Moving to London is something that many people consider at some point in their lives. It may be for work, studying, a better social life or simply the experience of living closer to one of the busiest cities in the world.
However, not everyone wants to live right in the middle of London. Some people want the career opportunities and transport links, but with more space, easier access to the countryside and a slightly calmer pace of life. This is where towns on the edge of the capital can become very appealing.
One of the most popular choices is Epsom in Surrey. With fast rail links, a strong family feel, good access to green space and a wide mix of homes, it has become a go-to option for commuters and families who want to stay close to London without being right in the city.
Key Takeaways
- Fast London commute: Trains from Epsom to London Waterloo can take around 35 to 40 minutes, making it a realistic option for regular commuters.
- Strong family appeal: The area is known for good schools, quieter residential roads and a more settled feel than many parts of London.
- Plenty of green space: Epsom Downs, Epsom Common and the wider Surrey countryside give residents easy access to outdoor space.
- Varied property options: Buyers and renters can find flats, period homes, semi-detached houses and larger family properties across the area.
- Practical everyday living: Epsom has a proper town centre, local shops, cafés, supermarkets, leisure facilities and good access to major airports.
Who Is Epsom Best Suited To?
| Type of mover | Why Epsom could work well |
|---|---|
| London commuters | Fast train links into Waterloo and Victoria make Epsom a practical base for people who still need regular access to the capital. |
| Families leaving London | Good schools, more space and a calmer residential feel make it attractive for parents looking beyond inner London. |
| First-time buyers | Flats and smaller homes can offer a more accessible entry point than many nearby London areas, although Epsom is still a competitive property market. |
| Upsizers | The area has a good choice of semi-detached and detached homes, which can suit families needing extra bedrooms, gardens or home-working space. |
| Downsizers | Epsom also works well for people who want good local amenities, transport links and green space without feeling too remote. |
It Is Easy and Quick to Get into London
The ease and speed of getting into London is one of the main reasons people choose to live in Epsom. Trains run directly between Epsom and London Waterloo, with the quickest services taking around 36 minutes. This makes the journey short enough for many commuters to use the time productively, even if that simply means having a coffee before the working day begins.
Epsom is also useful because it not only connects well with Waterloo. The station has links towards London Victoria as well, which can make a difference depending on where you work in the capital. This gives commuters a little more flexibility than some towns that rely on one main London route.
London may feel like the centre of everything at times, but Epsom is also well placed for people who travel further afield. Heathrow and Gatwick are both reachable by road, which is useful for work trips, family holidays or international travel. If you are still comparing different areas before deciding where to settle, our guide to some of the best commuter towns in Surrey can help you see how Epsom compares with other popular choices nearby.
There Is Plenty of Green Space Nearby
Living in London can be exciting, but many people eventually find that they miss open space. Epsom offers a good balance here, because it gives you access to London while still feeling close to the countryside and larger green areas.
Epsom Downs is one of the town’s best-known outdoor spaces, while Epsom Common gives residents somewhere to walk, cycle and enjoy a quieter setting without travelling far. Epsom Common is officially recognised as a Local Nature Reserve and is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which gives the area more weight than it would have as another local park.
For those who are happy to travel a little further, the Surrey Hills are also within reach. This makes Epsom a strong option for people who want London nearby during the working week, but a more open and relaxed environment at weekends.
Epsom Works Well for Families
Many people move with a family already in mind, or with plans to start one in the future. This means the area needs to offer more than a manageable commute. Schools, green space, safety, property choice and everyday convenience all matter.
Epsom is known for having a family-friendly feel. One of the main reasons for this is the choice of local schools, with several well-regarded primary and secondary options in and around the area. Rosebery School, for example, is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, which is likely to be of interest to parents researching the area.
Away from education, Epsom also has the advantage of feeling calmer than much of London while still having a lively town centre. Families can enjoy local shops, cafés, parks, leisure facilities and regular markets, while still being able to get into the capital quickly when needed.
Everyday Life in Epsom
Epsom is not just a commuter base. It is also a practical place to live day to day, with a useful town centre, local services, places to eat and plenty of everyday amenities close by.
The Ashley Centre gives the town a central shopping area, and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council notes that the wider town centre includes retailers such as Marks & Spencer, H&M, Next, Pandora, Boots, WHSmith, New Look and Waitrose. The Market Place also hosts regular markets on Thursdays and Saturdays, along with a Farmers’ Market on the first Sunday of the month.
There are also useful services nearby, including Epsom Hospital, which provides inpatient, day and outpatient services, as well as a busy A&E department. For families, older residents and those moving out of London for a better quality of life, having local healthcare facilities nearby can be another practical benefit.
There Are Lots of Types of Homes to Choose From
The type of property you need will depend on your circumstances. Some people may want a flat close to the station, especially if they commute several days a week. Others may be looking for a larger family home, a garden or more space than they could afford in London.
Epsom offers a wide mix of homes, which is one of the reasons it appeals to different types of movers. Recent Rightmove sold price data shows that flats, semi-detached homes and detached properties all form part of the local market. Over the last year, the overall average sold price in Epsom was £574,551, with flats averaging £306,534 and semi-detached homes averaging £629,249.
This variety means Epsom can work for first-time buyers, upsizers, downsizers and families leaving London in search of more space. It also means there are different types of moves to plan, whether you are moving into a town centre flat, a period home, a larger detached property or a family house on a quieter residential road.
Planning a Move to Epsom
If you are moving to Epsom, it is worth thinking about the practical side of the move as early as possible. Some properties may have limited parking, narrow access, shared entrances, stairs or tight driveways, all of which can affect how moving day is planned.
For families, timing can also be important. Moves are often planned around school applications, term dates, completion dates or changes to commuting routines. A well-organised removals company can help make the process feel less rushed by planning the packing, loading and transport around your property, your access and your moving schedule.
Pinnacle Removals and Storage can help with house removals in Epsom and the surrounding areas, including local moves, longer distance relocations and international removals. Our team can assist with packing, careful handling of furniture and planning the move so that everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day.
Is Epsom Right for You?
Epsom is a strong choice for people who want the benefits of London within reach, but do not necessarily want to live in the city itself. It offers quick rail connections, green open spaces, family-friendly neighbourhoods and a broad choice of homes, which is why it continues to attract commuters and families.
It will not be the cheapest place to buy in Surrey, and it may still feel busy compared with more rural towns. However, for many movers, the balance of convenience, space and lifestyle makes it a very appealing option.
Planning Your Move to Epsom?
If you are thinking about moving to Epsom, Pinnacle Removals and Storage can help you plan the process with care. Whether you are moving locally, relocating out of London, moving into a larger family home or arranging a move from further afield, our team can provide the practical support you need with our specialist Surrey removals service.
If you are relocating with a dog, cat or other pet, it is also worth planning around travel comfort, garden access and how you will help them settle into their new surroundings. Our guide to moving with pets to Surrey covers some of the key points to think about before moving day.
Get in touch with Pinnacle Removals and Storage today for friendly advice and a tailored removals quote for your move to Epsom.
