Where to live - Guildford or Maidenhead or Winchester or Petersfield or Alton or somewhere else?

[ChampagneLassie]

Hi we're deliberating moving (from Cambridge which we love) to be nearer family but quite a wide potential area. We'd like somewhere that has:
Nice feel, community etc
Green spaces
Good commute to London
I like look of Petersfield my partner keen on Winchester but I wonder whether we'd be better in Guildford or Maidenhead for shorter commute. We're going to go and visit and surrounding villages also a possibility. Any thoughts welcome. We have a 2 year old and I'm pregnant so somewhere nice for young family recreationally but it doesn't have to be a forever home we might well move again so not so fussed about schools (certainly not beyond primary) any thoughts welcome

I lived in the area for a long time, between Petersfield and Alton, and went back to visit a few weeks back. Petersfield hasn't really changed at all, it's still a "nice", middle class market town, not particularly hip or happening, but lovely. Alton (which I used to prefer) seemed very down at heel, although there was a lot of new development in the town centre, which might pick it up. Alton always used to be a quieter commute, being nearer the start of the line, so I always got a seat on the train. The traffic in Guildford is dreadful, I would avoid it solely on that basis. The villages between Peef and Alton are lovely, if you fancy more rural life and have megabucks.

Maidenhead is a lot more expensive than Twyford, which is one stop beyond on Jubilee/Paddington line. However pick somewhere you can walk to station, as parking is over-busy - no spaces after 7am. (Or drive to Maidenhead where it is cheaper to park). Can usually get a seat on Jubilee, as next stop after Reading. About an hour to Canary Wharf with no changes. Twyford has a good local community, lots happening for families eg https://twyfordtogether.org/upcoming-events/ there's also a family friendly beer festival, village fete, horticultural association shows and loads more, some v good nurseries locally and in neighbouring villages, good schools incl a good secondary, has a Tescos and a Waitrose, there's also an M&S at Sonning not far away and Aldi another 3 mins drive. Plenty of nice green spaces Dinton Pastures, along the river, Knowl Hill Bridleway for walking etc. Henley for shopping - cheap to park and has most things, not too far from Bracknell/Reading. Easy access to M4/M40 for visiting relatives.

Funnily enough we looked at Twyford years ago and my partner has a relative living there and I'd forgotten about it - good suggestion

Definitely ask relative's advice on area. All the schools are good.