Why Move to Surrey?
Surrey offers a strong mix of countryside, towns, schools, transport, and local jobs. It sits in South East England, close to London, Hampshire, Berkshire, Kent, West Sussex, and Greater London.
The county includes well-known towns such as Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Reigate, Redhill, Farnham, Dorking, Camberley, Leatherhead, Weybridge, and Staines-upon-Thames. It also covers districts and boroughs such as Elmbridge, Guildford, Mole Valley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Tandridge, Waverley, Woking, and others.
Surrey is popular with families, professionals, first-time buyers, downsizers, and commuters. It has quick access to London, strong road links, and major airports nearby. Heathrow and Gatwick sit close to Surrey’s boundaries, while the M25, M23, M3, and A3 support travel across the region.
Green space is also a major draw. The Surrey Hills National Landscape covers around a quarter of the county. It includes countryside, market towns, villages, open commons, and scenic viewpoints.
Surrey also has a strong economy. ONS local indicators show a 2024 population of 1,248,649 people, 66,645 active businesses, and an employment rate of 82.5% in 2023.
Why Move to Surrey - What to Expect
Housing in Surrey: Exploring Your Options
Surrey has a varied housing market. Buyers can find flats, terraced homes, Victorian houses, detached family homes, cottages, gated homes, and modern developments.
The market is often more expensive than many UK areas. ONS local indicators show an average Surrey house price of £518,358 in February 2026. Surrey-i also reports a median property price paid of £500,000, with district medians ranging from £435,000 to £650,000.
Private rents are also high. Surrey-i reports that the average private rental cost in Surrey was £1,608 in February 2026. This varies by borough, property size, and local demand.
Different areas suit different budgets. Guildford, Elmbridge, Cobham, Weybridge, and parts of Mole Valley can attract higher prices. Woking, Redhill, Camberley, Epsom, Staines-upon-Thames, and parts of Tandridge may offer more varied options.
Commuting also affects demand. Homes near rail stations, strong schools, and major roads often attract more competition. Therefore, buyers should compare price, location, school access, transport, and long-term plans before choosing.
Education in Surrey: A Hub of Learning
Why Move to Surrey - Employment Opportunities
Surrey has a strong and varied economy. It benefits from its location near London, Heathrow, Gatwick, and the wider South East.
ONS local indicators show 66,645 active businesses in Surrey in 2024. They also show a gross median weekly pay of £754 in 2025 and an employment rate of 82.5% in 2023.
Key sectors include technology, healthcare, professional services, finance, creative industries, gaming, food and drink, and advanced business services. Business Surrey states that the county has 22,000 technology businesses. It also notes that 13.2% of Surrey residents work in health.
Surrey also has important innovation assets. Its economic growth strategy highlights universities, anchor businesses, incubators, research hospitals, and science and business parks.
Many residents also commute. London, Heathrow, Gatwick, Reading, Basingstoke, Crawley, and nearby towns are within reach from different parts of Surrey. This gives residents more career options.
Why Move to Surrey - Transport Links
Surrey is well connected by road, rail, bus, and air. This makes it practical for commuters, students, families, and businesses.
Road links are a major advantage. Visit Surrey states that the M25, M23, M3, and A3 run through the county. The A3 also offers a direct route to London and Portsmouth.
Rail access is also strong. Visit Surrey says there are fast and frequent rail services from London Waterloo, London Victoria, and London Bridge to many Surrey towns. It also notes direct rail links to Gatwick from Redhill, Reigate, Dorking, and Guildford.
Air travel is another benefit. Gatwick and Heathrow are close to Surrey’s boundaries. Visitors and residents can reach the county by bus, taxi, or train from these airports.
Local transport will vary by town and village. Rural areas may need more car use. However, many towns have rail stations, local buses, and journey planning support through Traveline.
Exploring Attractions in Surrey
Surrey has a strong mix of heritage, family attractions, countryside, gardens, museums, and outdoor activities.
The Surrey Hills National Landscape is one of the county’s main attractions. It was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958 and is now one of the UK’s National Landscapes.
Popular outdoor places include Box Hill, Leith Hill, Devil’s Punch Bowl, Frensham Ponds, Newlands Corner, and the North Downs Way. Visit South East England also highlights the River Thames, River Wey, River Mole, and long-distance walking routes.
Surrey also has major visitor attractions. These include Brooklands Museum, Denbies Wine Estate, Watts Gallery, Guildford Cathedral, Painshill, the British Wildlife Centre, and The Sculpture Park near Farnham.
