Potters Bar (Hertfordshire) or West Ewell/Epsom side of London?

[anon185428]

Moving back to the London area after moving from London to Dorset when had LO (Dorset was where I grew up but hadn’t been for over 15yrs and have realised it’s just not for us).

So been looking at areas 5 miles around Kingston upon Thames, or 5 miles around Radlet in Hertfordshire. Both locations haven’t lived before (as I lived more central London before around Ealing/Chiswick way - though was renting).

Wanting nice safe close enough to London but green areas.

Max budget is looking 700k, might be able to push it to 800k. Need three bed house with sizeable garden as have 2 v large dogs. And few other aspects to our criteria.

House prices are going up as we know.

Did really like a property in west Ewell (near to Epsom) but needs too much work doing to it.
And do also like the Radlett area (have friend who lives there), but not much comes up for our budget for what we need layout wise.

Something has come up in Potters Bar. Don’t know potters bar so much. Is it a nice safe area with good amenities?

Any insight would be great on any of these areas above from others perspective..

Many thanks

I don't rate Potters Bar. There may be amenities but there is very little in the way of character. It's a place people live because it's convenient for other places - or for Dame Alicd Owen School (check the v tight catchment for local places though)

I would say that West Ewell/Epsom can feel very ‘provincial’- it definitely identifies with being a Surrey market town rather than a London suburb. If that’s the vibe you are moving away from Dorset to get away from?

On the other hand it is well connected trace wise