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Arlesey, Stotfold or Clifton

14 replies

lawdbrown · 09/01/2014 07:00

Hi,

First post for me and would love to know thoughts on Arlesey, Stotfold and Clifton, good and bad.

I am moving with my partner and 18mth daughter and want a good school, quiet area/safe and a nice network of people.

We have seen three properties in each area that we like and not sure which area is better or one to avoid? I am moving from London and need to get there for work, so I know being in Arlesey would help, although I am also happy driving from the other two by car as well.

We prefer the house in Arlesey, but understand from research that the other two areas have better schools, so now here to see what other thoughts there are out there from people already living there.

Your replies are genuienly very much appreciated ahead of our property purchase.

Many thanks.

OP posts:
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olivemegmog · 11/01/2014 14:56

Hiya...I don't live in those areas but live close enough to know a little bit about them. Hopefully some other people will help in terms of actually living there. From what I know I think Clifton is nice. It is certainly the prettiest of the villages you are looking at. Don't know about the schools though...I think the lower schools in stotfold are meant to be very good but the area is getting bigger all the time so may become oversubscribed. I think if schools are a priority for you, it might be best to arrange a visit to the schools in the areas you are looking at. With the Bedfordshire system it is a 3 tier school system. Some people think that's a good thing and some hate it..I have no experience of it so can't comment..I'm sure other Bedfordshire mums would be able to help you out there..

Have you thought about fairfield park, stotfold? That seems to be a lovely area..very family orientated with a good lower school and lots of countryside and good parks for children of all ages.

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olivemegmog · 11/01/2014 15:02

Just to add..I think the schools in arlesey are pretty much the same as in stotfold for lower schools...the middle school in arlesey serves stotfold and arlesey so no difference there.

Hope that helps a bit...if it was my choice I would prob choose Clifton.

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laralou28 · 13/01/2014 15:46

Hi,
I live on the outskirts of Shefford just before Clifton and I think clifton is a lovely place. I would not recommend moving to arlesey from what iv heard it's not very nice and lots of trouble. There's good schools in Shefford and a lower school in Campton nearby. X

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olivemegmog · 14/01/2014 07:12

Yes I think in a subtle way that's what I was trying to say..I think stotfold and arlesey are very similar crime wise...definitely Clifton.

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Milliemonkey · 15/01/2014 10:38

Another vote for Clifton here. It is much nicer than the other two and the schools in Shefford are brilliant Smile

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MakewayforNoddy · 31/08/2014 10:12

Hello, just found this. We are hopefully moving to Clifton in October. It's good to hear people think it's a nice place to live. I wondered whether anyone had experience of commuting from Arlesey station and how easy a drive it is from Clifton during rush hour?

Also, my DS will go to Henlow Academy, about which I've heard great things. Anyone have direct experience? And Samuel Whitbread - heard mixed reports about this school but latest Ofsted looks really good. Thanks!

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BedfordshireSarah · 01/09/2014 09:07

Hi Noddy

I live in Stotfold and drop my husband at Arlesey station every morning, there is no problem with the traffic at all. You would be coming the other way but the odd occasion I have driven that way it has been clear too. The Clifton side of the railway station has a huge new carpark, which is considerably cheaper than on the other side.

I'm afraid I can't help with the schools as my daughter is only 3. You could try asking on our Facebook page as there is a bit more activity there.

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MakewayforNoddy · 01/09/2014 18:30

Thanks Sarah that is very reassuring. How does your husband find the trains in the mornings? I presume they are busy but perhaps depends how early you are prepared to travel. I commute from Norfolk at the moment so always get a seat, but it is a long journey and one of the reasons we are moving. Do you like living in Stotfold? We are getting excited about the move now.

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BedfordshireSarah · 03/09/2014 20:27

He generally gets the 08:16 but occasionally gets the 07:12 or 07:50. The earlier two are busier but he has had a seat every day since we moved here. It's not often that the trains are late running on either direction, especially when I compare it to where we used to live in Surrey.

I am enjoying Stotfold so far. Is your accommodation finalised in Clifton?

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MakewayforNoddy · 04/09/2014 20:50

That's good to hear thank you. I will probably end up getting the 8.16 I think. Nothing is finalised yet but I am keeping my fingers crossed for move mid October. Thanks for your help!

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taxi4ballet · 05/10/2014 12:15

The drive to Arlesey station from Clifton in the morning would take 10 minutes at most, and there is now a huge new station car park as well.

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mumoftwobeauties · 11/08/2017 17:23

Having lived in Arlesey for 14 years I get very fed up of the snobby attitude towards the village. There is not "lots of trouble" at all - in fact there's hardly any. Much less than the richer villages which get targeted by burglars. Crime is low - much lower than Stotfold. It's a much more working class village which I like, personally. There's a real community feel - it's easy to find a way into the village especially if you have young children. Good transport links, a real mix of people who are actually friendly, lots of banter. My family are grateful every day we live here - loads more for your money, incredibly safe, lots of lovely walks, great nurseries and schools, lovely people (yes there's some idiots but unfortunately that's universal). Pretty diverse too. If what you're after is White Middle Class World only then don't come to Arlesey, it's much more real and varied than that.

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3006Lucy · 26/03/2019 07:53

Has anyone got any thoughts on the established parts of Stotfold (not new builds)? I am think about moving into the area. Any places to avoid?

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3006Lucy · 26/03/2019 17:20

Hi Sarah, how do you find living in Stotfold? We are thinking of moving into the area so would love to have an idea of what to expect.

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