Thinking of moving to Chesham

[cazdoz]

Hi, we're looking at moving from South London to Chesham area to be nearer to family now that we've had our DD. It's not an area I know well. It would be great to hear from local people about the town - is it a good place to bring up a family? Good schools? Is there lots going on? I'll be working part time and would be keen to meet other mums locally. My DD is 10 months. Cheers, Cx

Hey Cazdoz,

I am fairly new to the area, moved here 4 years ago and have been commuting into London for work up until now, currently on maternity leave due on 29th Oct. I am still finding out about things like this and when you commute your not really in the throws of the community. I know there are quite a few mums and babies groups at nearly all the local churches, I don't think they are religious in any way. There is a nice park with geese and swans etc. I think NCT sometimes hold groups at the White Hill centre near Waitrose. If you supermarket shop in Chesham waitrose is far less depressing than the local Sainsburys, not to be too much of a snob. If you have a car you can get to the country side in minutes which will be nice coming from London, the Asheridge estate near Tring is a National Trust grounds with a small cafe and walks in woodland where you frequently see deer, loads of families go in the summer and take bbq's and picnics. I noticed in the state school top 250 for GCSE and A Level results that Chesham High came within the tope 50 and 100 which I was impressed with; it is probably best to check the school web sites and their Ofsted reports, although a lot can change by the time your little one will be ready for that.

Let me know how you get on with your finds, have you actually moved here already?

RedCardinal

Hi RedCardinal

Thanks for replying. Not long until your little one is due now! My daughter will be 1 on 31/10! Can't believe it is nearly a year ago. She was 2 weeks early so maybe you've already had your baby!?!

We're still on the hunt for properties and Chesham is the top of our list but at the mo we have had very little interest in our flat so looks like our move might have to wait until the spring. I'd really like to get settled in to a family home (we only have two bedrooms) as I'd like to have another baby next year. We visited Chesham in the summer and there did seem to be lots to do for families. Good luck with your baby. I'll let you know if we are heading in your direction! Cx

Hello Cardoz and RedCardinal,

I am due in March next year and my husband and I moved to Chesham from West London In August specifically with a view to raising a family in a smaller community than London, I also commute to London to work and agree that it can take you a little out of the community but the NCT are running classes and we are signed up for the January ones. There does seem to be quite a lot going on for families and of course the gorgeous country side does make it worthwhile, High Wycombe is not too far for shopping and Westfield is a short journey away. The town has some nice coffee shops and a Waterstones so is always a good reason for a saunter in on a Saturday.

Hope that has been of some help.

Mirney.

Well I've lived in Chesham for pretty much 39 years (apart from going to uni etc) So if you have any questions then feel free to fire away!

Hi all, we moved from NW London to Chesham old town just before Christmas for good schools (Thomas Harding Junior & Elmtree Nursery) for our two boys aged 4 and 8 and are really enjoying living here. Must say, it's much easier to get into a decent school than in NW London!
Unfortnately, my idea of a quiet life in the country hasn't materialised as I work full time (mainly from home) but there seems to be enough going on if you're a stay at home mum or work part-time. As for a social life, we've kept ours in central/north london where we work sometimes and our friends/in laws are, but there are some lovely local pubs - in particular the Queens Head does great Thai food.
Can't say we've got too involved in the local community yet to comment further but agree with RedCardinal that like anywhere, the local Waitrose is a much more pleasant shopping experience than the Sainsbury's but obviously comes at a price! :)

Hi bucksmum, I need to find a good local cleaner for regulary weekly domestic cleaning. Do you know the best place to source? Many thanks :)