My DH has accepted a job in Cambridge (few minutes walk South from the station). We're so excited to be getting out of London :) Yay Cambridge here we come! 
We have two daughters (aged 3 and 1). Both me and DH like to see a bit of green everyday. DH loves messing around in the garden with the girls and going to the park or our local city farm. We like to go to our local pool, or spend a Saturday out at a museum. I often take my eldest to the library.
We'd like to live within walking distance of a decent state primary school. Need childcare for a few days a week, so perhaps near good nursery too (if not, we'll use a childminder). By "decent" I probably think of a fairly small school, not desperate to get kids through exams, not too strict and disciplined, lots of activities and outdoor play, and with caring teachers who consider individual needs of the kids wherever possible. We would very much prefer a NON-religious school--unless you can tell me this doesn't matter?
DH would be very happy if we could get a huge garden, or a house that overlooks farmland. He doesn't much mind about the size of the house. I do need a little space to work from home, at least 3 bedrooms. We find new builds a little soul-destroying (although we don't care that much). We've looking to buy for around 350kperhaps a bit more. We're thinking of moving to a Cambridge villageWaterbeach, Bottisham,...? We'd like it peaceful (even dull!) but a little supermarket, post office, even a cafe or few other services would be good.
DH will be commuting at odd hours (starting work at 7am). He'd cycle to work if he can (he does so now 10 miles into London) or use public transport. With a look to the longer term, I'd like to be able to think that the local state secondary school was okay and that I didn't need to worry if we did want to stay. I'm hoping this will be a long-term move! We'll probably try out a place first by renting.
We don't know very much at all about the villages. So having told you all about me and my family (this is my first MN message :)), can I ask people who live in the villages around Cambridge: what is yours like?
what services are there?
is there a nice park?
does everyone walk to the primary school?
is it easy to get to the city?
can we buy something for our budget?
what secondary school options are there?