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Possibly relocating to Wokingham

9 replies

JjjLl · 10/01/2021 20:33

Hi, I'm possibly relocating to Wokingham and wondered what people thought of the area. We were originally hoping to move to Surrey but it seems you get more for your money. Does anyone have any advice on what it's like to raise a family there. In particular Finchampstead. Or are the any other areas I should be looking at. Hoping to go to a good private school too if there are any?

OP posts:
Dreambee · 07/04/2021 12:31

Hi, I noticed that you didn't get a reply to your query. I moved to Wokingham in 2019 and I'd be happy to give my impressions if you are still interested.

JjjLl · 07/04/2021 12:47

@Dreambee

Hi, I noticed that you didn't get a reply to your query. I moved to Wokingham in 2019 and I'd be happy to give my impressions if you are still interested.
Hi yes please
OP posts:
Dreambee · 09/04/2021 10:36

@JjjLI

We moved to Wokingham around two years ago from London. It is good place to live for sure, but of course it was a bit of a change for us having lived quite centrally in London. Wokingham feels a little like a medium sized suburb of London to be honest. If is nice and green and very clean. The town centre is small but useful (some shops, lots of coffee shops, a cinema, a soon to be rebuilt swimming pool, bowling alley, restaurants and pubs/bars). The nearest big shopping area is the Lexicon Bracknell, which I prefer to Reading.

Finchampstead is a small leafy village (suburb of Wokingham) a few miles from the centre of Wokingham with some local amenities but you would probably need to travel into Wokingham or Crowthorne for most things (although there are well regarded schools in Finchampstead). A car is essential here. I personally would only want to live within walking distance of the town centre, but that is me. I know lots of people that love Finchampstead. I think property is cheaper mainly due to the distance from the main amenities.

For children, there are so many after school/weekend activities like Scouts, team sports, dance, musical theatre etc. There is also lots more in the surrounding areas. There are a few nice playgrounds - Elm Fields in the town centre, Dinton Pastures, and a soon to be refurbished playground at California Country park in Finchampstead. Swinley Forest in Bracknell is also great. Saying that, none of the playgrounds that I have found in the area come even close to the great playgrounds in the large parks in London, which is a shame.

School choice is good. There are lots of popular primary schools in the area that are on the whole well regarded. The state secondary schools are also good, with the Holt, Bohunt and St Crispins popular choices. There are a few local private schools in Wokingham with Holme Grange being a very popular choice with local families that want a very rounded (non-pushy) experience for their child. Of course if you want to go further afield then the choice is huge. This is a very affluent area so there are lots of indys to suit all tastes.

One key point for me is that Wokingham feels very safe. There are no edgy people and the teenagers are so well mannered (for teenagers!) It is very much a middle class/affluent/conservative area with (imh) not much cultural diversity. I miss the variety of London and easy access to arts, culture and international cuisine, especially as COVID has meant that we have stayed local and a lot of the community activities have not happened for a while. But if you are happy to travel a little, you will not at all feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.

Let me know if there is anything else that you would like to know .

Emmsun · 02/12/2021 13:39

Hi @Dreambee and @JjjLl

I moved to Wokingham recently.

Any advice on family groups to join would be really helpful.

Looking to make some friends in the area :)

Thank you

rn71 · 27/12/2021 16:08

Hi @JjjLl, I currently live in Farnborough and planning to move to Wokingham. Could you please suggest some good areas to buy around town centre within 3 miles? What are some good infant schools and primary schools to choose from? You've mentioned Holme Grange, any opinion on that for Year 3 onwards?

Thanks

Dreambee · 23/01/2022 11:21

@Emmsun Sorry for the very late reply - I only just noticed your post.

If I am honest, I cannot help with recommendations as I've found the area to be a desert in terms of social/community/cultural activities. I haven't found ANY family groups, but there are lots of activities just for the kids. Hopefully others will have some suggestions. I'm hoping to join a group fitness class now things are opening up properly but that's more to connect with others and get out of the house. If I make friends that'll be a real bonus.

We are probably going to move to a more culturally and socially active (and more affordable) town/city in another part of the country. Not sure if small town Home Counties living (despite the leafy streets and big houses) is for us.

Emmsun · 23/01/2022 12:25

@Dreambee sorry to hear about your experience.

We have found Wokingham to be quite friendly actually, and although it does indeed need some effort to hang out with people, there are plenty of activities where you get to meet different people, plus a variety of societies.

Feel free to connect if you want to hang out though :)

Mickalmouse · 15/08/2022 00:34

Hi @Emmsun I have just moved to Finchampstead and am hoping to meet people. Did you find any good activities or groups that you could suggest?
thanks

Emmsun · 21/08/2022 00:21

Hi @Mickalmouse. Your best bet is Wokingham centre, there are plenty of activities there, for all ages.

Do you have kids? If yes, what ages? I am happy to suggest a few places to visit, and groups to join. Happy to meet up for a walk too.

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