Chichester’s New Status as a Commuter Town, London

Has Chichester become part of the London commuter belt?

In the past, when looking for potential commuter towns for London, most would not have considered Chichester.

Chichester offers a thriving city, culture, coast and countryside – all in one very attractive package. While it is ideal for families who seek more spacious properties and plenty of amenities, it wasn’t one of the more commutable areas to London.

With the commute as a sticking point, the decision to make Chichester a permanent base came at a price if a member of the household still had to travel to London on a daily basis. Since it wasn’t an easy commute to London, many with city-based careers opted to make Chichester their family home and kept a flat in the capital. Lured by the unmatched West Sussex lifestyle, Chichester was a fantastic option for making to transition from London living.

However, now, in the post-Covid largely remote working era, Chichester has become a viable London commuter belt town.

Work changes that have instantly created more commuter towns for London

Employers and employees alike have learned that working from home does not have to mean we are less productive. In fact, the opposite is often true.

During the pandemic, some companies implemented rotas to scale back the number of staff in the office to allow for social distancing. Post-Covid, even the most senior executives are only travelling for essential face-to-face meetings, allowing technology to take the strain instead of the rail network.

This means that a 90-minute commute – which previously seemed too much, Monday to Friday – is now far more palatable. The net result is that the London commuter belt has been extended out much further than before, deep into Sussex and down to the coast.

How Chichester has become an easy commute to London

Many London commuters arrive at Chichester station shortly after 6.30am, looking fairly relaxed about their 90-minute commute into London Victoria or Waterloo. After enjoying a full weekend in a spacious country home, 90 minutes doesn’t seem too bad as it’s no longer a daily commute.

This is a significant factor that has put Chichester on the map as one of the best new commuter towns for London workers.

Why are people moving to West Sussex?

With an emphasis on home, wellbeing and the desire to achieve work-life balance on everyone’s radar, priorities have shifted considerably. This means that many have been keen to relocate from the chaos of city life.

In 2020, The Sunday Times named Chichester as one of the best places to live in the South East. And, as expert property buying agents, we have seen a huge rise in the number of people discovering the area for the first time. Almost without exception, our clients are pleasantly surprised at the cultural appeal of Chichester. The Chichester Festival Theatre is the starting venue for many West End productions, but without the West End prices.

Chichester is a vibrant city all year round – not just in the holiday season. In addition, local restaurants and shops are catering to a very discerning market and there are some excellent schools in the area.

For those moving out of London – where property prices are high and any garden space tends to be small or overlooked – the comparative space, both indoors and out, which their money can buy is extremely appealing.

What does an increasing London commuter belt mean for West Sussex?

As mentioned, Chichester is enjoying a new status as one of the best places to commute to London from. Over time, the increased demand is likely to drive prices up. For now, at least, Chichester and West Sussex in general are offering exactly what people are looking for.

Chichester offers space and a healthier lifestyle in a beautiful environment. What’s more, buyers will benefit from far better value for money than London or even places outside London with easy commute times, such as Surrey and Kent.
One thing is sure, Chichester is now definitely on the London commuter belt map. Chichester and the many stunning villages around the district are perfect for an occasional commute to London.

Interested in Chichester, as a commuter town for London?

Please call me, Jennie, on 01243 531133 if you would like to know which are the best villages in and around Chichester for an occasional commute with all the West Sussex benefits.