The Elizabeth Line commuter town that might end up becoming part of London.
The town is just 15 minutes from Paddington.
Slough, the commuter town made famous by Ricky Gervais’ blockbuster comedy The Office, is only a fifteen-minute drive from London.
Slough has long split inhabitants and has appeared on ‘worst towns’ lists, yet there is much more to this town than meets the eye. More individuals are choosing to relocate to this once-unfashionable town as home prices in London skyrocket and hybrid working becomes the norm for many.
Last year, The Telegrah named Slough one of the finest places to live outside of London for individuals who want to be close to the capital. London is unquestionably linked to Slough, so much so that there are growing proposals for Greater London to swallow Slough as part of the city.
Local politicians debated handing over power of Slough to London authorities as part of the government’s English Devolution agenda earlier this year, according to Time Out.
In Slough, the average home costs £406,684, which is much less than the London average of £661,329. According to the 2021 census, it has a population of approximately 160,000 people.
Notable residents include comedian Jimmy Carr and the late Arsenal star David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle.
Last year, MyLondon spoke with David Arfield, branch manager at Cameron King Estate Agents, about what has changed in Slough to make it such an attractive alternative. He explained that one of the town’s main attractions is its transport infrastructure.
He stated, “The Elizabeth line and the rail station that connects it to London [is one of Slough’s best assets].” We have three stations here: Burnham Station, Taplow Station, and Slough mainline station, which essentially connects Reading and Maidenhead town centres across London.”
David went on: “Not just into Paddington, but across Central London. Slough is significantly more affordable for those renting in London and trying to get on the property ladder, as well as those who buy in more expensive London suburbs, and the travel time is the same, if not shorter, than it was previously.
We’re seeing folks move in from Hayes, Uxbridge, and Southall, which are more costly because they’re closer to London, and Slough checks a lot of boxes.”
David also highlighted why the town’s reputation has improved. He explained: “There were always shows that mocked Slough, like The Office, which gave it a poor reputation.
There has also been a dearth of investment in the town centre, whilst other districts such as Bracknell have had significant investment, Slough has not always had that.”
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