Advice on best areas for commute/school/lifestyle?

[Leafy2018]

Hi,

We have accepted an offer on our house in Hampshire and are now in the process of actually looking for a property. We have been fairly set on the Cotswolds but last night my Mum sent me some amazing houses near Cambridge and it's made me wonder whether we are missing a trick. I really do not know the area at all so any local knowledge would be hugely appreciated. These are the key things we are looking for:

Good primary and secondary school (dds age 13,10 and 2 with last one on way in August!)
Nice town/village
Husband commuting into London 2 days a week so need station nearby
Things to do and pop out to within 15/20 min
5 bed house - max budget £925K
Nice countryside for walking

My Mum sent me some properties last night and I was astounded at how much more you get for your money than the Cotswolds. What am I missing?

I am totally clueless about the area but we have to get this right so I would be so, so grateful for any advice on where we should focus our search. Thank you

[BlueChampagne]

My parents live in the Cotswolds and it beats Cambridge area hands down for nice places to walk! Which bits of the Cotswolds have you been looking at if Cambridge prices seem favourable?

If you want things to pop out and do (when we're allowed to again), you'll want to be relatively near Cambridge itself. Sawston might be worth a look. Caldecote/Hardwick have better walking IMO (I used to run round there) and are in Comberton catchment which is highly sought. Less good for station though. Cambridge traffic is a 'mare.

Hope that helps.

[starpatch]

Not what you asked I know, but how about Canterbury? Beautiful historic town with some lovely villages nearby. Has two universities, two theatres, two cinemas, a reasonable amount of activities going on. Beautiful countryside just outside and lovely walks within 15 minutes of city centre.

[Leafy2018]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies @BlueChampagne and @starpatch. I had a feeling that would be the case for walking. I do wonder if I'd struggle with flat landscape. I do like a bit of undulation! I will look at the places you mentioned though, thank you. With two older girls I think it would be nice to be near enough to take advantage of the culture and shops on offer.

We have been looking at Chipping Norton area with a view to my husband commuting from Charlbury or Kingham. Moreton in Marsh is a possibility but it's tricky school wise as would want Chipping Campden School if not Chipping Norton School and commute longer.

Unfortunately Canterbury is just too far east for us. We want to be able to access other parts of the country easily (originally from the Midlands so would feel a bit cut off over there.) I agree though - it looks a lovely city. Exactly the sort of place I'd like access to.

[RockNRollNerd]

Which part of London does your husband need to get to? The train line splits just south of Cambridge and one line goes into Kings X, the other into Liverpool Street.

[Leafy2018]

Hi @RockNRollNerd

My husband works in Chelsea so Kings X would be best I think. Thank you for your reply x

[wheresmymojo]

May be a silly question but why are you moving away from Hampshire that has all the things on your list?

Knowing that might help direct where else is more suitable...

[BlueChampagne]

I expect you'll find that £££ will go further in Stroud Valleys!

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

We live in a village West of Cambridge. Its definitely not as good for walking as the Cotswolds! But its great for cycling. In non-Covid times Dh usually goes to London twice a week and goes from Royston - 15 minute drive then 40 minutes into KX.

Cambridge traffic is awful in rush hour but in the evening it takes us 15 minutes to drive in.

All the secondaries around Cambridge are good. Our dc went to Comberton Village College but they are all pretty impressive.