Hampton,Thames Ditton,Sunbury,Shepperton

[bognorbanana]

Looking at buying a family home and have currently narrowed it down to these areas. We have ds age 2 and a half and second baby due in March. Any thoughts please? What's the general "feel" of these areas? And any suggestions of other places. Currently living in zone 2 SW London in a 2 bed flat and although it suited our needs as a young couple we're hankering after more for our buck and dare I say, suburban, safe, family friendly vibe. Husband works at Heathrow so we need somewhere easily commutable. Budget is 600k and we'd hope to find a 3/4 bed house. Thanks

[NetballHoop]

Of those I'd pick Hampton, and specifically Hampton Hill which is lovely but expensive.

Watch out for places too close to the river, they do flood.

[HollyMaingate]

If Hampton Hill then it's a tough call between that and Thames Ditton, if it's Hampton then Thames Ditton wins hands down - far nicer, proper village, cricket green but decent access to Waterloo (especially if you're at the end where Surbiton station is your closest rather than Thames Ditton).

[PeaceLoveAndMincePies]

Have you considered Walton on Thames?

[specialsubject]

commuting by car in the area can be hell and has got really bad in the last few years. Even the backdoubles are blocked.

suggest your husband chats to his workmates for an update on the situation and how long the crawl would actually take.

lovely areas though!

[bognorbanana]

We had considered Walton on Thames but it seems quite big in comparison to the other areas. We don't need fast access to London. But we are looking for a small villagey feel. Husband needs to commute to Hearhrow. Thanks

[bognorbanana]

In hindsightj I think Thames Ditton may be out of the equation as I've heard the traffic around Hampton Court Bridge is a slog during rush hour. This leaves us with Hampton (Hill),Sunbury and Shepperton. Any more views?

[Iwillorderthefood]

Although these places are nice, think very carefully with regards to secondary schools. Check out your options, I live in Hampton Hill and boys in the area will not get into Teddington School. Hampton Academy and Twickenham Academy are both ones many try to avoid. There is a free school called Turing House but this may move out of area as it is on a temporary site. I understand Thames Ditton has good secondary provision. Sounds crazy to think that far ahead but it comes around quickly.

[Lilymaid]

If you are commuting from TD towards Heathrow, the traffic around Hampton Court and along the road via Kempton Park is bad in the morning. I doubt whether joining the M25 and commuting that way would be any better. Your budget isn't particularly high for TD - not sure whether the other areas you mentioned are significantly cheaper

[bognorbanana]

Thanks again. Looks like the circle is drawing in on Shepperton and Sunbury and we'll take on board the post about flooding close to the river. Are the secondary schools in these two areas any good?