There is nothing "soulless" about Woking, just because it doesn't have grade II listed shop fronts and cobbled stone streets, there is a lot of history here. There is a buzzing and thriving supportive community here, which I find was rare in London and surrounding suburbs that we've lived in previously. Plus, it's very multicultural (the most out of any Surrey town).
We moved here 6-months ago and are very happy here! We used to live Walton-on-Thames (wasn't very happy with the area and the schools were terrible. Now this is a town I would describe as soulless!). Before this, we lived in Surbiton and Highgate for several years. I was brought up in central London, in Marylebone, Chelsea and Bayswater, so I've seen my fair share of neighbourhoods. We compared Woking with Guildford, but found Woking to be much nicer (a lot more leafy, surrounded by woodlands etc), better commute, cheaper housing, not as crowded. It ticked every box for us. We live in the "posh" bit just south of the station near the Hockering estate. Woking isn't exactly cheap, but much better value than most Surrey towns. The schools are excellent (state and private) and people are humble and friendly. The town centre is great, there's a cinema, theatre, various independent and chain restaurants, an indoor shopping mall, and now Gails bakery and M&S food hall just opened. We are 10-15 minutes from RSH Wisley Gardens too which is in Wisley, Woking. Heather Farm meadows and outdoor cafe is 5-mins away and great for kids and dogs. Chobham Adventure Farm is 10-mins, wonderful for kids. All these places are in the borough of Woking, and plenty more. I couldn't think of a better place to raise a family...