So, things are moving on - all starting to get a bit real now, which is both exciting and scary! Based on your helpful input, we've done a first recce of various of the patches recommended by you good people. Can I share my thoughts so far, and invite anyone who knows the places better than I do (i.e. anyone who knows the places) to tell me if I'm getting it about right?
We could only manage to get up for one long day, as my parents were able to look after DD, but to be honest, our heads were exploding by the evening so we will need to come back a few more times.
We ruled out Bramhall/Marple/Worsley for this visit because it does sound as though the drive into Manchester at peak times is just too long. We focussed on Heatons, Didsbury, then the road back through Sale, Atrincham, Hale and Bowdon.
So (deep breath), here we go:
Heatons - good housing stock, affordable in comparison to nearby places like Didsbury/Bramhall. We'd promised ourselves to be shameless in asking for advice, so spoke to some mums in cafe who said good nurseries, nice vibe to the place, but interestingly several planning to go private for education - not sure what to read into that? Lots of trees (a positive), but not much by way of park and amenities that we could see. Overall, I did like the areas, but I think Id be worried about schools and transport several prospective colleagues have said its best to be near a tram line if possible .
Didsbury - really liked the bits around Fletcher Moss, and the park. Seemed to be lots of pushchairs, so while we didn't get to do in-depth research, I thought there had to be lots going on. Had rightmove on the ipad, and was a bit worried about the prices it would be right at the top of our budget, and if we didnt get a place at one of the good local primaries, I would have to think about going private. It sounds as though there is a problem, as we were told that the local C of E school operates a system of having your church attendance monitored by way of stamps on a card! Did like the feel of the place it actually didnt feel too urban. West Didsbury seemed to be younger and more at the chi-chi bars and restaurants end of the spectrum, compared to the main part. If Im honest, I really liked that I would be able to get a bus into work, and not worry about getting there in time to get a parking space which is a source of stress currently. We drove round the motorway wondering if the price premium and school uncertainty was just too much to take on, though DH liked the idea of a cheese shop, but since he has a 38 waist now, hed be barred!
Sale a real tester. Houses seemed good, and wed get more for our money. Lots of families living there, good schools even an Art Cafe where DH managed to sneak an order of cheese on toast past me in a moment of weakness on my part! Several people said that there is lots going on for toddlers and young children. The centre was, if Im honest, a real disappointment Im used to a community that has a defined heart, and Sale seemed to lack that. There was strong feedback that the main road is a nightmare one person told us that it was not uncommon for you to be allocated a school place the other side of the main road, which could just take forever if you had to drive there and then get back on to the A56 to get to work. We were told that pretty much all the schools were good, which takes out a worry, but there is also a collective psychosis which grips parents of 8, 9 and 10 year olds ahead of the selective exams tutoring and paranoia rule in some households and I dont want DD to feel the pressure of keeping up with everyone else. Parks-wise, not much, but if we are in the position of having a decent sized garden and DDs schoolfriends nearby, I guess that would be okay. Was told that it was possible to drive to Hospitals in 30-40 minutes, and DD would use tram, but all bets off on match days at Old Trafford re timings. Couldnt work out areas/schools within Sale that well, but some of the more expensive roads on the Ashton on Mersey side were all electric gates and thats a turn-off for me I want to be a bit more integrated than that. Brooklands was recommended, as were the roads near Worthington Park, but I think where the schools are would be a big factor here considering the transport issues.
Altrincham nice environment, but worried that the commute becomes less feasible, while houses become pricier. Still okay for DH, but more of a problem for me, and my work wont move, whereas DH could change jobs in due course and be working somewhere not in the City Centre. We didnt get to spend much time there as it was getting late, but did have a good drive around. Nicer shops and centre than Sale, but its not as non-urban as, say, Bowdon, while it didnt have the city conveniences of, say, Didsbury. I could be doing the place a major disservice, but that was the first impression. Have been told theres a fabulous nursery there (Oakfield), and, much, much later, if DD were to pass the exams, youre on the doorstep of Altrincham Girls I dont know much about the other school options there, so would need to do more research. If theres anyone on here who commutes from Altrincham to Manchester by car/public transport, Id really appreciate getting more of an insight into the realities of it.
Hale and Bowdon Bowdon was lovely in parts, but I just didnt know if wed fit in I felt wed be the poor relations in the old part of Bowdon, and the newer part seemed a bit less of a community. Hale had a nice High St, but again, it seemed to be quite expensive, and I think wed worry about not fitting in as wed be at the very top end of the budget range. Add in the commute issues from being further out again (me) and the need to add in a longer walk/drive into Altrincham (DH), and I fear that neither of them would quite work.
So, thats it. We reflected on the way back and in the last few days, and I think out of the places weve seen so far, its between Sale and Didsbury, but with Altrincham a real possibility depending on some practicalities. Weve thought about coming up and renting, but in truth, its the impact on DD that puts me off that I could cope, but she may struggle more with all the chopping and changing.
The other absolutely huge worry is whether we can get a nursery place it is genuinely keeping me awake at nights. By the time weve found and bought, DD will be nearing three, and (if its anything like where we are now), the nurseries are full. Shes at a brilliant nursery now 4 days a week, and is thriving on it I really want her to be at another place she loves and will grow in. Im really worried that, at short notice, at best well only be able to get into a nursery that isnt as good, and may struggle to find any places locally. If anyone knows about nursery availability in Sale/Altrincham/Didsbury, I would be so grateful for any insights on that.
Next steps are to decide whether another broad sweep is needed (this time to look at some of the other suggestions that have been made) or whether we just need to start focussing in on areas that seem like the most appropriate options so far. If anyone has any comments or thoughts they could share either to correct any misapprehensions on my part, or to say that Im on the right lines, I would be genuinely very grateful .
Thank you