Commuter town or village

[Benners3005]

Help! Trying to decide to move from London (Herne Hill). We have 4 boys (8, 6, 4 and 2).
Was looking at Tunbridge Wells area but 11+ puts me off as don't think my stress levels can take that. Marlow or nearer Oxford looks good esp with new cross-rail. Or East Sussex. Ideas of places with good primary & secondary schools much needed please. Thanks, in anticipation!

I am wrestling with this question too at the moment. From my research areas with good secondary schools include Newbury ( big town), Compton (village) and Wantage (small town) -not so sure of Sussex but I have heard that Horsham has good schools but is that West Sussex?

Hi, I am also trying to decide to move out from South London. At the moment my "winners" are Benfleet (Essex), Hoddesdon (Hertfordshire) or Redhill (don't ask.. seems like the least uprooting option).. all chosen for good secondaries, commute not exceeding 300 pounds and affordable housing. I also have boys, but only two.

My problem is clearly mental as I find it very difficult to uproot myself. Other than that, there are plenty of nice towns to move to.

I also liked East Grinsted, but had to drop of my list due to long commute to London city and high council taxes and everything else seemingly quite expensive. Yep I am counting every penny and my budget is under 300k but this for the future of my boys I hope.

to teabaglady; newbury is nice, compton is quiet, wantage is okay (but just about to get another 3-4000 homes)

Compton is probably the best, but is quiet - not a lot there, you will need to drive places.

Newbury would be better than Wantage