Let’s be real: property prices are eye-wateringly high. You pay a premium for that train line and the green space. A one-bedroom flat can cost as much as a small house elsewhere. It’s a barrier, but it’s the price of living in a place that people choose to stay in.
Also, the nightlife is decidedly quiet. If you crave late-night clubs and 3 AM kebabs, this is not your spot. The last train from London is around 11:30 PM, and many pubs stop serving food by 9. This is a town for drinks, not for getting messy. It’s very much a grown-up energy.