On the move! not sure where to go!! Tonbridge, Tunbridge, Langton, Cranbrook..

[vm1234]

HELP! we are moving out and would like to know where the best places are in terms of living, schools etc. I have heard that the schools are excellent in Tunbridge and Cranbrook, but what is it like living there? Also the entrance exam for Cranbrook is 13 so does that mean that we would have to stump up the cash for private prep?

Hi

We moved to Tonbridge last summer from London and really pleased with the move. Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells are lovely areas but much more expensive. There are great villages in surrounding area but depends on whether you are happy to drive a bit more. But you will get more for your money the further out you go.

For schools - if you did consider private would highly recommend Fosse Bank School (www.fossebankschool.co.uk/) in Hildenborough- fantastic co-ed school with most reasonable fees in the area and since it is small they get lots of individual attention and so realise their full potential. We are really really happy with the school. Since you can leave your car at the school during the day and it is a short walk to hildenborough station then commuting is easy. They are also offering scholarships in some year groups.

Happy to give you more information if you were interested.

Hi,

This is really helpful thank you. I think we will seriously think about Tonbridge, I don't mind a drive but the village has to have a bit to do in it and a good pub. It would be great if you could recommend any villages, at this point its like a needle in a haystack! Thanks again, really appreciate it.

At the moment, Cranbrook School is 13+ BUT they are in the process of bringing it into line with secondary schools, ie, start age 11 instead. Unlikely to be implemented for a year or two.

Hi,
I am looking to move out of London and commute in to the City for work. Motivation is affordability of houses and I want to buy in an area that is less busy than London with more of a community feel but where there are still with things to do and ways to meet people. I am single late 30s so my requirements are not about schools, more about what there is to do in the area (Not ready for rural living) and travel time to London. Budget circa £280k. Looked at Tunbridge Wells which I really like but concerned it is too far to travel as far as Liverpool St. I could only afford the High Brooms end of town and I've heard mixed reports. Tried Tonbridge but my impression is there is nothing there. From my research Sevenoaks is out of my budget though I'm unsure on the surrounding villages (Dunton Green etc. )

Any tips or advice be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Hildenborough is ace. In between Sevenoaks and Tobridge; two good state primaries plus easily accessible independent primaries. There's a mainline station so easy access to London. House prices are a little more reasonable than Sevenoaks, although rising. We moved here from South London about 8 years ago and I am so happy here!

Hi vm1234, i do not know about cranbrook but living in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Turnbridge Wells all three areas is great. Also the villages around are great for rural living. Just to name a few i know Leigh, Underriver, Penshurst, Paddock wood, Shipbourne, there are many. If school is a consideration, go to locrating.com and find out which villages have good schools. Hildenborough provides a good mix of city and rural living as it is very close to Tonbridge but has its own rural identity. It has great schools as well. Both private and state. Also it has a station with ample parking options.

Hi commuter24, with your budget, Tonbridge is a viable option. Great for commuting (you can go to London Bridge or London Canon street stations and walk from there to Liverpool street). Why do you think there is nothing in Tonbridge! I like the high street. It might do with some more eclectic stores but still offers a lot.