Views on Tonbridge

[TAG30]

Im thinking of moving to a village in Kent or Tonbridge. Could someone with local knowledge let me know any areas to avoid in Tonbridge? Im not looking at posh parts as my budget is around £270000 but want to avoid any estates. I have 2 kids one will be going to primary and the other will be starting 6th form or college. Probably college as i think it might be easier to start as a new person at college rather than a 6th form where most of the kids already know each other.
My husband and i will both be commuting from Tonbridge station too but dont mind walking#

Thanks

[linspins]

No-one who lives here wants to say anything bad, and those who don't live here don't want to insult us!
You might find she would be happier starting in a 6th form, and would fall in with a nice group of girls: I will say that I went to West Kent College for my 6th form years, and didn't like it for the reason that no-one knew anyone so didn't care a toss for each other, and many didn't bother making those 'lifelong' best friends.
At one end of Tonbridge is Hildenborough, a village that is pretty much part of Tonbridge now, and has some good family homes, look at the Brookmead area.

[TAG30]

thanks linspins. I do know someone who lives in Tonbridge but right at the north end and having thought about it, instead of running two cars it would make more sense to stay within a mile of the station. There seems to be a large amount of period properties around the station which i like but arent really family sizes. Im coming to the conclusion that what i want now might have to wait until the next stage of our lives i,e when the kids have grown up!
Im going to go back to Tonbridge for a few visits but i think that a place in Tonbridge withing walking distance to the station would suit our current circumstances better than a village life. Thanks again for your advice

[linspins]

Yes Tag30 there is quite a dilemma here if you like a particular type of house, because all the old red brick ones are near the station, and the newer 30's style houses further away, but roomy.
Check out St Mary's road area, Douglas Road area, or round near The Slade.
p.s views on Tonbridge? Well, the view is quite nice from up on top of the castle!!

[lechatnoir]

I lived in Tonbridge (walking distance of station in one of the red brick semis) for 8 years and we were very happy there. Lovely neighbours & once I'd had children I met some good friends (commuted all week before so never really knew anyone local).
I'd say pros:

Great facilities within walking distance - swimming pool & leisure centre, library, park, schools (private, state & grammar & college) near to open spaces (we used to have some lovely walks to Haysden lake or cycle path to Penshurst)
Decent links to TWells & Sevenoaks
OK train service - Tonbridge is a pretty good service usually get a seat (7:30/45 train to London) and very frequent. Much better than TW.
Never came across ANY crime to either people, cars or home. I always felt safe walking home at night or goings running early morning.

Cons:
Town is definitely a bit downmarket and there are groups of 'unsavouries' hanging around McDs and the station.
Not sure the state schooling is that good

HTH
LCN