To consider moving to Epsom: how is it like?

@nomchonge1 we live towards the college and the downs. Anything the other side of the station I wouldn't consider. I've also lived right in the centre of the town before and that was fine- very convenient when I wasn't driving!

I don't know much about the local schools, sorry. I've never attended any of the local states and only one of my friends did, she went to Nonsuch. None of my local friends have children either. I know some former Glyn boys. They're ok and they've done well enough but the school is massive, as you say.

DH has suggested Bookham which I am considering but it is about as long a commute as I could bear and I think it's a bit dull and I'd just be driving to Epsom all the time. We're maybe going to be looking more round Guildford area as I said the trade off for me has to be a fast commute to London and there are some fast trains running through that area plus stopping service as a back up. Plus I know Guildford and quite like it. We both didn't fancy Woking at all.

Transport pretty good too.

Epsom is fine, absolutely fine. I live in zone 2 now (we are the weirdos who want to move in rather than out), but I've lived both in Epsom and in Sutton and wouldn't choose Sutton again.

The Epsom schools are goodish overall, diversity getting better, it's safe and I would look to live on the College side or towards the green - but anywhere will be Ok. The town went downhill a bit re shopping and facilities for a while, but I was there recently and it's definitely on the up.

Thank you so much. What is "the right side of town" please? Do you have experience with the schools too? I like the look of St Josephs but I hear their admissions policy is strict on being RC? We are not..
I also worry about the secondary schools (we have a boy) Glyn has outstanding OFSTED but its huge. Heard the catchment is tight too - I spoke to a lovely lady a few months ago on DM and she said they live by the hospital but her son couldnt get a spot at Glyn.
Would also like to move further out for more space but I think the commute would become unbearable - happy to hear otherwise! TIA x

I'm a current resident and we are actually looking to move further out so this thread has been interesting. I like it and it's amazing as a London commuter but I don't think the next property bracket up from me affords me much bang for my buck, certainly not on the right side of town where we are currently. I'd be moving with a heavy heart though whereas DH mostly likes the town but hates the proximity to London and feels trapped within the m25.

The high street is on the up again and local facilities are quite good plus you're in catchment for the grammars. I've certainly never found the place dangerous but nowhere is without risk. DH is using a slight rise in crime as one of his drivers to move away but it's still pretty safe here. It's all relative and it's still low crime compared to many other places. I've walked home from the station late and it has been fine. I felt very unsafe walking through Peckham - with friends- at the same time of night, just walking a few minutes from the cinema to the station.

Thanks for quick reply! Hope you have a great move :-)

I didn't get the property in Lower Court Rd, but my offer was accepted on another property in Epsom, about half a mile from the town centre and station. I like Epsom, it seems nice and within easy reach of Kingston and London. I saw houses in Sutton and Cheam and didn't like the area as much. I exchanged DMs with some kind people on Mumsnet and they were happy to share their views on living in Epsom.

Hi! What did you decide? in the same boat as you atm... thanks

I’ve lived in Epsom a number of years - I moved here from London where I had lived for 15 years or so. A.great deal of friends I have now moved out from London also ( a lot like us moved from Wimbledon). For us it was a pragmatic choice due in part to housing stock, low crime and transport links. You can catch trains into Victoria, Waterloo and London Bridge. It was a shock to the system when we first moved when shops closed at 5.30 / 6.00 but I became pregnant when I arrived and all of a sudden things that didn’t interest me much became more important like schooling and open spaces.

The High street had a bit dip definitely but there’s a bit of a revival with Rituals, Gail’s, recently arrived and Oliver Bonas coming soon. Primark will open next year. The Picturehouse cinema has also recently opened so we also get some art films in addition to the Odeon. I would probably go to Kingston for “ proper” shopping but it’s 30 minutes drive so not much a hardship.
I think there has been an increase in antisocial behaviour but crime like street robberies are not happening to my knowledge.
Nicer sides are the College area, the Woodcote estate, the Chase Estate near Stamford Green and the area behind the Cricketer PH near the Common. I have a lot of friends who live at The Wells which is a bit cheaper but seemingly a nice community. Ashtead is nice. Neither place is fantastically diverse but more diverse than when I first moved here.

Just started following this thread as I'm house hunting in Epsom and found a lovely semi-detached house on Lower Court Road but I'm concerned that it is close to where Longmead Road begins near Hook Road. For those that live in Epsom or know the area well, can you please shed some light on whether Lower Court Road is safe? It's also difficult to find Longmead Estate on Google Maps as Longmead Rd is quite long but I was under the impression that the worse part of it is where it connects with Chessington Road. Appreciate any feedback you can share.

As lots of people have said, schools are excellent. Glyn and Rosebery are single sex secondaries, with excellent reputations and results. Blenheim is mixed sex. Less academic but an excellent school working hard to improve.

I know not to me but my friends dc are in a excellent primary. It was in the Times power thing as we were looking at work. She is tutoring for the local grammar's but she's also catholic so has that option. There is a good comp in Cheam I think.

definitely more diversity in Worcester Park, New Malden vs Epsom.

@Beebopawhop see you tmw!

@soffa I think I might be haha

Another advantage of staying the Epsom/Kingston side is Crossrail 2 is meant to be that direction I think. Although it may not happen but Crossrail 1 has been pretty transformative. Sadiq was talking about it in relation to the budget.

@Beebopawhop are you my colleague? 😆

It's not exciting but it's functional! Relatively affordable. Not to bad a commute. Lots of parks. Good bus links.

I'd love them to extend the overground out from west Croydon though.

Mentioned Worcester park earlier in my first comment but you disregarded it saying you were only looking at Epsom ! I have loved living in WP my self that's why I mentioned and it's decent prices for 2 bed

And remember in this climate you can definitely negotiate on asking prices!

@IncyWincySpy friend really likes it, she was in Raynes Park but wanted a house & the schools are very good. She bought during covid though so prices may have risen there.

Anerley

You only need more than 500k for a house if you are looking in the fashionable areas

@IncyWincySpy well that's not true just depends where you want to be.

Mitcham
Streatham Common/Norbury borders
South/Upper Norwood

New Malden which is up & coming & under Kingston