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

Kando,

I would second Codswallops suggestion of Romsey. Not in Southampton itself but very close, and a very pleasant and popular town.

As for So'ton, the outer areas are better. I used to live in Hedge End (SO30) - which was a bit built up - lots of new housing 'estates' but good quality housing estates iykwim - especially on Grange Park, Hedge End which is sought after and 1/2 mile walk to Hedge End railway station. West End is good too - but I'll ask my dh when he gets home tonight since he knows So'ton like the back of his hand.

Oh and the state schools in Romsey are known to be very good (and they have quite a good reputation in Hedge End)

a friend of mine used to live in Romsey - very nice and picturesque but don't park on the square bit in the centre - you will get a ticket!

Countess Dracula, not only did Chandlers Ford have the highest divorce rate in the country, it was also the wife-swap capital of the UK as well! And I live there.......

Bunny2, yes would like to meet sometime.

Adell, I love Wimbourne. Let's arrange something.

HMC, ditto Southampton, we live very close to Pokesdown station so I can treat ds to a train ride too.

With such an active social life, should I start another thread??

bunny 2 / adell

we could firm up arrangements in the mumsnet meet ups section maybe?

Yep, Chandler's Ford was one of the areas we were considering (colleague of DH's suggested it) so will look into that. Haven't thought about Romsey but will mention it to DH. He usually poo-poo's MN, but when I told him I'd asked "the girls" about this and what you'd all said, he was very impressed! Keep up the good work - where would we be without you?!!

No response from cm then?

MInd you a pal of mine lived in Romsey and hated it - moved to salis instead - dont know if it isnt terribly county

Codswallop,

It's not really 'terribly country'(sorry is that what you meant?), I've got half a dozen friends who live in Romsey (all of whom like it), and they are very down to earth and 'normal'....

No I meant county/sloaney

I am sure you are great - you are a MN after all!
Lots of those types here.....

Hey, you lot, it's not bad down here in the south hams either you know. Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Modbury etc

expensive though isnt it?

relative to the westcountry as a whole, yes, but you can find plenty of 3-beds for a lot less than 400k

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Sressy I didn't realise we were so close!

i am so poor!

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I tend to live up my own arse and thats quite lovely

LOlFf

aromotic too?

Weekends are the worst for me Stressy, have all of the kids lurking .

What an interesting thread this has turned out to be...I haven't been online for a couple of days and came back to a really lively discussion. I will certainly follow some of your suggestions up!

Margate. (see Relocation, Relocation thread)

Aloha you just beat me to it , was just about to post the same!!!LOL.