Imagine strolling along the Thames with a coffee, then grabbing dinner at a cool market. That’s Kingston. It’s got a university energy mixed with proper history—think Henry VIII’s coronation spot. The trains to Waterloo are fast, and the high street is alive.
But the real flex is the river life. You can kayak in the morning and be in central London by lunch. Is it expensive? Sure, but you’re paying for that gorgeous river view and a town that actually feels like a town, not just a suburb. It’s like living in a postcard, but with decent wifi.
St. Albans: History nerd meets hipster
If you want Roman ruins and craft breweries, this is your jam. St. Albans is an ancient city with a cathedral that will knock your socks off. The commute to St. Pancras is a breezy 20 minutes. Twenty minutes! That’s faster than some Londoners get to the other side of their own borough.
The market on Saturdays is legendary. You’ll find vintage records next to organic cheese. It’s got a small-town charm that packs a big-city punch. You get the sense that everyone here chose to be here, and they’re all a little smug about their short train ride.
The best places to live in London
