Let’s be honest—when people talk about the best places to live in the UK, the same names always seem to come up: Richmond, Bath, Cambridge, maybe even Brighton.

All great in their own right, sure, but one town that doesn’t get nearly enough love is Reigate.

Nestled at the foot of the North Downs in Surrey, Reigate tends to fly under the radar. But if you ask anyone who’s actually lived there—or even spent a decent amount of time in the area—they’ll tell you it’s a bit of a hidden gem.

Whether you’re looking for charming high streets, access to nature, strong schools, or just somewhere that feels like home, Reigate ticks way more boxes than it gets credit for. Here are five solid reasons why Reigate is one of the most underrated places to live in the UK.

1. It Has That Rare Balance Between Town and Countryside

One of Reigate’s biggest draws is how effortlessly it blends the perks of a market town with the beauty and tranquility of the countryside.

You can walk out of your front door and, within 10 minutes, either be grabbing a flat white from an independent café or hiking through Reigate Hill with views that rival some of the most scenic spots in the South East.

It’s the kind of place where you can go from browsing a Saturday market to spotting deer on a Sunday morning dog walk without needing to drive for miles. Reigate Heath and Priory Park offer big green spaces that aren’t just well-kept—they’re genuinely loved by the community. There’s something grounding about being so close to nature while still having a Waitrose and a stylish cocktail bar around the corner.

2. The High Street Has Personality (And Isn’t Just a Clone of Everywhere Else)

Let’s talk about the high street for a second, because this is where Reigate really sets itself apart.

Unlike so many towns that have slowly become carbon copies of each other—same chains, same layout, same lack of soul—Reigate has managed to keep a strong sense of individuality.

Yes, you’ll find a few big names like M&S and Boots, but they’re mixed in with genuinely independent shops, bakeries, boutiques, and coffee spots that give the place real charm. There’s Chalk Hills Bakery (locals will go to war for their sourdough), Gerrards for top-tier gifts, and even a chocolatier that looks like it belongs in a Christmas film. It feels like the kind of high street where people still stop to chat, where shopkeepers actually remember your name.

And when it comes to food, you’re spoilt for choice. From authentic Italian at Café Maurizio to modern dining at The Dining Room or cozy pub grub at The Roe Deer, Reigate punches well above its weight for a town its size.

3. It’s Exceptionally Well-Connected Without Feeling Like a ‘Commuter Town’

Being well-connected is one thing. Being swallowed up by London overflow is another. Reigate somehow manages to offer the best of both worlds.

The train into London Victoria or London Bridge takes under an hour (with a change), and for those working near Gatwick or in the M25 corridor, the location is near perfect. You’ve got the A25 running right through town, the M25 a stone’s throw away, and Gatwick Airport is just a 20-minute drive. It’s the kind of place where you can have a job in the city and still be home in time for a sunset stroll across the heath.

But here’s the thing: despite how connected it is, Reigate doesn’t feel like a transient town full of stressed commuters and soul-less developments. It still feels local. Families settle here. People grow old here. It has roots.

4. The Community Vibe Is Strong—and Not Just at Christmas

You can tell a lot about a town by how much effort people put into the little things. In Reigate, the community vibe is alive and well, and it’s not just surface level. From local Facebook groups that are surprisingly wholesome to community-run events, there’s a genuine feeling of togetherness.

The Reigate Summer Festival, the Christmas Fayre, the artisan markets—it all brings people out and into the streets, not just for the sake of shopping but because there’s a strong sense of “we’re all in this together.” Priory Park often becomes a hub for everything from outdoor cinema nights to charity runs, and if you’ve got kids, there’s an almost village-like sense of “everyone knows everyone.”

Even the local pubs feel like they’ve been designed with conversation in mind. You don’t just go in for a pint and leave; you’ll probably end up talking to someone’s nan about the best local dog groomer or debating whether Reigate or Redhill has better schools (spoiler alert: it’s Reigate).

5. It’s a Great Place to Raise a Family

Reigate is one of those places that quietly raises the bar for family life. It’s got the kind of schools that make estate agents smirk knowingly when you ask about catchment areas. Reigate Grammar is one of the most well-regarded private schools in the region, and the local state schools—like Reigate School and Holmesdale—get strong ratings and community support.

Add to that the parks, safe streets, and after-school activities (there are drama clubs, tennis lessons, music schools—you name it), and it starts to make sense why so many young families look to Reigate when London starts to feel a bit… much.

Plus, there’s something lovely about kids being able to grow up with both outdoor freedom and cultural access. You’re not miles from museums, theatres, or big city buzz—but they’re not on your doorstep tempting your teenagers into expensive distractions every weekend, either.