Moving from London to Gerrards Cross or Beaconsfield with a baby

[ThisGentleBlueTraybake]

I live in Acton with my husband and our first baby is due in March. We are really considering a move out of London for more space and fresh air. We have a dog and I walk lots, at my midwife appointment I was told not to worry but my carbon monoxide levels were elevated just from living where I live which has further motivated me to move out ! My parents live in west London and my husband is in the office 5 days a week so we are looking at Gerrards cross / Beaconsfield area. I have always lived in London so I am slightly nervous about making the move and would love to hear from anyone who has made the jump !

I can’t really talk about Gerard’s Cross or Beaconsfield as I don’t know them. However 2 years ago at the grand old age of 58 I moved from London to Somerset and never looked back. I’d lived there all my life. I was a bit nervous though I did now a few people. But I imagine with a new baby there will be baby groups etc to meet people. I joined everything in my town, and now know lots of people in my new town….more than I knew in London as many of my friends moved out because of kids or cheaper housing.

there is a life outside London, and I imagine where you are looking at is easy to get to via the M40 or trains to Marylebone.

you never regret the things you’ve done, only the things you didn’t. You just need to take a leap of faith.

Both are nice places with good schools (particularly for academic children who pass the 11+). There's lots of activities available adults and children so good places for families.

There's still plenty of traffic but generally just by the main roads not residential locations.

That's a drastic move, have you spent much time in either place? Are these the only options, or could you look at places in South/West London too?

My dad lives in GC and honestly as nice as it is, I wouldn't leave London for it.

ETA: my friend was accused of smoking when pregnant but it turned out she spent too long standing in the car park after arriving too early for her appointment, so bear in mind that those tests aren't foolproof!