live in Raynes Park

[Londonbaby]

What is it like to live in Raynes Park? How is the primary school in that area?

I've never lived there but it's an area that does nothing for me at all. That said it's near nice plAces; Wimbledon, the common, and the trains are a fab commute into London. no idea about schools sorry.

I much prefer South Wimbledon though expensive I know.

I used to live there and proximity to other places really is the key. I had a really easy commute into Waterloo - train every 7 mins - and because it's the stop before Wimbledon I always had a seat. Easy to go shopping by train in Wimbledon, Kingston or Richmond. Gigantic Tesco Superstore in Raynes Park (which I hated, but perhaps that's just me). I could cycle up to Wimbledon Common and then across to Richmond Park and on to the Thames Pathway - used to love doing that (but then I didn't have children then and wasn't such a lardy arse!). I also liked the fact that you could get out of London by car really quickly - so good for New Forest, Dorset coast or even the West Country.

If you like South West London, and providing the schools turn out to be good (can't comment on this), I'd say it's a good pragmatic choice. More space for your money than you'd get in its more fashionable and charming neighbours. (Disclaimer: my knowledge is a good 10 years out of date btw)

Which side of Raynes Park? Should be alright for the reasons mentioned above (closeness to W'don, near Tesco etc). The shopping parade isn't great but does have a couple of coffee shops. I think there's a good state school too.

Hollymount is supposed to be a good school.

And West Wimbledon Primary has outstanding ofsted.

I lived there for a year, but I was at uni so didn't care much for primary schools back then! I liked it though, wimbledon's lovely.

I lived there for years. Good schools and proximity to london and wimbledon are great. Ds went to hollymount for a term and then we moved but it was and still is a v good school.

We have a little one and considering moving the house because there are not many good primary schools in the area and there are no good secondary schools to choose from! The only two good schools are Hollymount (impossible to get a place) and West Wimledon Primary (not easy as well). There is one good Catholic school as well. We don't live close to neither to Hollymount (even kids in the catchmen area are left out) nor to W Wimbledon school. None of us is Catholic either... So think well:)

Well, we've lived there for a year and are moving. Hate RP itself-no soul, no community. Above train line is "West Wimbledon" - leafy, quiet (dull) and pricy. Below train line is busier and less pretty. There's also St Matthews C of E school, and Wimbledon Chase. Think both have small catchments. But most London primaries do. If money is an issue maybe try New Malden - at least it has a nice high street.

Hollymount is fab - my mate's kids go there and love it. And they actually lived out of catchment when the eldest got a place. Although it's small and over-subscribed, there's a fair bit of movement so places do come up. Agree that the centre of RP is a bit soulless, but the area around Cottenham Park is very nice.

Second New Malden...although unless you want an estate agents or a Korean supermarket, sadly the shops are not amazing!

I heard from a friend that a brand new development at Raynes Park(flats and houses) has been recently available in the market. It would be of great help if anyone could let me know if the Greenview Drive (near the intersection of Grand drive & Bushey road) is a good area in terms of security, schools (both public and private) and locality?thanx for your help.