A heated online discussion has challenged the long-held perception of Surrey as a uniformly affluent and 'posh' county. The debate, which unfolded on the social platform Reddit, saw residents passionately contest the upmarket image of several towns, revealing a significant divide between reputation and local reality.
The Reddit Debate That Divided a County
It all began when a user posed a direct question to the Surrey community: "Can you think of towns in Surrey that Londoners automatically think are 'posh' but really ARE NOT?" This simple query ignited a firestorm of comments, with locals offering candid assessments of their own neighbourhoods. The conversation produced bold statements and passionate arguments that may surprise those who view the entire county through a lens of wealth and privilege.
Towns Under the Microscope
Woking emerged as a primary focus of the debate. Contributors were quick to point out its more humble credentials, notably referencing that it is the birthplace of musician Paul Weller and the subject of The Jam's song 'A Town Called Malice'. Despite this contentious reputation, the town sparked a lively defence from some residents, earning 45 upvotes for one comment. Supporters highlighted Woking's significant recent investment, including a revamped town centre, new luxury flats, and retail outlets. Its proximity to the prestigious RHS Wisley was also cited as a major asset.
Epsom was another location that faced intense scrutiny. Many users expressed bewilderment at its consistent high placement in 'best places to live' rankings in the UK. One contributor, whose comment received 22 upvotes, stated plainly: "I've never understood how Epsom is consistently placed high on the list of best places to live in the UK." However, defenders of the town countered by praising its stunning rural surroundings, world-famous equestrian heritage, and striking Georgian architecture. The historic town centre, with its regular market offering locally-sourced produce, was also presented as a key attraction.
Surprising Entries and The Weybridge Divide
The debate also took unexpected turns, with the scenic villages of Godalming and Haslemere coming under fire. One user remarked of Godalming: "whilst it's smart and picturesque there are always groups of teenagers drinking and smoking." This criticism persisted despite the town's recognition on a forum discussing Surrey's most affluent areas and the presence of a sizeable Waitrose supermarket, often considered a marker of affluence.
Similarly, Haslemere proved divisive. The presence of attractive properties and a large Waitrose were deemed insufficient to secure its 'posh' status by some. A colourful description from one user painted a different picture: "the spoons there is the fightiest one in the county. Weyhill on a Saturday night by the kebab van is the savannah watering hole for the local teenage wildlife." This is in stark contrast to the town's practical benefits, which include excellent transport links to London via the A3, outstanding schools, and a location just 40 minutes from the coast.
However, Weybridge proved to be the most contentious entry of all. One contributor branded the town 'terrible', conceding only that it had some pleasant private roads. This harsh assessment received just a single upvote and prompted immediate and strong disagreement. Another user retorted: "If you don't think Weybridge is posh, I don't know where you think is actually posh," a sentiment that attracted 15 upvotes. A third person added their support, saying: "Live in Weybridge can second this Weybridge is pretty nice compared to other parts of Surrey." One long-term resident came to its defence, stating: "I've lived in Weybridge for 3 years and only have nice things to say about it."
The lively Reddit thread ultimately reveals that Surrey's identity is far more complex than its stereotypical 'posh' image suggests. For every resident who questions the prestige of their town, another is ready to defend its merits, proving that perceptions of place are deeply personal and often fiercely contested.
