What’s it like living in Surrey? Insight from our local team…

“What is it really like living in Surrey?” – it’s a question we’re commonly asked by prospective buyers new to the area. Moving somewhere unknown can be rather daunting but it can also be highly rewarding! To ease your decision and provide a little more insight into the Surrey lifestyle, our local Seymours team have detailed why they chose to settle in the area and why it’s such a great property move.

Just a stone’s throw away from London, it’s no wonder the affluent county has rapidly grown in popularity and continues to be in-demand for not only commuters, but for families too. Offering lush greenery and open spaces unrivalled by the capital, the charming towns in the area are the perfect combination of nature and city life.

What to expect living in Surrey

With properties valued at an average of £500,000, Surrey is a highly priced area giving the capital a run for its money. But, you can certainly walk away with a far more spacious home, making it an ideal choice for young families or couples looking to settle down. 

Plus, for those craving the hustle and bustle of London, you can be in the heart of the city in under an hour. And, if you’re a keen jet-setter, weekend getaways have become all the more simple with all major airports just a short drive away. 

Surrey itself also offers a great quality of life; home to some of the very best schools in the country, excellent facilities and stunning countryside at every corner. Certainly, it’s not hard to see why it’s such an in-demand spot!

Things to do in Surrey

Living in Surrey, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to how to spend your evenings and weekends. There really is something for everyone – whether you want to entertain family, pick up a new hobby or plan the perfect intimate date night. So, what are some of our favourite things to do in the county? 

The Surrey Hills AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) covers 422 km² of ground, rich in wildlife for you to discover. Explore walking trails or cycle around the natural spot, taking in the scenic views across the countryside. After exploring the rolling hills, why not return to urban life in one of the historic towns across Surrey and treat yourself to a well-deserved meal. With fantastic restaurant and bar options on offer, you’ll have a variety of options to suit any preference. In fact, Surrey is recognised as having some of the very best dining experiences in the South East so there’s a wide variety to try – locals can definitely find new gems with each outing!

More on the history of Surrey

Surrey has a rich heritage spanning over thousands of years – many of the towns in the area actually feature in the Domesday Book dating back to 1086! The county was once considered to be the crowning jewel of the throne and today, the historic towns retain their charming, market feel. 

The Saxons were the first to come to Surrey in the 5th and 6th centuries and in fact, towns such as Woking and Godalming have retained their names from these initial tribes that landed here. The name ‘Surrey’ itself comes from the Saxon term Suthridge meaning ‘southern kingdom’ – a major land point in the country. You can still see the Coronation Stone in Kingston which was the site of coronation ceremonies for centuries, including Aethelstan and Aethelred the Unready. 

Following the Norman conquest, the Guildford and Farnham castles were both erected in the area, both of which can still be visited today. And with the proximity to London and abundant hunting grounds, Surrey remained of significant importance during the Tudor period too. 

Even into the industrial era, the area remained crucial to the country’s development with Tillingbourne Valley becoming the main producer of gunpowder in England. So, it’s clear to see that Surrey has consistently been of significant importance over the course of history and remains at the forefront of the South East still to this day. 

Job hunting

Many of Surrey’s residents commute to the nearby capital; at just a short train ride away, it’s no wonder many professionals choose to make their home in the more natural area. 

However, that’s not to say London is the only option for workers. Numerous international companies have chosen to base their headquarters in the county, including McLaren and Shepperton Studios. So, if you’d prefer to skip the commute to the capital, there are a variety of positions to suit different professional levels available locally. 

Educational establishments

Surrey provides some outstanding choices when it comes to schools and educational institutes. From nursery to university, there is a huge selection available to residents rated outstanding by Ofsted. 

Some of the most notable schools include Charterhouse and Gordon’s School to name a few. If you are searching for a property in the area, speak to our local Seymours team and they can advise you on educational establishments in your prospective property’s catchment area.

Getting around the area

The M3, M25 and M23 link Surrey with London and the surrounding areas, whilst a significant A-road network connects the county’s towns and villages. The public transport services are also excellent, with many of the smaller villages even served by a line in and out of the capital. You can also reach Reading and access the rest of the country via the local train lines. 

As we’ve already mentioned, long weekend getaways are also far more simple when residing in the area. Both Gatwick and Heathrow are just a short drive away from Surrey so you can travel around to Europe in no time at all. 

Our favourite spots

Want to know a few of the hidden gems around the area? Discover a new spot with our top picks to try when living in Surrey:

• Beit Beirut: A fantastic spot in Woking offering delicious Lebanese dishes to tantalise your tastebuds. Plus, every weekend see live music and belly dancers!
• Mullans: For a healthy treat or two try this stylish Camberley cafe, particularly popular with brunch connoisseurs. 
• Sorrel: Inspired by simplicing, discovery and the ingredients themselves, the Sorrel menu is ever-evolving to reflect the seasons. With talented young chefs and an open kitchen, it’s a memorable dining experience.  
• Cyder House Inn: Serving excellent gastropub cuisine accompanied by impeccable customer service, this is a treat for all the family and is the perfect spot for a Sunday. 

Of course, this barely scratches the surface when it comes to restaurants and pubs in the area. There’s always something new to try, either out with family, with your partner or even a treat for yourself. 

Property hunting

The Surrey property market is very competitive but offers a wide selection of properties from Victorian terraces and manor houses to modern new-build flats, with new homes coming onto the market everyday. Whilst renowned as an affluent area requiring a considerable budget, there are certainly options available to suit all those on the hunt for a home in the county. In fact, some Surrey councils have introduced schemes to assist first-time buyers looking to move to the area. Living in Surrey may at first seem out of reach, yet with the right estate agency on your side, you’ll be able to navigate the market with ease.

Seymours Estate Agents and Surrey

Of course, moving to Surrey and particularly if you are new to the area can be daunting as you are unaware of what to truly expect. But, with the right local estate agent by your side, you can confidently secure your dream home. The county truly does have something on offer for everyone, whether you are a working professional looking to settle, or a young family hoping to escape the chaos of the capital.

It’s important to remember that when selling a property too – particularly in Surrey, you need to also sell the area. The prospective home hunter should be buying into the lifestyle of the county, not just the property itself. Whilst features are important, securing a sale will largely depend on how the location is marketed. If you aren’t working with a local estate agent, you may be missing out on a variety of opportunities as this won’t be marketed effectively. 

Sell your property with the experts today: choose Seymours Estate Agents.

If you’d like free market advice or need an instant property valuation you can trust, get in touch with the team at Seymours using this contact form, or call us one of our 19 dedicated branches and departments here.