To consider moving to Epsom: how is it like?

[IncyWincySpy]

Posting here too for traffic:
DH and I are considering relocating to Epsom in order to be able to buy our first property. We currently live in London and have 1 DD who is 3yo. We don’t have a massive budget but should be enough to get us either a small house or a nice maisonette there.
I have done a bit of research but keen to hear from those who know the area well. How is it living there? Main things for us are:

commute (for school pick ups etc): I saw there are 2 trains from Wloo after 4pm that would take me there on time to collect DD from nursery/school clubs before 6pm closing time. Are these reliable?
safety: I was reading that it is one of the most “dangerous” towns in Surrey but it doesn’t seem that way based on people comments. Is it just because of size? I know Guildford is one of the most “dangerous” towns too but I’d happily live there for example
schools: good primaries and secondaries and a wide array of childcare arrangements as we work ft
community/diversity: we are european and currently live in London, would love to be in a place with a variety of nationalities and backgrounds; is it one of those 90% white middle class British?

Any other info on best areas etc is well accepted; will need to be walkable distance from station. Budget is around half a million max.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Transport pretty good too.

@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.