Aldershort, Hampshire or Guildford, Surrey?

[VintageRainBoots]

I spent far too much time online today looking at property listings...

So, we were looking to buy a place in or around Guildford (Surrey), but as I discovered today, Guildford isn't cheap. We would have no trouble getting a two-bedroom place in Guildford, but our family really, really want us to get a third bedroom so that there's a place for them to stay when they come over.

Looking around, I see lots of affordable three-bedroom places in Aldershot (Hampshire). Is Aldershot a good area? What are the schools like there?

In your opinion, would you go with a three-bedroom in Aldershot or a two-bedroom in Guildford (or elsewhere in Surrey)?

[fourbears]

Really don't want to offend anyone but Aldershot is not that nice an area. Much more than its fair share of crime/ social problems. I'm not that close to it but its covered by the local paper. Most of the fights, muggings, shoplifting etc seem to take place there.

Guildford is a totally different kettle of fish, as reflected in the house prices I guess.

[AllOverIt]

I second that. Aldershot really isn't that nice...

[Liskey]

I used to live on Surrey/Hants border. Aldershot isn't thought of as nice, Guildford would be a lot nicer as would Farnham I think.

[MrsHelsBels74]

I agree, Aldershot is not nice (although it's 10 years or so since I lived near there). Guildford is lovely, but not cheap.

[SoulTrain]

Wouldn't suggest Alsershot, Farnham is really lovely.

[jetstar]

Also agree that Aldershot isn't very nice (and I have friends that live there) but Guildford is expensive and so is Farnham. What about Fleet or Hook?

[MrsHelsBels74]

Farnham is nice, Godalming is lovely. Alton is in Hampshire but very close to Farnham or is that too far away? Can't speak about schools as I had no children when I lived there though.

[Kahlua4me]

Lots of other areas around that are better than Aldershot but still near Guildford.
Haslemere, Camberley, Farnborough

[Kahlua4me]

Oh yes, forgot Godalming is lovely

[Tigresswoods]

Farnborough is good & if you are near to farnborough north or north camp station that lines takes you to Guildford in 10-15 minutes. Don't move to Aldershot.

[VintageRainBoots]

Thanks for all the responses. Seems to be a consensus, I see.

I did a Google street view of the areas in Aldershot, and it didn't look as nice as Guildford.

I'll check out Godalming, too. Thanks for the recommendation.

In theory, we could probably "afford" a 3 bedroom place in Guildford-especially if I earn any income-but we don't want to stretch our budget too far. When we had our daughter, we downsized so that we could manage on just Hubby's salary alone, and we've somehow managed to keep our expenses low enough that we've never needed me to earn anything. Anything I earn goes to savings or "fun" stuff. We'd love to continue with this set-up, if at all possible.

[vj32]

I have relatives in Ash Vale, which seems nice and easy to get to Guildford.

[WandaDoff]

They don't call it 'Aldershit' for no reason.

Farnborough or Farnham would be much better.

[VintageRainBoots]

Wanda: Hubby and I both laughed at the Aldershit comment.

[mamababa]

Wanda I was just about to post the same thing
I used to work in Farnham very pricey but Alton or Farnborough not sp bad x

[BlueyDragon]

Vintage, where does your DH need to get to for work? Some of the suburbs of Woking are quite nice if you're set on Surrey, and within easy reach of Guildford (I prefer Guildford to Woking as a place to be, but the rail links to London from Woking are really good). Lots of good primary schools; lacking in good state secondaries though. The good private schools are mostly in Guildford.

I second the comments on Aldershot. I've also been told (by friends who lived there) Ash Vale is not great but clearly others feel differently.

It rather depends on what you need from an area other than good schools!

[AllOverIt]

Haslemere or Hindhead are nice.

[VintageRainBoots]

Bluey, Hubby will work in Guildford, so there's no need to have direct access to London except for recreational purposes.

Yes, I've abandoned the idea of Aldershot. I have found quite a few 2 bedroom terrassed houses in Guildford that are comfortably affordable for us; we can buy one those and just work our way up the property ladder to someplace bigger in future.

Good schools are crucial, but being able to get around without a car is important, too. Since we're American, we would have to re-learn how to drive; until then, we're not going to get a car.

Thanks for your input!

[KnittingZombie]

I live in aldershot and its really not as bad as other posters make out! It depends whether you want to live somewhere that looks pretty or get three times as big a house for your money! St Joseph's primary has an outstanding ofsted, while st michaels junior has good with outstanding features. There are lovely parks, a brand new cinema (opened today) theatre, swimming pool, lido, restaurants etc. There are some amazing international supermarkets that sell any cooking ingredient you could ever want, plus it's 45 mins to London by train. It all depends what you want but I really like aldershot. It might not be as picturesque as some of the other places but it is value for money.

[financialwizard]

I second Ash Vale, Fleet, Godalming, Hook, Farnborough. All nice areas. I was also going to post what wanda did

[maturenanny]

Sadly I also feel the same about Aldershot! We live in New Haw, just outside Woking and my hubby commutes to Guidlford. We have a larger than average three bedroom house with 85 ft garden, off rd parking for two cars, you can achieve that for around £250,000/£300,000k round here.
Ours isn't the prettiest house being ex council but solid build, large rooms and an excellent school just at the end of our rd!!
Also recommend
West Byfleet
Chobham
Cobham
East Horsley
West Horsley
Burpham
Work lesson
Pirbright
Jacobswell
Pyrford

All lovely areas, easily commutable, near open spaces, lots of fab schools and nice community's to live in

Good luck!