Hello there,
We are moving out of Brighton with our 4 young children, on the hunt for a larger house with a big garden (not available/too expensive in Brighton!).
DH needs to be in London a few times a week, and we would like good schools and a nice community. We have family in Brighton.
Education is very important to us, and our children all seem to be very academic, as are we.
We lived in central London before moving to Brighton a couple of years ago. DH was a national newspaper journalist for most of his career, I'm a writer. I suppose we are naturally much more at home in London, but simply couldn't afford to live in the nicer outskirts, let alone centrally, with such a big family.
Having struggled with a cramped house, no parking, no garden etc. in Brighton, but without any of the benefits of London we enjoyed, we think we should try and get a bit more space, and rely on going up to London as much as possible for old friends, museums, theatres, galleries etc.
What I'd really like to know is what the people are like in East Grinstead and Horsham! I can find a bit about Horsham online, but very little about East Grinstead - although one MNetter said it seemed to be going downhill - is that true?
I'd love to be able to find some like-minded friends with young children wherever we move - who love London (and NY, Paris, Rome;)) as well as where they live, who are culturally and intellectually engaged (as much as young children will allow!), independently-minded, and quite relaxed.
I'd love any info on the types of people/communities in EG and Horsham in particular, and any other Sussex suggestions too.
PS - can't afford Lewes, Chichester too far from London!