250k, 3 bed in a small town? Please give your opinions!

[IndianaMoans]

I want to move, I live in a village, it's not for me. I've tried to settle here but its been several years and I am still not happy. I lived in London all of my childhood, this has been too much of a change. I'd like a compromise of a small town, I need occassional access to London, so looking in southern half of the country, north of London really. Essex, Herts etc. Where shall I look? Is it even possible?
Grateful for any opinions at all.

Colchester's quite nice. And a 3-bed in a nice area, with a decent Secondary, is less than your budget. Just. Roughly £230-250k in the best parts, £190-220 in the not-so-good bits.

Swimming pool, castle, big park with shows on throughout the summer - kids shows too, Country Park like a hidden gem in the middle of a town, 3 hell holes soft play centres, dance schools, just about everything.

Only downside is the shopping's not great, for some things you have to go to Ipswich.

Merrycouthymows, Which area's of Colchester would you recommend? Secondary schools are important as my DS will soon move up. Which schools are good?

Myland and Hughwoods area are good, the Gilberd school there is great. I'd be careful if Primary is necessary - I wouldn't advise my DC's primary (!), but Myland primary is good, as is St. John's and Queen Boudicca (everyone calls it Queen B!).

There's also a 'naice' bit in the South of the town, Lexden is lovely, and that's the end that the Grammars are in.

All areas have good public transport links, but Myland/Highwoods are closer to the main train station where you can commute to London.

Does anyone else have any other suggestions?

Merrycouthymows, are they mostly new builds I those areas you suggest? The gilberd school looks good, thanks!

Southend? Good schools, closer to London, most family sized houses below that budget. It is a grammar school area though

Yes, mostly new builds, though there are some older properties in Myland, and a lot of Highwoods was built in the 80's.