If you're considering a move outside the city, there are a few small-town communities that deserve your attention right now.

Here are three we’re watching closely:

• Thorndale: Friendly, close-knit, and just outside London. It offers a slower pace without sacrificing convenience.
• Lucan: Lots of growth, newer homes, and a downtown that’s still got character. Great value for what you get.
• Exeter: Walkable, full of local pride, and one of the most community-driven towns we work in.

They’re all different — but they all have one thing in common: people are noticing them for the right reasons.

If you’ve been thinking about what life might look like outside of London, these three are a great place to start.