What it's like to live in Esher

Most of Esher is owner-occupied. Across the Elmbridge council area, 71.3% of homes are owned and 17.5% privately rented, with just 10.1% social rented, split between 1.7% council and 8.4% housing association. That is well below the England average, so social homes are a smaller part of the picture here.

Paragon Asra Housing is by far the biggest social landlord in the borough with around 4,877 homes, followed by A2Dominion South, Southern Housing, The Whiteley Homes Trust and Metropolitan Housing Trust.

Average weekly social rents in Elmbridge in 2024/25 were £129 for a one bed, £154 for two beds and £177 for three. Reasonable for Surrey, but check the exact rent, service charge and landlord on any home you are offered, as they vary.

Schools are one of the big draws. Esher Church School is about 0.4 miles from the centre, with Cranmere Primary School around 0.8 miles and Claygate Primary School about 1.2 miles. There are independent options too, including Milbourne Lodge and Rowan Preparatory School.

For older children, Esher C of E High School is roughly 0.4 miles away. Reed's School is 2.2 miles, Cobham Free School around 2.5 miles, and the North East Surrey Short Stay School sits just over a mile from the centre.

For days out with children, Hare Lane Green and West End Recreation Ground are both under a mile, with West End Pond nearby. Esher Library is right in the middle of town, and there are community centres at Lower Green and in Claygate, including a youth and community hub.

Esher station is about 0.9 miles from the centre, on the main line towards London Waterloo. Claygate is a similar distance and Hinchley Wood just over a mile, so depending on where in KT10 you land, you may have a choice of stations. Hersham and Thames Ditton are also within two miles.

Buses stop on Esher High Street, a minute or two from the shops, and there are stops at Esher and Claygate stations. Services link the surrounding villages and nearby towns.

On foot, the town centre is compact and flat enough for a walk to the shops, library or cinema. The stations are more of a proper walk, so many people drive or bus it. Roads here are busy at peak times, and parking in the centre can be tight, but the A3 and M25 are close for anyone driving further afield.

The high street punches above its weight. Everyman Esher puts a proper cinema on your doorstep, and there is a cluster of pubs and places to eat within a few minutes, including The Bear, The Albert Arms, Hummings and The Bombay Social.

For exercise, several small gyms and studios sit in or near the centre, so you are not reliant on one big chain. Green space is close at hand too: Hare Lane Green, West End Recreation Ground and West End Pond are all within a mile.

Bigger shopping trips mean a short journey. The Hersham Green Shopping Centre is about 1.5 miles away and The Heart in Walton about 2.6 miles. Nightlife is thin locally; the Iveagh Lounge is a couple of miles out. For a real night out, most people take the train.

Elmbridge is a working borough. Some 61.6% of adults are in work, above the England figure of 57.4%, and unemployment sits at 2.8% against 3.5% nationally. In August 2026, 2.5% of 16 to 64 year olds were claiming unemployment-related benefits, compared with 4% across England.

A lot of that work is done elsewhere. The train line to London means commuting is a normal part of life here, and plenty of people travel into the capital or to nearby Surrey towns.

Locally, jobs tend to come from the high street, the schools, shops, pubs, clinics and care. If your work is London-based or flexible, Esher fits well. If you need a job you can walk to, check what is going before you commit to a swap.