The view from Box Hill of Surrey’s National Landscape, although views were not a factor taken into consideration in The Times’ list. Google Street View

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

A new data-led survey has named neighbouring Mole Valley as the South East’s best place to live (not including London). Crunching numbers and statistics instead of the views of expert judges and reviews, The Times ranked the district as 13th in the country. 

In comparison, Guildford ranked only 201st out of around 300 local authorities while Woking was 87th and Waverley 129th.

The Times’ best places to live entry for Guildford (click on image to enlarge)

Using data on crime, school ratings, NHS waiting lists, the number of listed buildings and Green Flag park awards, The Times’ data team came up with the top places to live on paper.

Richmond, formerly in Surrey, now a London Borough, ranked top, with the lowest crime rate in London and a high GP satisfaction rate of 80 per cent but average house prices are £748,000. The South East list also featured West Oxfordshire, Epsom and Ewell, Wokingham and Winchester.

Mole Valley’s average house price is  just under £550,000, and nearly a quarter of local schools Ofsted-rated outstanding. Most of the district live in the stunning market towns of Dorking and Leatherhead. Mole Valley also has a below average crime rate and one of the lowest in Surrey, which commentators put down to its strong community feel in the towns.

Nestled in the heart of Surrey, Mole Valley boasts both the idyllic countryside views of Box Hill and charming villages like Bookham. At the centre of the Surrey Hills, it is no wonder Mole Valley has over 200 accessible parks and internationally recognised parks.

Also taken into account for Mole Valley’s high score were its over a thousand listed buildings ranging from bridges, viaducts, farm houses and Betchworth Castle. Medieval landmarks and military forts are just part of many fabrics which make up the rich history of the area.

Patients rated NHS services at Surrey Heartlands good overall with a 75 per cent satisfaction rate. Averaging around 13.2 weeks in waiting for NHS treatment, Mole Valley comes neatly under the 18-week target, where only 58 per cent of patients are being treated within that time.

Click here to see The Times’s article (subject to subscription).