Areas in Guildford

[ddas]

After a bit of advice from someone more local. We're moving to Guildford and are in the process of house hunting and have found 2 possible houses- however not being from the area we are a bit lost re whether they are in okay areas and would greatly appreciate some insider knowledge!
We've found that although north Guildford is not as nice as some of Merrow etc we can afford more there unfortunately. Re schools we have a 1 month dd and 18 month ds so are likely to try for st Joseph's as we're catholic or if can afford it when the time arrives possibly go to the private sector. We will likely be moving house by time secondary schools are needed as this is likely to be a 5yr house. We are unsure whether with st Joseph's it just matter whether you are catholic or also how close to the school you are?
One house is 4 bed semi in harts gardens close to northmead primary/stoughton infant and the other a detached 3 bed on shepherds lane which I gather is in the rydes hill area which estate agents seem to talk about. Obviously the 4 bed semi is bigger downstairs & up which is a plus but the downside it is not detached plus a smaller garder so want to know if one is in a better area than the other or in an area we should avoid to help us with our decision.

[ddas]

Nobody?

[ddas]

Bump in the hope someone with Guildford knowledge about.

[May09Bump]

I would try posting this in the education section as you also want to know about schools - there are lots of guildford people posting in that section atm as they are waiting for the guildford area prep school places. We are moving to a different area of Guildford, so can't advise on the area you are looking at.

Hopefully someone will be along soon to help.

[ddas]

Thank you I reposted there as well so hopefully will have more luck.

[wetnoodle]

To be honest these areas are very close to each other. If you or DP needs to get to the station then the house in Stoughton will be a bit more convienet. I know people near us who will send their kids to St. Joseph's so not sure how re catchement works. St Josephs is a feeder to St Thomas' in Merrow which is considered to
be a VERY good school. Having said that, Stoughton Infant is also very good but Northmead not so much.

Our plan is to send DS to Stoughton and then go private from 7 (assuming we can afford it).

Although not the most desirable area of Guildford I really like Stoughton as a short term (7ish years) option. We've got more for our money than Merrow, etc and are a pleasant 20 minute walk to town. The main Sure Start centre is very close and they have a lot of good groups and sessions. Rydes Hill is just that little bit further out which means you'd be more reliant on driving.