Moving to Rickmansworth/Amersham

[northoneangel]

Hello to any Rickmansworth & Bucks Mum's out there!

I'm posting in this in the hope of some advice and the inside track into family life in these areas... please! I have a DS (2.5yrs) and another boy on the way - due in Feb. We're selling up in Islington and moving to the suburbs for a sense of community, more green space, bigger garden, better schools etc etc. Excited about the lifestyle change, but nervous too!
Does anyone live in Loudwater? (just outside Ricksmansworth) We've viewed a lovely house there, but I'm unsure whether there are many other young families (and a social life)in the area. We're also interested in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted too. Sorry for such a long posting - soooo many questions!!!

I'm in Bucks - and it's been a good move from London especially now we have a family - ouldn't afford the London!

I'm in High Wycombe - which is close(ish) to Beaconsfield and I've a lot of friends who live there. Personally I find it VERY expensive and VERY cliquey in both the old and the new towns. Sorry to anyone in Beaconsfield! There have been a few threads about how a number of people find it hard to gel with the place. I think it's a kind of 'set' and if that's your thing then great but I find it like stepping into another country! On the other hand Amersham is fab - friends who live there love it - and Gerrards cross & the CHalfonts too. Much more relaxed. Great schools as well.

Berkhamsted is lovely - brilliant shops and cinema! Sorry but don't know Rickmansworth.

Go have a wander in some of these places - get a feel for them. I'd have a look at parts of Chesham too. Most of my friends all have young families and through kid's clubs/ nurseries etc have managed to find friends.

As for schools - well the grammar system in Bucks makes it VERY competitive to get a good primary - after that it's a pass or fail situation. Many of grammar schools in have pupils who were educated privately (or heavily tutored) at primary level - so many of the state schools really aren't even thinking about the 11+ as they know there's no point! So, do your research on the primaries as they're the important thing....the grammars have catchments that go into the next county!! HTH

Hello Northoneangel

I know this was an old post - but we are in exactly the same position as you were last year.

We're also considering all of these areas - so just wondered what you found on your recce's and where you ended up!

Many thanks

Nicola

Where are you looking, what are you looking for and how much do you have to spend?

I'm in Great Missenden (close to Chesham/Amersham).

Hi Speckledeggy
We started our search in Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield but soon saw that these areas are pricey for our budget...

We're looking for a 3.5/4 bed house with outside space - in a good area for nursery and primary schools.

We're currently living in Tunbridge Wells - so looking for something similar. More of a town than a village if you know what i mean - with decent shops and restaurants etc.

I've heard Amersham is nice???

Oh yes, Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield are uber-expensive. How much do you have to spend? Will you need to commute?

Amersham is quite nice but you do need to check on the school catchments. The old town is lovely with quite a few restaurants and dress shops. The new town has all the usual offenders (M&S Food, Costa, Waterstones, Cargo, Boots, wH Smith, etc.) so everything you would need day to day including a large Tesco.

Other places you could have a look at:-
Marlow
Wendover (smaller town)
Tring
Berkhamsted
Chalfont St Peter (smaller town)
Thame (might be a bit too far out though)
Windsor

Let us know how you get on.