Banstead area currently sit at around £1,636 a month, noticeably higher than the UK average of £1,383. It's a reflection of how sought after the area is, and worth budgeting for if you're planning to rent before you buy.
It's famed for high quality education
Families often choose Reigate for its schools, and it's easy to see why. Every one of the town's primary schools currently holds a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating, well ahead of the England average of 82%. Reigate Parish Church Primary School, Wray Common Primary School and Reigate Priory Community Junior School are among the names that come up most often when parents talk about school runs locally.
It's a common assumption that the best schools are the ones you pay for, but that isn't the case here. Many of Reigate's top performing schools are state funded, which is good news if private school fees weren't part of your plan. That said, Reigate Grammar School is well known locally for its academic results, for anyone who is considering the independent route.
Things to do in Reigate
There's more to Reigate than commuting and house prices. Priory Park is the town's green heart, with a boating lake, a walled garden and plenty of open space for picnics or a Sunday walk. Up on Reigate Hill, you'll find sweeping views across the Surrey countryside, along with the wooded trails of Gatton Park nearby.
History lovers can explore the ruins of Reigate Castle and the tunnels beneath the castle grounds, which have been used for everything from storage to air raid shelters over the centuries. The town also has a busy events calendar, with Priory Park hosting the annual Reigate Cheese and Chilli Festival along with open air concerts through the summer. Add in a weekly market and a high street dotted with independent cafes, restaurants and a cinema, and there's always something to do without needing to head into London.
Everyday life and amenities
Practically speaking, Reigate is well set up for day to day living. The town centre has a good spread of supermarkets, banks and everyday shops, alongside the boutique retailers it's known for. East Surrey Hospital is a couple of miles away in Redhill, and there's a leisure centre in town if you want to keep up a gym routine or get the kids into swimming lessons. Local services fall under Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, with Surrey County Council covering the wider area.
Parking can get tight around the busiest parts of the high street, particularly at weekends, so it's worth knowing where the main car parks are before you move.
What's it like to live there?
The honest answer is that Reigate is what you make of it. Despite being a busy town, it has a village like feel that suits anyone looking for a quieter pace of life once the working day is done.
If you're someone who thrives on noise and bustle, it might feel a little too quiet for you.
That said, the high street has a great mix of shops, particularly independent boutiques, along with plenty of places to eat. There's also green space nearby where you can relax, catch some sun or simply switch off from the day.
Is Reigate right for you?
- Commuters and professionals will appreciate the fast rail links into London, with a journey time that still leaves room for a life outside the office.
- Families are well served by consistently high performing schools and a village-like community, without giving up proximity to a major city.
- Downsizers and retirees often find Reigate appealing for its walkable centre, mix of period and modern housing, and easy access to the North Downs for weekend walks.
- First-time buyers on a tighter budget may want to look just outside the centre, towards Redhill, Earlswood or Merstham, where prices ease considerably.
Ready to Make the Move to Reigate?
We hope this has given you a clearer picture of life in Reigate and what it could mean for you and your family. From the commute and the schools to the cost of living, it's a town that rewards a bit of research before you commit, and hopefully this guide has done some of that work for you.
Our head office and depot are based just up the road in Redhill, so Reigate isn't just another postcode on a map to us, it's our own backyard. If you're ready to take the next step, get in touch with us here at Pinnacle Removals for a free, no obligation quote. We'll put that local knowledge to work for you, and help you get settled into your new home in Reigate without the stress.