Families also have plenty to do. Surrey offers gardens, wildlife attractions, museums, theatres, outdoor trails, and seasonal events. This helps make it suitable for weekends and school holidays.
Dining Out: The Best Places to Dine in Surrey
Surrey has a varied food and drink scene. Residents can find cafés, pubs, restaurants, hotels, farm shops, local markets, vineyards, breweries, and distilleries.
Visit Surrey describes a wide food and drink offer. It highlights locally sourced seasonal food, award-winning restaurants, welcoming pubs, rustic farm cafés, and Surrey vineyards.
Dining choices vary by location. Guildford, Woking, Dorking, Reigate, Farnham, Cobham, Weybridge, Epsom, and Godalming all offer different options. These include town-centre cafés, country pubs, hotel dining, and family restaurants.
Surrey is also known for local drinks. Visit Surrey highlights vineyards, breweries, and distilleries across the county. It mentions local producers such as Denbies Wine Estate, Hogs Back Brewery, and Silent Pool Distillers.
Local produce adds to the appeal. Visit Surrey notes that the county has farm shops, local markets, food festivals, and local producers.
Mortgage Brokers in Surrey: Securing a Home
Buying in Surrey can involve wide choices. The right mortgage route depends on your income, deposit, credit profile, property type, and long-term plans.
Surrey’s housing market can be competitive. Average house prices are higher than in many areas, and demand can rise near stations, schools, and popular towns. ONS local indicators show an average Surrey house price of £518,358 in February 2026.
A mortgage broker in Guildford can help compare suitable lenders. This can help first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients, landlords, and self-employed applicants.
A broker may also help with complex cases. These can include contractor income, limited company directors, buy-to-let, adverse credit, gifted deposits, or high-value borrowing.
Why Surrey is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Surrey offers a strong lifestyle balance. It combines countryside, town centres, schools, jobs, transport, and access to London.
Families can look for homes near parks, schools, and local services. Commuters can focus on towns with strong rail links. Meanwhile, downsizers may prefer villages, market towns, or quieter suburbs.
The county has strong green space. The Surrey Hills National Landscape covers around a quarter of Surrey. It offers open commons, views, villages, and walking routes.
Surrey also has strong local services and amenities. ONS local indicators show 73% of residents are within a 30-minute walk of their nearest railway station. They also show 69% are within a 30-minute walk of their nearest library.
For many movers, the appeal is clear. Surrey offers space, access, opportunity, and quality of life. It can feel peaceful while staying connected.
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FAQ: Why Move to Surrey
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What makes Surrey a great place to live? | Surrey offers a perfect blend of countryside charm and city convenience. With excellent schools, scenic villages, and quick rail links to London, it’s ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. |
| How far is Surrey from Central London? | Depending on where you live, Surrey is only 30–45 minutes by train from London Waterloo, making it perfect for commuters who want space and greenery without losing city access. |
| What are the best areas in Surrey for families? | Guildford, Woking, Farnham, and Esher are top family choices thanks to great schools, parks, and community amenities. Each area offers safe neighbourhoods and excellent transport links. |
| Are property prices in Surrey expensive? | Surrey is one of the UK’s most desirable counties, so prices can be higher than the national average. However, you’ll find a wide range of options from affordable flats in towns like Camberley to luxury homes in areas like Cobham. |
| What local attractions does Surrey offer? | Surrey boasts stunning countryside walks in the Surrey Hills, cultural gems like RHS Wisley, and historic towns with vibrant high streets. There’s always something to explore, from hiking trails to boutique cafés. |
| What schools and education options are available? | Surrey is home to some of the UK’s best-rated state and independent schools, including Guildford High School and Charterhouse. The University of Surrey also attracts international students. |
| What is the job market like in Surrey? | The county has a strong local economy with opportunities in finance, tech, healthcare, and education. Many residents also commute to London for work thanks to fast transport links. |
| How does Surrey’s lifestyle compare to London’s? | Surrey offers a calmer, greener lifestyle while still providing quick access to the capital. It’s perfect for people who want more space, cleaner air, and a stronger sense of community. |
| Are there good transport links within Surrey? | Yes — with well-connected train lines, major motorways (M25, A3), and local bus routes, getting around Surrey and into London is convenient and reliable. |
| Why are people moving from London to Surrey? | Many Londoners move to Surrey for larger homes, better schools, and outdoor space while staying within easy reach of their city jobs. It’s an upgrade in quality of life without sacrificing connectivity. |