Guildford/Woking: What's it like?

[KezzieJJ]

Dh and I have decided that we would like to move to Woking/Guildford from SE London - but we don't really know the area. We are currently in Crystal Palace and love it here, but want a different schooling/lifestyle for our kiddies. DH works in Hammersmith, and myself in Waterloo.

Anyone live there or nearby who can give me an idea of good places to live, we know the villages are great, but obviously not as commutable into London for work as the towns themselves. We can only go to stamp duty price too, and want 3 beds and a garden for our money!

We also have a 3 year old and a 3 month old, so school and nursery is important too.

Finally - are there any good nanny/au pair agencies/contacts out that way as mini-cherub will need care when I return to work in March.

(I know ... not asking for much, right?)

ANY help greatly assisted - thanks in advance.

:)

The worst drivers are in Weybride and cobham, they act as if they own the road.

The Ripley part of Woking is nice. That is the only part I would personally live in.

Guildford town is lovely.I have never lived in the centre itself only on the surrounding villages. Very pretty, good mix of shops, upmarket, loads of resturants and cafes. Feels safe, clean and pleasant. It could do with a few more independent shops in my opinion though.

There is still a feel of affluence in the air despite the recession.

Parking can be irriating, and the sheer slope of the high-street is exhasting but at least its exercise!

The Friary centre has been refurbished and it very impressive.

Also there is G live and two theatres. There is the spectrum, which is a huge lesuire centre with a brilliant swimming pool.

I havent been out at night in years into Guildford but as a teenager I thought it was great fun.

Yes the area can be snobby, but most people are very friendly on the whole.

However I dont think £250k will buy much, or in a good area. Avoid Park Barn and Bellfields.

I agree to look around Dorking and the villages. A lovely area, just a but slow with trains so you will find your money goes further.

Can I ask why bellfields is seen as so bad? I'm looking at a property there. I had a drive round late last night to get a feel for the area and literally saw nobody! All the houses looked like small family homes (although not wealthy necessarily). Did I miss the worst bit? Any bad roads particularly?