The Nottinghamshire market town has homes averaging £202,628 compared to London’s £666,560Rafi Mauro-Benady and Sam Dimmer East Midlands Head of Brand
08:13, 13 Apr 2026
(Image: Andrew Hill/Geograph)
For those who find London overwhelming yet need to remain within reach for work, exploring the commuter belt might be sensible.
While traditionally centred around the Home Counties, improved rail connections now mean you can venture considerably further afield while maintaining good links to the capital.
If you’re willing to deal with a longer commute, relocating entirely beyond the south of England and heading northwards could be an option. For those drawn to this idea, Retford in Nottinghamshire could be a good option.
The market town has a population of just under 24,000, according to the 2021 census.
Property prices average just £202,628 – nearly £450,000 cheaper than London’s steep average of £666,560.
The journey to and from the capital won’t be particularly swift, though direct trains from the town’s station reach King’s Cross in approximately 90 minutes. This positions it as a practical choice for those working from the office a few days each week.
The town hosts a well-attended farmers’ market showcasing locally sourced produce on the third Saturday of each month. On Friday, bargain hunters explore the antiques and bric-a-brac market.
Additionally, an annual continental market attracts crowds from across the region, according to MyLondon.
Retford was described as a fantastic’ commuter town with ‘brilliant pubs'(Image: James Turner/Lincolnshire Live)
Councillor John Manners said Retford was a ‘fantastic’ town populated by ‘very friendly’ residents.
The 27-year-old has called Retford home throughout his life aside from university, and has represented the area for two years. The councillor is quick to highlight the community spirit, which he says comes to the fore during challenging times.
Cllr Manners remarked: “First, I would say the community is fantastic. Whenever we have issues such as flooding or any major issues in the town, which we can get fairly often, the community pulls together. Everyone offers their support and pitches in to try to help out. Community first and foremost.”
He also praised the inclusive nature of local residents. He said: “Retford’s fairly welcoming to multiple people from different walks of life. We’ve got fairly large communities in Retford that contribute positively to the area and have always done so.”
The idyllic River Idle runs right through Retford(Image: Wikimedia)
The councillor believes the town’s facilities are outstanding, whether it’s the theatre or the thriving pub culture.
“We’ve got quite a vibrant history with our theatres and other areas like our museum and some of our former industry,” he says, “So there are quite a lot of things to do, especially our local pub scenes, which are brilliant.”
According to Cllr Manners, it’s not solely the residents and entertainment that define Retford. The surrounding countryside plays a significant role too.
He pointed to Idle Valley Nature Reserve. He said: “It’s quite a large natural area for people to go and visit.”