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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to think Merstham is a bad area?

99 replies

Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:05

DH suggested Merstham as a top choice for us to rent. (As it’s cheap).
My cousin lives in Redhill and says it’s a bad choice (drugs, council estates etc) and says there are far better options nearby? Aibu to agree? (She used to live there and has moved on)

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LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:07

Hmm Depends whereabouts you choose to live. There are some very expensive properties and traditional good priced housing if you look a little harder. Some parts of Redhill are equally less desirable.

Newbi · 28/04/2021 22:08

Um, I wouldn’t live there. Sorry.

Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:08

Yea we can’t afford that part

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Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:08

@Newbi

Um, I wouldn’t live there. Sorry.
Can you clarify further
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LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:12

Where are you looking then? Try down Nutfield Road or roads adjacent. The area is pretty varied and caters for most budgets.

Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:14

We were looking bletchingly/rad stock way area

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LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:18

Probably less desirable end but much of the post war estate is ex social housing ie. now privately owned. Would suggest you look south of Bletchingley Road. Do you have dc to put in a school?

LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:19

Or need to commute?

minou123 · 28/04/2021 22:19

You're bringing back wonderful memories for me Katamakana

My best friend lived on Radstock way. I think its lovely, but I was a teenager.
I lived in Reigate and loved it.

Earlswood always seemed a really lovely area to live.

Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:19

Ah thanks. Yea it did look a bit council estate that way tbh
Just pregnant (early days) but hears the schools are decent

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Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:20

@minou123
Will check out earlswood then

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Newbi · 28/04/2021 22:23

It’s just that in my opinion (I haven’t researched the stats to prove that but even if it’s not the worst it’s not anywhere near being great).
My reason for saying that is similar to (I presume) your cousins reason- it being a deprived area and that showing more because there are nice/naive areas nearby. I think you’d be limited on options on the Surrey side if budget is a consideration. Your cousin has lived there, unless you think thier opinion was based on an agenda or it was meant maliciously- I’d think they gave that advice genuinely based on their experience. Totally up to you though, I could be wrong and you might love it!

LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:23

Schools are fine but reflect the mixed area. The estate itself is a designated area of deprivation but as a result attracts funding and community facilities like library and community cafe are new and well used. If you look at Redhill and Horley you will find similar areas.

Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:25

@newbi yea I hear you, wouldn’t want to bring kids up there if what my cousin suggested is true. Just wanted to check here to be sure!

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Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:25

@LIZS
Where exactly is this estate you meantion?

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LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:26

Where else does cousin suggest that is affordable?

LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:29

Approx from Portland Drive across to Furzefield School end. The new Community Hub is on the corner opposite Coop

Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:31

@LIZS
So would that be Mansfield rd/Mansfield ave too? We had a viewing there ugh

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Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:31

Malmstone ave/Mansfield road

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ChocolateChipMuffin2016 · 28/04/2021 22:31

It’s had a lot of redevelopment in the last few years and has some lovely parts. But like everywhere it has nice and not so nice bits, there are parts of Redhill which are rough and Reigate which is supposed to be posh! No where is perfect!

minou123 · 28/04/2021 22:35

@ChocolateChipMuffin2016

It’s had a lot of redevelopment in the last few years and has some lovely parts. But like everywhere it has nice and not so nice bits, there are parts of Redhill which are rough and Reigate which is supposed to be posh! No where is perfect!
This is true.

I think the best thing to do is view the properties, but also have a look at the area around. Maybe even go at night to the area to see what it is like.

P0gM0Th0in · 28/04/2021 22:36

I moved from South London to Merstham about 18 months ago and I love it. I heard it had a rep but I really don’t understand why. I mean, it’s the poorest part of Surrey, but it’s still Surrey! I’ve seen a lot less messing around here than I saw when I lived in East Dulwich and that’s considered posh. Take from that what you will.

Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:37

Ah didn’t even realise it was known as the poorest area of Surrey!

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LIZS · 28/04/2021 22:39

@Katamakana

Malmstone ave/Mansfield road
I guess so, but even within that area it varies, as so much is now privately owned. Agree with pp it is definitely not inner city level of deprivation or anti social behaviour, just comparatively to Surrey, and Redhill/Reigate have similar.
Original poster
Katamakana · 28/04/2021 22:40

@LIZS
Thanks for that

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