According to a list for 2026 by the lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos, the top places to live in Surrey include Haslemere
, Farnham , Godalming , and Weybridge , each offering a unique blend of countryside charm, strong community spirit, and good links to London.
The top eight places to live in Surrey for 2026, as highlighted by various sources, are:
Haslemere : Named the overall “winner” by Muddy Stilettos, this historic, most southerly town in Surrey is known for its vibrant, community-minded atmosphere, teeming with independent shops and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Farnham : The largest town on the list, Farnham is praised by the Sunday Times for its excellent schools, Georgian architecture, thriving arts scene, and quick train links to London Waterloo.
Godalming : Known for being the first town in the world to have a public electricity supply, it is a quintessentially British town with charming cottages, award-winning pubs, and highly-rated independent schools like Charterhouse School.
Weybridge : The only town on the list located inside the M25, Weybridge is an affluent area known as the birthplace of British motorsport and home to the exclusive St George’s Hill estate, ideal for those seeking a balance of country life and city proximity.
Oxted : Situated at the foot of the North Downs, Oxted is a popular commuter town with a historic High Street and a growing reputation as Surrey’s “foodie capital”.
East Molesey : This village on the banks of the River Thames offers a traditional village feel with tree-lined streets and proximity to Hampton Court Palace.
Ripley : This small village, situated between Woking and Guildford, has a “buzzy” High Street, a staunch community spirit, and is known for its annual Bonfire event.
Brockham Village : A newcomer to the 2026 list, this village between Dorking and Reigate is noted for its quintessential English village green, “postcard pretty” cottages, and large community bonfire celebrations.
Other highly-rated areas in Surrey that consistently feature in “best places to live” guides include Guildford
(known for its excellent schools and university) and Reigate (popular with families and young professionals due to its strong community and good transport links)
