Thinking about moving to Milton Keynes

[RosemaryWalser]

Which are the best areas for families & which schools. I would like to find somewhere where there is good pubs & shops & everything you need without going into Milton Keynes

Ahhh...it'll be the MKDoms the OP is after!!!!! grin
Sassy badoom-tish!

Agree that Brooklands is a lovely development and within walking distance of Kingston's restaurants and shops, but everywhere is still only a 5 min drive into the city centre if you do fancy it, so you don't need to be that close to anything. Also if you have a bike, you can get around on the network of cycle paths (redways) away from the roads, so it's a great place for families.

No fit guys in MK other than my hubby

Hi,
I hope posting in the right category.

We have lived in Reading (town centre flat) for 7 years, and quite enjoy the town centre and vibrant scene.

However, we have our 3 yr old who will be starting school next yr, so need to move to an "awesome" school catchment area. Primary school catchment is the main criteria, followed by proximity to town/vibrant lifestyle/cafes/etc, and value for money (budget 400 -450K).

AFAIK, Reading town centre does not have many good primary schools.
Areas like Lower Earley and Wokingham have caught our fancy but again they are away from Reading town centre.

An alternate option, is Milton Keynes, found some schools in Middleton/Oakgrove area to be nice. Value for money is slightly better. And advantage is you could be anywhere in 5 min in the car.

What I dont know is - am I missing something about MK? It doesnt come across as a traditional place, but that does not bother me - as long as people are nice/friendly etc. Should I consider to move to Milton Keynes? Any major difference in culture of the two cities? Poshiness of people?

To be honest, I have been very pleased with Reading so far, just that the school element is making us consider the move - and we love a town centre lifestyle.

Private schools are beyond our budget so not considering. Also, not considering other places as we have shorltisted to final 2 - Reaading or Milton Keynes due to fast connections to London, amongst other reasons.

Any tips/thoughts - would be very much welcome.

Systemic - MK is like nowhere else really, you need to visit if you want to understand what it’s all about! You’ll hear lots of quips about it being soulless or having lots of roundabouts, but it is a really well designed and modern place to live, with all the best elements of city and countryside living in one place.

It’s a great place for young families, lots to do, plenty of green spaces, cycle network, snow dome for indoor skiing, lakes for water sports etc. and some excellent schools (my DCs attend the ones you mentioned - they are both excellent).

I’d suggest starting your own thread rather than posting on this one and hopefully you will get some more current and useful posters rather than the jokey ones on here.

FWIW I went to in Reading and loved it, but MK is a very different kettle of fish. For a small town vibe Newport Pagnell or Stony Stratford are ideal. Middleton is more villagey, but only a few minutes from the city centre and other local centres such as Bletchley or Kingston with their restaurants, shops etc.

*FWIW I went to Uni in Reading

Thanks MRW - very much appreciated

PM me if you want any in depth info. I know the place pretty well as I work as a delivery driver so know all the different areas!