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Moving out of London / commuting to Wimbledon

17 replies

Dadi84 · 18/06/2025 10:02

Forgive me if it seems like we are asking for the moon, but my wife and I (and our cat) are looking to make the move out of London, and we humbly ask for the Mumsnet angels to guide us :). We've been looking at Sussex and more recently Surrey, but open to all suggestions. We would like all the normal things that people making a similar move would, but we are looking for these things in particular (most of them are "if possible" - again open to suggestions);

  • roughly 1hr commute via public transport to Wimbledon for work
  • village feel - cafes etc.
  • 3 bedroom property cost £450k to £550k max, but with a larger gardens, so not newer estates.
  • good schools

We've looked around East Grinstead (but a bit worried about the cult vibes 😵‍💫), and Farnham way (but been told that the more affordable areas are "squady"? 🤔). We mean no offense to anyone by the above, and again we know it's a lot to ask for, but any advice would be much appreciated 🙏🏻

OP posts:
Persephoknee · 18/06/2025 10:33

Where have you seen so far that you like?

teksquad · 18/06/2025 10:39

Having done a similar move 10y ago from Clapham area I think too far into Surrey/Sussex can be a bit of a shock to the system (and wallet for train fares) so I personally recommend the zone 6 areas around Caterham/Coulsdon/Sanderstead. Somewhat (and increasing) cafe culture, wide choice of schools, half an hour into London, easy interchanges at East Croydon (tram access for Wimbledon) or Clapham Junction, zone 6 prices, but also very green, lovely countryside on doorstep, easy access to the coast, M25, Gatwick etc.

Dadi84 · 18/06/2025 20:51

@Persephoknee we like the areas around East Grinstead, we've also seen and liked places like Godalming and the surrounding area if that helps?

OP posts:
Dadi84 · 18/06/2025 20:52

@teksquad we are already in Worcester Park, so it's definitely the next step on from that 👍🏻

OP posts:
teksquad · 18/06/2025 22:24

Lingfield is near East Grinstead and quite villagey, maybe less cult vibes than E Grinstead?

Marmalade71 · 18/06/2025 22:30

Might be worth looking at the villages around Woking, which is an easy commute into Wimbledon - Chobham, Bisley, even as far as Lightwater would just about be an hour. Prices down a bit from further east in Surrey.

treesfalling · 18/06/2025 22:35

I was going to suggest Epsom but you are pretty close. How come you want to leave Worcester Park as it's very convenient for Wimbledon & schools?

I think the biggest adjustment to moving further out is having to drive for everything and having little alternative if something is up with the trains

treesfalling · 18/06/2025 22:39

I have a friend in Goldaming who I visited a few weeks ago. It's nice enough.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 18/06/2025 22:42

East Grinstead? Cult? Can someone elaborate please? I don't live far and I'm now concerned I might have been brainwashed? 😬

Anyway, Godalming is lovely, as is Haslemere.

tennissquare · 18/06/2025 22:45

CharlotteStreetW1 · 18/06/2025 22:42

East Grinstead? Cult? Can someone elaborate please? I don't live far and I'm now concerned I might have been brainwashed? 😬

Anyway, Godalming is lovely, as is Haslemere.

It's the home of Scientology in the U.K.

Pottingup · 18/06/2025 22:46

Mark Steel does a good episode on East Grinstead (including the cult aspect) on R4 Sounds.

teksquad · 18/06/2025 22:48

Scientology centre nearby gives people those vibes. I was being tongue in cheek, (sort of :) ) as I"ve never actually experienced anything that culty in the area...

olderbutwiser · 18/06/2025 22:50

Haslemere would be worth looking at.

doitwithlove · 18/06/2025 22:55

I am close to East Grinstead, best move I ever made. I moved from Worcester Park 10yrs ago.
We do not get any problems/bad vibes from
the cult.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 19/06/2025 08:35

tennissquare · 18/06/2025 22:45

It's the home of Scientology in the U.K.

Ah. Do you think they meet up for fights with the lot from the Mormon Temple?

teksquad · 19/06/2025 09:36

Yes the Mormon centre is also nearby up the way at Newchapel. That probably comtributes to the vibe.

Has anyone listened to the Neil Gaiman podcasts? His father was high up in Scientology based in East Grinstead. Not a great advert.

teksquad · 19/06/2025 09:45

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210103-englands-sleepy-scientology-town

hmm, I didnt know about the pagans and druids in Ashdown Forest! I perhaps wouldn't have let my 14y old DS camp there for his Bronze DoE the other week if I had! He didnt report any strange going ons in the woods ....

I often go cycling near Forest Row and there is definitely a Glastonbury type alternative types/crystal shops vibe there.

England’s sleepy ‘Scientology town’

The sleepy Sussex market town of East Grinstead has gained a reputation in recent decades as a hotbed for offbeat religious activity.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210103-englands-sleepy-scientology-town

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