Top 5 Commuter Towns in Norfolk

Do you love the idea of Norfolk countryside living, but don’t want to give up your city job? We’ve gathered together some of the best Norfolk commuter towns within easy reach of Norwich, helping you live the rural dream without compromising your career.

Why Choose a Commuter Town in Norfolk?

Realistically, most of us have jobs that require working in larger towns and cities like Norwich. Escaping to the country seems like a dream for retirement, not a reality for today. However, moving out of the city and into the neighbouring countryside is actually feasible, thanks largely to excellent Norfolk train connections. A compromise is possible.

The Appeal of Norfolk’s Countryside

With its beautiful Broads and seaside resorts, Norfolk has so much to offer. Whether you love boating, cycling or days on the beach, you can be sure your weekends will never be dull in the lovely East of England.

There are miles and miles of undiscovered countryside in Norfolk (undiscovered by tourism, that is), so if you want to feel like you’re really escaping the rat race at weekends, this is an excellent part of the country to choose. If you have (or are planning to have) kids and pets, rural Norfolk is the perfect spot for an outdoorsy lifestyle.

Escaping the City Hustle: A Commuter’s Dream

The small towns of Norfolk offer the best of both worlds. You can continue to work, socialise and shop in Norwich (or even Cambridge) while enjoying the slower pace and more community-focused life that countryside living can bring. Living in rural Norfolk, work-life balance becomes business-as-usual rather than a wistful retirement dream.

Criteria for Selecting the Top Commuter Towns

There are plenty of lovely little towns and villages to choose from in Norfolk, and it was tricky to make a shortlist. We chose our top Norfolk commuter towns based on certain criteria.

Transportation Links and Accessibility

Is it a fairly straightforward drive into Norwich, and is commuting by train an option? Norwich is well-served by local commuter trains, opening up your possibilities.

Property Prices and Cost of Living

The average property price across most of Norfolk in June 2024 was £309,000 (less in the west, at £265,000). We looked at the rural Norfolk property market with this as a benchmark.

Local Amenities

Does the town have its own shops and schools, and are you able to enjoy recreational activities without having to drive? We were looking for character as well as convenience here (markets rather than garage shops, for example).

Top 5 Commuter Towns in Norfolk: A Comprehensive Review

In no particular order, here are some of the best commuter towns in Norfolk.

Image credit: visitnorfolk.co.uk

1. THETFORD

Thetford is a lively market town with a population of around 24,000. It’s easy to get to Norwich or London from here thanks to good railway links (and a very nice Victorian railway station). There’s been a settlement here since the Iron Age, and there are some lovely buildings dating from a variety of historic periods. With a forest and a nature reserve, Thetford is a great place for outdoor adventures.

• Distance by road: Thetford to Norwich is approx 30 miles.
• Other transport options: There’s a regular, direct train service between the two towns, taking 30-40 minutes.
• Local schools: A wide choice of primary and secondary schools, including a grammar school.
• Biggest selling point: If you love the great outdoors, the 18,000-hectare Thetford Forest is a wonderful place for walking or cycling.
• Thetford fact: The classic sitcom Dad’s Army was filmed in and around Thetford.

If you are looking for a newly built home in Thetford, discover our Kingsfleet development.

2. CROMER

Do you dream of living by the sea? Coastal town Cromer could be your perfect place. Its seafront, sands and pier give it a traditional seaside resort feel, and you and your family will never be short of weekend entertainment. The local population is only about 7,500, but it does get pretty busy in the summer. Famous for its locally caught crabs, Cromer has a good choice of places to eat and drink.

• Distance by road: Cromer to Norwich is 23 miles.
• Other transport options: The hourly train journey typically lasts 50 minutes and is direct.
• Local schools: Cromer has both primary and secondary schools (not sixth form).
• Biggest selling point: The coastline here is simply stunning.
• Cromer fact: Cromer crabs live in the clean and shallow waters off a chalk reef, giving them that famous sweet taste.

