The fastest-growing commuter hotspots for Manchester and London revealed

Stoke-on-Trent has been identified as the fastest-growing commuter town for people travelling into Manchester, according to an analysis of commuting patterns and relocation trends.

Average rail journeys from the town to Manchester take around 45 minutes, while a typical peak-time round-trip costs £25.58.

Data used in the analysis by credit card firm Aqua also shows a relocation rate of 4.8% and annual house price growth of 5.2%.

Rental demand in Stoke-on-Trent was also the strongest recorded in the research and the town averages 2,400 property searches each month.

For London, Luton in Bedfordshire leads as the best emerging commuter location.

Growing interest in property

The firm’s commercial strategy director, Scott Yule, said: “With hybrid working continuing to be a preference for many, households are reconsidering where they live.

“Towns with shorter, affordable commutes, strong re-location rates and growing property markets are likely to see continued interest.”

He added: “However, commuting costs can remain a key financial strain for many workers, particularly those travelling during peak hours and are needed in the office frequently.”

With more than a quarter of adults now working in hybrid roles, the shift allows some employees to live further from city centres while commuting several days a week.

Other popular Manchester commutes

The research also found that Blackburn ranked second among towns serving Manchester commuters.

The average return rail fare to the city stands at £16.78, one of the lowest commuting costs among the locations examined.

House prices in Blackburn increased by 13.1%, the highest growth figure recorded in the Manchester commuter analysis.

The journey to Manchester typically takes just under one hour.

Rochdale was third with an average return journey time of 32 minutes, the shortest among the top three locations.

London’s popular commuting towns

The analysis of towns serving London commuters identified Luton as the highest-ranked location.

Rail services from Luton to London St Pancras take around 37 minutes with the average peak-time round trip costing £28.99.

The research recorded a relocation rate of 6.3% in the town alongside annual house price growth of 6.4%.

Swanley in Kent ranked second among locations serving London commuters with a commute of 38 minutes costing an average of £19.16.

The town recorded a relocation rate of 4.1%.

High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire placed third in the London commuter rankings.

The town’s relocation rate reached 7%, the highest among the three locations listed.