Living in Guildford, Surrey
What this article covers
- What makes Guildford, Surrey a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Guildford, Surrey for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Guildford, Surrey
Guildford, Surrey is a large town in the South East of England, just 27 miles from London. This appealing locale offers a fortuitous blend of city amenities and countryside charm.
What makes Guildford a good place to live
Guildford offers a rich cultural scene with theatres and galleries, gourmet restaurants, and excellent shopping. The area boasts good schools, making it suitable for families, while its close proximity to The University of Surrey draws students. Working professionals appreciate the robust economy, fueled by sectors like tech and creative industries.
What makes Guildford a bad place to live
However, Guildford’s popularity can make it congested, with heavy traffic during peak times. Despite its affluent image, there are areas of higher deprivation and social housing, leading to uneven wealth distribution.
Buying and renting in Guildford
The property market here is robust, with average rental prices around £1,250 per month and buying costs averaging at around £450,000.
Public transportation in Guildford
The town’s connectivity is commendable. Guildford Station provides regular trains to London Waterloo, and numerous bus routes service the local area. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are just an hour’s drive away.
Safety in Guildford
Generally, Guildford is considered safe, although as with any urban area, incidences of crime can increase at night.
Most popular areas in Guildford
Onslow Village (GU2)
This quaint, family-friendly suburb is known for its high-quality schools and low crime rates.
Stoughton (GU2)
Popular with students due to its proximity to The University of Surrey.
Least popular areas in Guildford
Park Barn (GU2)
Despite its close location to the university, it has higher crime rates and poorer housing stock.
Westborough (GU2)
A relatively deprived area with shortages of amenities compared to others.
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