3. HOLT

Holt is another historic market town; however, with its upland, wooded location, it’s very different to Acle (next on the list!). A devastating fire in the early 18th century means that Holt’s town centre is newer than many of its neighbours – although by “newer”, we mean “largely Georgian”. There’s plenty of good walking in the area, and the town itself is a lively place with independent shops and eateries. The summer arts festival is a real highlight.

• Distance by road: It’s a 24-mile journey from Holt to Norwich.
• Other transport options: The closest mainline station is Sheringham (about 7 miles by road). There is a bus; however as the route takes around two hours, driving is the easiest option.
• Local schools: Holt has a primary school and a famous fee-paying school, Gresham’s.
• For secondary education, most local children travel to Sheringham.
• Biggest selling point: The pretty town centre and lovely surrounding countryside.
• Holt fact: Bakers & Larners department store opened in Holt in 1770 and is still run by the Baker family.

Find out more about Queen’s Meadows – Hopkins Homes in Holt.

Image credit: visitnorfolk.co.uk

4. ACLE

Situated on the beautiful River Bure, Acle gives you a different sort of idyllic waterside lifestyle. This old market town on the Norfolk Broads has lots of character and is an excellent choice if you love spending your weekends messing about in boats. There’s still a busy weekly market, as well as a selection of places to eat, drink and shop. You’re also just 9 miles away from the popular seaside resort of Great Yarmouth.

• Distance from Norwich by road: It’s only a 12-mile drive to Norwich from Acle.
• Other transport options: There’s a regular train service between Acle and Norwich, and the journey takes between 20 and 35 minutes.
• Local schools: Although the population is small (around 2,270), Acle has its own primary and secondary schools.
• Biggest selling point: That glorious Broads location.
• Acle fact: Acle was a port in Roman times – when the area between the town and Great Yarmouth was all under the sea!

Image credit: visitnorfolk.co.uk

5. BRUNDALL

Brundall is technically a large village rather than a town, with a lovely riverside location on the Yare. It’s just 8 miles from Norwich, but this boat-building community feels like a different world. If you’re thinking of moving to the Norfolk countryside for the boating life, Brundall is an excellent choice. It’s also the perfect place for weekend strolls by the river, followed by a laid-back lunch in one of the village inns.

• Distance by road: It’s only 8 miles to Norwich from Brundall.
• Other transport options: There’s a very regular commuter train, which takes up to 13 minutes.
• Local schools: Brundall has a primary school, with pupils travelling to Norwich for their secondary education.
• Biggest selling point: If you fancy Norfolk countryside living but work in the city, it’s perfect.
• Brundall fact: Brooms of Brundall have been making boats here for over 125 years.

Take a look at one of our latest developments, Brundall Meadows.

Living in Norfolk’s Commuter Towns: Pros and Cons

As with every decision, it’s worth making a Pros and Cons list to help make up your mind. Does your larger outdoor space make up for the extra commuting time? Will you still miss walking to the multiplex cinema, or is the friendly local pub a much better evening out?

Community Spirit and Local Amenities

Many of us choose to move to a commuter town or village rather than a city’s outskirts because these places tend to have their own character and social life. Local markets, schools, pubs and sports clubs form sociable hubs, and becoming involved with your new community can be very rewarding.

Most small towns and local villages will have at the very least their own medical centre, primary school (and possibly secondary school) and a few shops. Work out what close amenities are important to you and your family, and which ones you’re happy to drive to.

Balancing Rural Life with Urban Career Opportunities

Will moving to one of the Norfolk commuter towns affect your career in Norwich? Arguably no, because if you can make the commute as a junior manager, you can make the same journey as MD (and possibly, in a comfier railway carriage). However, if career progression could mean a lot of travel, or promotion leads to relocation, you might want to think twice before putting down rural roots.

Norfolk Countryside Living with Hopkins Homes

If you’re thinking about moving to a Norfolk commuter town, come and talk to us at Hopkins Homes. With our expert insights into the rural Norfolk property market, along with our beautiful homes in much-loved commuter spots, we can give you helpful tips about Norfolk countryside living.