Due partially to its position in the London commuter belt allowing easy access to the Greater London conurbation to the north and the rolling Surrey countryside to the south, the borough of Epsom and Ewell was named in August 2005 by the British television programme Location, Location, Location as the most desirable place to live in the United Kingdom.

The Epsom Playhouse was opened in 1984 and is run by the local council. The Ashley Shopping Centre (still locally known as such despite the owners wanting everyone to refer to it as The Mall Ashley) was built in the early 1980s and subsequently parts of the high street were pedestrianised as part of the construction of the town's large one-way system. In the 1990s, a large multiplex Odeon cinema, was built in Upper High Street.

The late 1990s saw the development of the Ebbisham Centre, a community service based development, including a doctor's surgery, Epsom Library, a cafe and a health and fitness centre. The Derby Square expanded and includes of a number of franchise chain pubs/bars including a Slug and Lettuce, Jimmy Spices, Wetherspoons, Chicago Rock Cafe and Nandos. More recently, the Stir cocktail bar, Boogie Lounge nightclub and Lime restaurant & bar have been established.

The art school, the University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester, has one of five outposts in Epsom. Laine Theatre Arts School is based in the town. Students have included Victoria Beckham. Leisure activities in the town include: the Rainbow Centre Leisure Centre; Epsom Downs Racecourse; the Odeon Cinema and the Horton Park Childrens Farm.