Bromley or Bishop’s Stortford?

[littlecrystal]

Hi all mumsnetters, I would appreciate your advice. Probably a very boring thread, but we are in South London and have soon to make a move for a better comprehensive secondary school. We are full-time working parents (in the city) with 2 DC. After a thorough research we narrowed to Bromley and Bishop?s Stortford.

Bromley location would get us an apartment, nearer proximity to London, no need to change a current primary school unless we want to. We would maintain our friendships, but lose a garden.

Bishop?s Stortford would get us a tiny house (because we have to incorporate the cost of commute ? 7k per year), a town community, close proximity to Stansted airport (a bonus for us). And I kind of like the idea of a small town.
We would have a garden, but would lose our friendships.

My DC do not look like a grammar school material and we are not Catholic?s before anyone thinks of offering these.

I know it is a dilemma but we need to make the decision and any sort of advice would be very much appreciated.

I used to be familiar with both places and would pick BS over B any time. Nicer feel, pleasant place, nice schools. B was good for shopping but always felt rougher and more urban. Depends on if you want urban or not really!

Just wanted to chip in and say we live in bs and its great. Rally really great schools for all ages, open country close by, lots to do and nice mix of commurs and proper locals. Have no experience of Bromley however so that could be equally lovely! Happy house hunting wherever you go!

And I'd like to apologise for my terrible typing :)

Just be aware that there is a planning application in progress for a massive development of 2500 houses on farmland to the north of bishops Stortford. I wouldn't describe it as a 'small town' now, and the planners seem determined to make it into a large town.

I agree with madness. I live in the village next to bs. There is a planning application for 2500 homes near me and another possible 500 homes in the field behind me. Every spare piece of land is being built on. Stansted are also fighting a massive development. We won't be nice small villages or town for much longer sadly. People who have bought houses with lovely views are going to see them disappear. The roads etc. cannot cope with the influx of people. And unless you live about 10 meters from a school you probably won't get in. We are going to experience one hell of a change over the next few years xx

The new development does sound scary. Mind you, it will still leave it more rural than Bromley!

Thanks everyone. BS looks good on MN paper, i.e. good schools, lots of good comments, but we visited last weekend and my DH was not impressed, it was too "bland" for him - ha ha what do you expect after coming from multidiverse South London! :)

I found it OK although it is hard to get the feel while on the stroll on the high street with two stroppy toddlers!

That development in BS is massive, has it been confirmed for sure?

We have decided with DH that we will primarily look in Bromley borough but keep an eye on BS just in case.

Bromley used to be very good for shopping :-)

Hehe. I moved here from the east end and yes it was a bit of a culture shock. I am sorry that the children won't experience the same diverse upbringing as I did.