The ONS (Office of National Statistics) annual happiness and wellbeing survey has found that Woking is the happiest place in Surrey! In fact it is the eighth happiest place in the UK.
On average Woking residents rated their happiness as 8.0 out of 10, an increase from 7.4 in the previous year’s survey. The survey looked at four keys areas: Life Satisfaction, Worthwhile, Happiness and Anxiety. Across the first three categories Woking residents clocked up scores of 8.1, 8.3 and 8.0 respectively; and anxiety levels are down to 2.8 (compared to 3.0 in the previous year).
If you already live in Woking you probably know why, but for all those people who perhaps travel through Woking station as they commute to London, here’s why people in people in Woking are so happy.
7 Reasons To Move To Woking
Paul Weller is from Woking
I know, you may not rate this as the number 1 reason to be happy, or to move to Woking, but for some of us it’s a key selling point.
Property – your money goes further than in some Surrey towns
There is a wide range of housing in Woking and, relative to other popular Surrey towns, prices are fairly affordable. The average house price according to Rightmove is £498,281, detached properties average around £820,086, semi-detached £444,391, and flats £282,463.
Regeneration of town centre
Work started on the £460 million redevelopment of Woking town centre in September 17, which will see new retail space, a Hilton hotel, flats and a medical centre; alongside two new public plazas.
Easy commute to London
As someone who is already halfway though their journey into London when the train stops at Woking, I’m envious of the commute! There are direct trains into Waterloo (approximately 25 minutes), trains also stop at Clapham Junction and there are plenty of stopping services for other destinations.
Green spaces and countryside
Woking is surrounded by countryside including the Surrey Hills – an area of outstanding natural beauty – but it also has plenty of green spaces within it’s town borders. If you want water as well as green space, the Basingstoke Canal passes through the town, providing somewhere to walk, cycle or boat along.
Great pantos and culture
The New Victoria Theatre attracts West End shows and also has a great panto every year. As well as this theatre, Woking boasts other cultural venues including the Phoenix Cultural Centre, The Lightbox and the Rhoda McGaw Theatre.
Village life on the doorstep
If you don’t fancy living in Woking itself, there are plenty of villages a short distance away that give you the best of both worlds. Consider Knaphill, Sheerwater, West Byfleet, Pryford, and Mayford; all are large enough for your basic needs (shops, schools, doctor surgeries etc.) and are just a few miles out of Woking town centre.
You may also like to read my post on Where To Buy In Surrey If You Commute To London.
If you want to move to Woking and need a mortgage that makes you happy, give me a call!
Call 01252 759233 or email info@thesurreymortgagebroker.co.uk.
