Whether you’re moving from overseas or relocating from London, choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right location isn’t just about finding the perfect house—it’s about balancing your commute, access to outstanding schools, family lifestyle and long-term quality of life.

The Home Counties continue to attract executives, entrepreneurs and international families looking for more space without losing easy access to London. From picturesque riverside towns to prestigious villages and thriving market centres, each offers its own unique character and advantages.

At GH Property, we help clients identify the location that best matches their lifestyle, priorities and future plans. Here are ten of the most sought-after destinations for families relocating to the South East.

The Top 10 Locations

Cobham

A favourite for international families. Cobham has established itself as one of Surrey’s premier family destinations, known for excellent independent schools, spacious homes and a welcoming community. Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon offers regular services into London Waterloo in approximately 40–45 minutes, while the A3 and M25 provide excellent road connections to Heathrow, Gatwick and Central London.

Families are drawn to ACS International School Cobham, Danes Hill School, Reed’s School, Notre Dame School and Parkside School. Tree-lined residential roads, large detached family homes, golf courses, country parks and excellent sports facilities support a strong sense of community. Rental demand remains consistently strong for four- and five-bedroom family homes.

Esher

Village charm with exceptional London access. Located just north of Cobham, Esher combines elegant period homes with modern family properties and one of Surrey’s strongest reputations for quality of life. Direct trains to London Waterloo take around 25–30 minutes, while the A3 and M25 remain conveniently close.

Claremont Fan Court, ACS Cobham, Milbourne Lodge and Rowan Preparatory School are all within easy reach. Independent restaurants, stylish cafés, Sandown Park, Bushy Park and boutique shopping create an ideal balance between suburban convenience and countryside living.

Virginia Water

Prestige, privacy and space. Virginia Water is synonymous with luxury living, its private roads and proximity to the Wentworth Estate attracting senior executives, diplomats and international business leaders. London Waterloo is approximately 45–50 minutes by rail and Heathrow is around 20 minutes by car.

ACS Egham International School, Bishopsgate School, St George’s School Ascot and Lambrook School offer outstanding education options. Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water Lake, Savill Garden and Wentworth Golf Club make privacy, security and outdoor living key attractions.

Ascot

Elegant country living. Beyond Royal Ascot, the town offers prestigious housing, excellent schools and outstanding access across Berkshire and Surrey. Direct trains reach London Waterloo in around 55 minutes, with Heathrow and motorway access at the M3 and M4 easily accessible.

St George’s School Ascot, Papplewick, Lambrook, Charters and Heathfield School make Ascot especially attractive to relocating families. Woodland surroundings, golf clubs, country pubs, polo, equestrian facilities and Windsor Great Park give families space without sacrificing convenience.

Guildford

A thriving city with outstanding connectivity. Guildford combines excellent shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions with superb transport links and highly regarded schools. Fast services reach London Waterloo in approximately 35 minutes.

Royal Grammar School, Guildford High School, Tormead School and George Abbot School sit alongside the University of Surrey. The historic High Street, riverside walks, theatres, independent boutiques and the Surrey Hills offer a vibrant city-centre atmosphere surrounded by countryside.

Windsor

Historic surroundings with international appeal. With Windsor Castle at its heart, the town offers excellent schools, riverside walks and a thriving centre. Rail services reach London Paddington via Slough or London Waterloo, while Heathrow is less than 20 minutes away.

Eton College, St George’s School, Windsor Boys’ School, Windsor Girls’ School and Lambrook create a compelling educational offer. Windsor Great Park, the River Thames, historic architecture and a close-knit international community make it an enduring family choice.

Henley-on-Thames

Riverside living with timeless English charm. Henley-on-Thames combines a beautiful Thames-side setting, historic architecture and a relaxed pace of life. Services via Twyford connect to London Paddington in around 60–75 minutes, with road access to Reading, Maidenhead, Heathrow and the M4 corridor.

The Oratory School, Shiplake College, Rupert House School and Gillotts School are among the local choices. Riverside walks, independent boutiques, rowing and sailing clubs, countryside and cultural festivals make Henley especially appealing to families balancing London and Thames Valley life.

Beaconsfield

Outstanding schools and effortless London access. Beaconsfield offers generous family homes and direct services to London Marylebone in approximately 25–30 minutes. The M40 provides straightforward access to Central London, Heathrow and Oxford.

Davenies, High March, Beaconsfield High, The Beaconsfield School and nearby Dr Challoner’s schools sit alongside Buckinghamshire’s celebrated grammar system. Its attractive Old Town, modern New Town, country parks and family-oriented community provide everyday ease.

St Albans

Historic city living with exceptional London connectivity. St Albans combines a thriving city with the charm of a historic market town. Fast Thameslink services reach London St Pancras International in as little as 20 minutes and continue through the City.

St Albans School, St Albans High School for Girls, Beaumont School, Sandringham School and Loreto College sit alongside excellent primary options. Verulamium Park, the cathedral, Roman ruins, weekly markets and an energetic high street offer a relaxed, family-friendly city lifestyle.

The Cotswolds

Country living at its finest. The Cotswolds is renowned for honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills and timeless English character. Services from Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh and Charlbury reach London Paddington in approximately 75–90 minutes.

Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Rendcomb College, Kitebrook Preparatory School, Beaudesert Park School and The King’s School Gloucester support a compelling rural lifestyle. Walking and cycling trails, farm shops, country pubs, polo and local markets make the region ideal for families seeking greater space and a slower pace.

Conclusion

No two families are the same, and neither are their priorities. Some place the highest value on a fast commute into London, while others are looking for outstanding schools, larger gardens, a close-knit community or the tranquillity of countryside living.

At GH Property, we believe the search for a new home should start with understanding how you want to live. With more than 25 years of experience across the prime rental market, we help clients identify not only the right property but also the right location for their family, career and lifestyle. Whether you’re relocating from overseas, moving out of London or planning your next chapter in the South East, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Book a consultation today to discuss the locations and property options that best suit your next move.