Where to live in Surrey: a guide to the county’s most desirable areas

For those seeking a slower pace of life while staying within easy reach of the capital, Surrey is often a natural first choice. “Our buyers predominantly find themselves making their way from living in southwest London, to coming down the A3 to Surrey,” says Matthew Scott, Knight Frank’s Weybridge Office Head. “As well as the area’s fast train links to the capital, the biggest pull for both those from London and further afield is Surrey’s excellent schools and family life.”

Surrey is renowned for its affluent, well‑connected commuter towns, but the county offers far more diversity than its reputation suggests. Katherine Watters of The Buying Solution, who specialises in helping clients find homes in the region, adds: “From its private estates to charming towns and the beautiful countryside of the Surrey Hills, there are communities here to suit a range of lifestyles.”

Below, we explore some of the most desirable pockets of Surrey to consider.

Elmbridge: Cobham, Weybridge and Esher

Often referred to as the Golden Triangle, the towns and villages around Cobham, Weybridge and Esher in north Surrey rank among the county’s most coveted postcodes. Elmbridge borders the southwest London boroughs of Richmond and Kingston-on-Thames, offering a slice of countryside life combined with the feel and amenities of upscale suburbs of the capital. Fast train links to London are a major benefit, with journey times from Esher and Weybridge to the capital from as little as around 30 minutes, providing some of the best connectivity in the region.

Elmbridge offers a more urban feel than some other Surrey areas, while it is also home to several of the UK’s most prestigious private estates for those seeking enhanced privacy and security. St George’s Hill and the nearby Wentworth Estate were both developed by W. G. Tarrant and continue to be known for their golf courses, exclusivity and large homes.

“Cobham has a particularly active high street, with family homes typically ranging from around £2m to £6m, while Esher has a huge mix of styles and sizes across price points,” says Matthew. “More recently, in response to VAT being applied to private school fees, we’ve seen buyers moving within the area to access outstanding state schools, for example, Heathside School in Weybridge or Hinchley Wood School near Esher.”