Relocating...What is epsom like?

[Jazzgirl85]

We are moving from Manchester as DH has a great job opportunity. He needs to get to Waterloo within 45 mins ideally. We want somewhere that has shops, restaurants, busy etc but also access to parks, green spaces. Epsom seems to tick most boxes, do people like living there?

Also we have 600 to spend on a 3 bed house and seeing a few tomorrow. Does anyone know what the area around hazon way is like near the station, we were told that side of station can be rougher?

Forgot to add we have 1 year old twins, what's it like for mums, (I've just finished maternity leave in my old job in Manchester and not sure if will get a new one after the move or not yet)

I live in Ewell, but no children and retired early.

That area of Epsom can be scruffy, and parking difficult. But you really need to see for yourself. The Stamford Green/West Hill area would be better, and still walkable to the Station.
Epsom station is easier to get a seat on the train.

There's an area around Horton where there is modern housing on the sites of five large Victorian psychiatric hospitals. Some of it walkable to the station.

The area around the hospital on Dorking Road is good, but you will need off-road parking as parking is difficult. As it is everywhere around Epsom! I live in a quiet residential area in Ewell, and during the week it is full of commuter cars, deserted at the weekends.

Stoneleigh is good value if you don't mind a suburban environment.
Epsom seems to be popular with young families, I think the primary schools are good.
Ewell is lovely, make sure you can walk to Ewell West station.

Epsom is busy.try further out maybe?

As Ewell says, the town centre is a bit scruffy, although the wide high street, clock tower and market area are all attractive. Plenty of shops including White Stuff, TKMaxx and H&M, a large Boots and smallish M&S. There's a theatre, cinema and lots of bars/restaurants. Parking in car parks is a bit pricey but there's no alternative during the day. Good rail links to Waterloo and Victoria. There are quite residential areas that are within walking distance of the town centre, but I don't know Hazon Way too well.

Very easy access to M25 and lots or truly beautiful places within a short drive. All in all it's a pleasant place to live!

Have you thought about Guildford? Ticks all your boxes.

I've lived in Epsom for nearly 5 years after moving here from North London. We have 2 boys aged 5 and 3 months. I really like living here. The town centre is compact and you can get almost anything you need. Parking isn't cheap, but no more expensive than other similar places. Shopping wise there is an M&S and a House of Fraser, plus shops like H&M, Monsoon, Jones the Bootmakers and White Stuff plus cheaper shops like Wilkinson's, Poundland and Savers.
I don't think the town centre is scruffy, there's no litter/dog poo, the pavements are well kept and the market place is also tidy.
Housing wise the side of Epsom where the Longmead Estate is tends to be rougher than other areas. There are some lovely houses on the Woodcote Estate behind Epsom Hospital.

My husband commutes to London. He always gets a seat and delays are not common. He also travels a lot for work. Epsom is great for this as it's equidistant from Heathrow and Gatwick.
For more info you could try the following Facebook groups;
Epsom and Ewell Familes online
Epsom Mums Meet Up.
I didn't know the area or have s single friend when I moved here, but have found it to be a welcoming place and now have many friends here.

Thanks everyone. It was a while since we posted and have visited a few more times as well. We have an offer accepted on a house in the Stamford green area so nearish the town centre. We thought it seemed really nice round there and the cricketers pub was nice for a drink on a sunny day! We really like Epsom seems to be a good mix of town and country (we are from Manchester suburbs so it being a bit busy in the center is OK for us as we are used to it) excited about the move now. MelvinThePenguin we went to visit guildford and like it, probably all in all to get a garden and be close to station was easier for us in Epsom
mycatloveslego thanks, really great to hear your story and that was easy to meet people. Thanks for facebook groups will check out

Pleased for you, it is a lovely place to live. Stamford Green is lovely, best of luck.

Hi there,
We are looking at Ewell West. Can anyone tell me what the commute is like to Waterloo and how likely you are to get a seat? Tia

@Leleophants not Ewell West, but my DH commutes to Waterloo from Epsom which is the next stop. He always gets a seat. Trains are frequent and the service is reliable.
Ewell West is a busier station because theres a big car park there and it's the first station on the line that you can use your Oyster card from.

Very unlikely to get a seat on the morning commute at “normal times”, ie 7.30- 8.45. The train is usually full from Epsom.
Parking is near impossible around the station too.
So basically the same as all of commuter-land!

Sorry, I’m talking about Ewell West station.