Surrey is a diverse county; from the typically English country towns of Farnham and Haslemere in the west, to the more sophisticated and culturally mixed areas such as Esher and Cobham.

There are four main areas of Surrey, each with quite different characteristics. Inside the M25 are the private estates that make up the areas around Cobham, Esher and Weybridge, which contain a mix of Edwardian and newer houses. Many people move to these areas for access to the international schools, both international airports, security and the choice of new or recently built large houses. There are many golf courses in the area and the pinnacle for a few people are the private gated estates of St George?s Hill and Wentworth, both set amidst championship golf courses.

Outside the M25, there is an equally accessible area around Woking. There are areas with a remarkably rural feel, such as the villages of Chobham, Ripley and Worplesdon. By the same token, there are some less good spots, particularly around Woking, which are best avoided. On the edge of Woking is a private estate called The Hockering where one can walk to Woking station and be in Waterloo in approximately 20 minutes – one of the best fast train services outside London. With these areas, care should be taken avoiding hazards such as Pirbright Military Ranges. For the avid golfer, there are plenty of good courses. Many choose to live in the area around Worplesdon Golf Course where houses back on to the course.

If you head a little further down the A3 (10 minutes from the M25 junction), Guildford is the shopping and cultural centre. A good house in the surrounding villages generally attracts a premium. In particular, Peaslake and Shere make you feel as though you are an hour west of Basingstoke, yet the reality is you are only a 20-minute drive from the M25. The most popular villages around Guildford – Shamley Green, Bramley and Shalford – are a few minutes' drive from Guildford station and 30-40 minutes from Waterloo. The Surrey Hills, as they are known, can provide great views (particularly on Hascombe Ridge) and good walking through the Hurtwood Forest.

Further down the A3 takes you to the Haslemere and Farnham areas which are even more rural. The villages on the Surrey/Hampshire and Surrey/Sussex borders, such as Chiddingfold, Dunsfold, Frensham and Milford take a bit longer to get to and are less easily commutable. Watch out for Dunsfold Aerodrome, the Gatwick flight path, RAF Odiham and the future of the A3 crossroads at Hindhead.

East of Guildford are the towns of Dorking, Reigate and Redhill where prices tend to be lower. However, this can be just as easily commutable, although the countryside is flatter and the Gatwick flight path affects large swathes.

There are many good schools in Surrey, such as the Danish School in West Byfleet, the American Community Schools and Charterhouse.

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