Reigate vs Dorking: which place suits you better?
Compare Reigate and Dorking on housing costs, schools, rail access and market-town versus Surrey Hills character.
Reigate place profile · Dorking place profile
Key differences between Reigate and Dorking
- Typical sold price
- Reigate: £523k · Dorking: £443k · £80k difference
Living in Reigate vs Dorking: at a glance
Dorking is less expensive overall, with a typical sold price of £443k compared with £523k in Reigate. Both places have strong school performance and rail access. Reigate’s evidence centres on its historic market-town centre and independent shops, while Dorking combines a town-centre recreation ground with a setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Local character and setting
Reigate
Reigate has a long-established market-town centre, with independent shops selling antiques, crafts, clothing, furniture and gifts.
Sources: Reigate - Visit SurreyDorking
Dorking includes Meadowbank Recreation Ground close to the town centre and sits on the edge of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Wider setting: Dorking lies on the edge of the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Sources: Parks, Recreation and Play Facilities - Mole Valley District Council · Markets - Mole Valley District Council · Natural EnglandWhich place may suit your priorities?
Reigate
- Historic market-town centre and independent shops
Dorking
- Lower typical house prices
- Surrey Hills-edge setting
House prices in Reigate and Dorking
| Measure | Reigate | Dorking |
|---|---|---|
| Typical sold price £80k difference | £523k · 1,090 sales | £443k · 822 sales |
| Detached homes £222k difference | £1.13m · 227 sales | £908k · 142 sales |
| Semi-detached homes £166k difference | £686k · 243 sales | £520k · 190 sales |
| Terraced homes £129k difference | £545k · 183 sales | £416k · 220 sales |
| Flats | £288k · 437 sales | £280k · 270 sales |
Commuting from Reigate and Dorking
| Measure | Reigate | Dorking |
|---|---|---|
| National Rail access | Reigate | Dorking Deepdene, Dorking, Dorking West |
Schools in Reigate and Dorking
| Measure | Reigate | Dorking |
|---|---|---|
| School quality | Strong school performance | Strong school performance |
| Primary schools 3 vs 4 in the local count | 3 rated schools included for this area | 4 rated schools included for this area |
| These counts cover rated schools linked to the local area used by Homestead. Nearby schools may also serve the area, and the figures do not represent catchments or admissions. | ||
| Secondary schools | No rated schools included for this area | 1 rated school included for this area |
Everyday life and green space
| Measure | Reigate | Dorking |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Local markets | Dorking Friday Market |
The trade-off between Reigate and Dorking
Dorking is less expensive, while both places have strong school performance and rail access. Reigate’s available information points to an established market-town shopping centre, whereas Dorking has the stronger wider-landscape distinction through its Surrey Hills setting.