Safe Home Counties to raise black families

[Rimumof3]

Hi guys, I’m looking to move to one of the Home Counties but I need diversity. It doesn’t have to be all black, in fact I prefer not to be in an all of any race community. I just can’t have my kids being the only black kids in their year.

So my requirements are as follows:

• safe, diverse community
• close proximity to London
• big houses
• great schools
• great town centre
• leafy area with things to do

Would love if you could let me know suggestions. Ps not Kent or Essex.

Thanks xx

[TheFormidableMrsC]

@Rimumof3

What’s everyone’s thoughts on MK? The houses are so enticing 🤩

I don't know MK very well but it's good for shopping, IKEA and many many roundabouts 😆

[Rimumof3]

@TheFormidableMrsC the roundabouts is the one thing I do know 😂😂😂

[Delectable]

@Vermin

Rickmansworth / Watford is very diverse (lots of Nigerians among others!) but I don’t know about specialist food shops or church. Excellent schools but you might need to move out slightly for cheap housing- I think Rickmansworth does large but not cheap!
south bucks is very Asian but few Caribbean or African families around, and a sorry lack of ethnic food shops.

I was hesitant about South Bucks then it turns out in the past year four families I know have moved there. Only two years ago a friend who wanted to move there with his family decided not to cos his friend had told him no black families live there.

[Honeybee8409]

Cities in Hampshire (Portsmouth and Southampton are diverse) but with good schools. I live in Winchester which is not, though apparently increasing black families moving here as the schools are so good.

[Reugny]

@TheFormidableMrsC

I don't know MK very well but it's good for shopping, IKEA and many many roundabouts 😆

MK is one of the places where you can do sporting activities, whether participating or watching, and not stand out because you are black.

[WWGDD]

Berkshire (depending on the area) is great for diversity and also proximity to London. It has great schools and big towns but also has leafy suburbs.

[onmywayamarillo]

I'm from very diverse area of west London, moved to Home Counties 10 years ago.
Reading is a good idea, look at caversham. Reminds me of London a little bit. Tilehurst is okay, but No wouldn't live there.

[Oliotya]

@Rimumof3

@Oliotya whats tilehurst like, in terms of houses, schools and neighbourhood. Would you say it’s a safe place to raise black kids?

Tilehurst is OK, but if money were no object we wouldn't live here. Schools are ok, not great, some lovely houses though and not too expensive. We really enjoy the proximity to town, easy access to London and there always seems to be lots happening. I know the crime stats aren't brilliant but we've not seen even a hint of trouble since we've been here, but our kids are young, perhaps we will feel differently when they're teens.

[SecretPeston]

Crawley would suit you - have a look at Pound Hill, Ifield, Gossops Green and Three Bridges.

[Rimumof3]

@WWGDD I was strongly looking into reading still not off the cards as of yet but couldn’t quite put my finger on the best location. Do you have any suggestions?

[Rimumof3]

Thanks @onmywayamarillo im also from a diverse part of west :) how have you found the transition? I have 2 boys and a girl and really want to get it right.

Im currently looking at MK I’ve found the dream home in Wavendon but it’s the school part that’s just not hitting the mark. I’m having to look at private schools now which is a stretch but the state schools just aren’t doing it for me 😩

[Rimumof3]

@SecretPeston thanks i’ll have a look in that direction.