There is always going to be an ongoing up-and-down as travel improves / regresses, as local facilities and schools and medicals get better / worse in an area, and as popularity / marketing / fashion changes.   I recall that at one time, the Medway towns (Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham) were a good, lower priced place to live, encouraged by fast, lower peak cost rail services - not sure if that's still the case.  When I lived in Harpenden, there was a joke about a line marked "£6000" on the road to Luton which was the typical difference in house price for that one (as it was in those days) extra stop on the train; got married for the first time in 1978, moved north and swapped a two-up two-down mid terrace in Batford for a three bedroom semi in Caddington without the need for much extra capital.

 
As soon as people start doing this, house prices will go up steeply. Homes in other London commuter belt towns within 30-45 mins train ride that have become popular options have all rocketed in price

 
From My London


Where would you suggest for economic, practical and enjoyable living for London based commuters about the Leighton Buzzard distance / time out.