We're London renters in our mid 30s (no kids) looking to buy a house in Surrey area, but feeling overwhelmed by the vast London commuter belt where all towns that are affordable seem samey (and a bit dull?). Our budget is about £600k and we're looking for 3 bedrooms, but flexible. Have been looking at Dorking and surrounding villages as we like Surrey Hills/Box Hill and need train links for commuting to London a few days a week. DP's family all live in Sussex and Surrey and he'd like to stay within an hour or so of them. (My family mostly live deep in Scotland, so I'm not fussed).
We mainly want to live somewhere walkable with cycling links, and sociable - where we can easily pop to some shops/pubs/cafe, and have access to a decent park/countryside walks. Somewhere with things to do and a bit of a community would be a bonus too. Where would you all recommend looking?