Living near Motspur Park, KT2

[MShopova]

Dear mums,

I will be in a new mum in February 2014. My husband and I are thinking of moving to South London (from North London) as you can get much more space for your money. One of the areas where we are looking is New Malden. Our estate agent showed us a great, spacious house on the south west side of Motspur Park. The house is amazing, but I am not so sure about the neighborhood. I've been reading lots of mixed reviews about living in the area and wanted to check in with this community as well on what we might expect if we were to move there. Anyone who has lived there/lives there - do you know whether it is safe to live near Motspur Park; how are the schools in the area; how is life in the area in general?

Thank you very much in advance!

[Samnella]

Motspur Park is lovely. We have lived nearby for years and used to live there until a few years ago and I have many friends there. There is a row of shops which are good enough for day to day needs. The trains into Waterloo take about 20-25 minutes. There is a lovely park nearby with a childrens playground, field with horses in at the back. Re: childens activities, there are several play groups and library sessions for pre schoolers.

Schools are a bit tricky unless you are a practicing catholic as there are 2 good Catholic primary schools nearby, if not people tend to go all over the place in MP but I think my friend said most went to Burlington last year.

Secondary schools for non catholics are on the up but not there yet. Coombe Boys has improved greatly and is in MP. Coombe girls is very well thought of but probably too far for MP as it's in NM . Raynes Park High School is the local comp but I don't think its that good at the moment.There are also grammar schools nearby in Kingston and Sutton.

I don't know so much about NM other then they have Coombe Girls and some good secondary schools. I have never been too keen on the town TBH but I think it's OK.

Both areas are safe and pleasant. MP slightly less well served for schools perhaps but I suggest you look up admission distance details from Merton and Kingston web sites (you can apply to both boroughs from MP).