Moving help - best area - Oxted, Hurst green, Dorking, Reigate

[Jadef1982]

Hi I currently live in Sutton and would love to move to more a 'country' type town/village. However would need be still be within 35mins or so if Sutton as my husband works in Clapham, Balham for work can would need to drive (wet room fitter)
We have a 4yr old and 2yr old and I'm expecting our 3rd child in December
So we would be moving Easter time
Obviously we will go to each area a number of times to scope them out. Just wondered if anyone knew any 'inside' information regarding schools, crime rates etc what the type of people live in each area? Is there much for young families to do? Also thinking when the children are teenagers will they be bored stiff!
Any help would be really appreciated x

[TheGoodWife16]

I've lived and worked in those areas, having been born in Redhill and would say Dorking/Reigate probably provide the better services in terms of schools, family activities and general access for your husband's work travel.

Dorking has a good leisure centre, areas of interest and is a lovely town. Reigate, very similar and both of them give easy access to the A217.

Definitely do some research - look at Facebook groups for the areas and pages of interest. Google could be helpful too for statistics and average house prices, Ofsted results, local things to do, etc.

Best of luck!

[TheGoodWife16]

Forgot to say, I always found Oxted/Hurst Green to be that little bit more remote and only ever really visited Oxted for a meal out, or travelling through en route elsewhere.

[Movingonuppppp]

I think Dorking is too far out. It's almost like an island. You have to drive miles to a descent shopping centre. It's ok when kids are small but has nothing for teens. All a bit too old and quaint for them.

[Blankscreen]

Just be careful if you want a.school place for your 4 year old next year. The car off is mid january so.if you apply after that you'll be limited.aa to.where has spaces.

[Neutrogena]

Why not go and visit all the areas at the weekend?

[Jadef1982]

Yes that's the plan, we will as I said in my message. I just wanted some 'inside' information from people who lived in the area. As my children are young but this would be our forever home so thinking of them when they are teenagers too.
We will be spending the weekends over the summer staying in local B&B to get an idea of each area

[LIZS]

Depends on budget really . You'd get more property for your money in Dorking or Oxted than Reigate, and even more in Hurst Green. Most schools are well respected, with the odd exception in Dorking and Hurst Green, but you would be an In Year applicant for your 4 yo if you left it until Easter next year to move so potentially little choice. From Hurst Green you'd have to travel to Oxted and beyond for sports centre, supermarket, cafes etc. Relatively little crime in each of them.