Suggestions for a good place to live???

[chiswickmum]

My DP and I are thinking about moving over the next few years. We are starting to research possible places. This is what we are looking for:

Good state primary and secondary schools which are supported by local parents;

A sense of community - this is difficult to define, but I suppose what I mean is somewhere where people are happy to talk to one another in passing and where there are plenty of local activities, which don't involve going to church (we are non-Christians, so it is not appropriate).

A good hospital

I don't know whether this is a tall order. It certainly doesn't apply to where we live now, except for the odd street. Does anyone think that they live in a place which meets these criteria?

Thanks
the possibility of buying a 3 bedroomed house for less than 400k

Is that near the Clarkes village?

Just being nosy really!!!!!!
Also it is one of the only places that I know in Somerset. Have been there a few times hoping for bargains!!

beetroot, shall we try again to do a Bristol meet?

chiswickmum - have you considered nottingham? It's fab, all the facilities of a big city but on a much smaller scale, cheapish housing even in posher suburbs (definitely 3 bed house for under 300k in nicest suburbs) good schools, 2 decent hospitals, about to have a tram system, plus lovely countryside very close by too - we live in a suburb just 10 minutes from city centre which has the highest concentration of kids under 4 in the country and tons of activities for little ones

Trowbridge. Not too bad to live in, preferred Bath. Moved here 1.8 yrs ago for dh work, now they are threatening to relocate him - not impressed!!

it's not so grim up north......

I work in Whitely, very close to Melksham!!!
Have posted on the Bristol thread, thanks.XX

Bunny2

Yes would like to meet up sometime...

HMC, have just noticed that you live near Southampton. Hope you don't mind me picking your brains, but we are thinking of buying a house in Southampton - can you recommend any nice areas (or ones to avoid!)? We have 2 dds, aged 3 and 1, and DH will be commuting to London so ideally we want to be within easy distance of train stations (Parkway station probably for the fast connection to London). Any suggestions gratefully received!

Sorry for hijacking the thread CMum!

Romsey?

Kando, I live near Southampton. Highfield is probably the nicest area - but pretty expensive compared to the rest of the city. The primary school is excellent as well, as is the nearby one in Portswood. You do have to pick and choose your areas a bit, as there are some halls of residence in Highfield, and lots of student digs in Portswood/Swaything (I grew up here - not sure I'd recommend it!). There are nice areas around the city too. If your budget stretches to it, Winchester is really nice - but a bit middle class (hope I don't offend anyone!). Ds has just woken up, so must whizz.

bunny2, how are you!? Dropping you a (very belated) email later about move etc. Our buyer has finally sold his property, so we need to start looking down Bournemouth way again (I'm nervous now!).

Surrey Hills. The village I live in comes under that. The local infants, and junior school are both v good. They are c of e schools but we haven't had to go to church (unless to watch a play). The secondary school is a beacon school, excellent place. We use our local hospital all the time fro ds2 who is disabled, and has many appointments, and they are fantastic imo. They have been good with my various medical conditions too. We are about 3 miles from Godalming, between that and a village called Chiddingfold (also has a school but I know nothing about it). It's also v nice visually around here. Lots of National Trust land, and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Three bed semi (really pretty) with big garden went for 340,000 in the summer, but there are others around at less cost I am sure.

HZL, Thanks for that! We'd love to live in Winchester as we both think it's a lovely place, but there are only about 2 houses on the market that we could afford there!! We will be having a "drive around" Southampton this weekend sometime, so will have a look at Highfield. Budget a bit uncertain at the moment - think the max we can stretch to is about £170K.

What about Chandlers Ford?

Hi Chiswickmum etc. We lived near you (well Hounslow) and made the move to Winchester 5yrs ago. It is indeed a lovely place, with good commuting time to London (v good train service). Good place to bring up kids when they're small, not so good for teenagers. V safe, lots of river walks and nice countryside. Fits all of your criteria except price. It is v expensive here. We are looking to move from our 2 bed terrace to a larger house here (now we have 3 kids 2 cats and a dog!)but are finding it v difficult to afford anything decent. There are some affordable ex-Council prperties but that's about it. Prices near the station are ridiculously expensive and there is a bit of snootiness(?) there. You would find Winchester similar in character and general type of middle-class person to Chiswick, but there some normal people here too - honest! Romsey not cheap either.

The countryside around is virtually half the price, but you lose out on facilities etc.
Southampton is a bit of a dump isnit it?? (sorry but it aint pretty) although lots of facilities. Also not as cheap as it was a few years ago. Hampshire not the cheapest part of the world - like Surrey. Sorry not v positive! We're now thinking of Cornwall!! (any tips anyone - too isolated??)

littlerach when I was growing up in Winchester, Chandlers Ford had the highest divorce rate in the country and if anyone ever moved there there was lots of tutting and shaking of heads lol!!!

CD - How is your glandular fever? Back in the land of the living or still crappy?

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