Possible move to Surrey - HELP!?!?

[RubyBest]

Hello All,

I've spent a fair amount of time on mumsnet since I was pregnant with my first boy (now 3 and a half) but only ever as a casual viewer however recent life developments have caused me to register and cry for help!

My husband has been offered an amazing opportunity with work that would see us relocate (probably only for around 2 years) from our small town in Scotland (Doune) to somewhere in Surrey. His work would see him commute to New Malden so we are looking at quite a large area but trying to stay as close as possible. Dorking area a possibility but no further out.

We have 2 boys - one who will turn 4 in May and another just turned 1. And a lovely cocker spaniel ;)

I love my home. I love the area. I love the quiet cul de sac we live on. The woodland out back for the dog. I love the friends I have made and the friends my oldest has made here. However it's a great chance for us all as a family and we need to really consider it.

So! Mumsnet! Where do I start? Where to rent? Schools? Areas? Social circles?

Any and ALL advice hugely welcome.

I don't think living in any of these places would replicate your Scottish experience so I'd be more inclined to move to somewhere with a nice park and a good community that's a really short commute for your DH like Surbiton or Motspur Park. I live in Raynes Park which is a three minute train journey to New Malden and we have a couple of nice local parks, live within walking distance of Wimbledon Common and 10 minutes drive from Richmond Park. The A3 is close and at the weekend we can be out in the surrey countryside in 20 minutes. this flat is right opposite the park.

Another vote for Bookham, lived there as a kid. Really good secondary, lots of feeder schools. Under an hour by train to New Malden, with one change at Effingham Junction, or drive there and go direct. Expensive housing, but less so than Effingham and The Horsleys.

There are villages within driving distance of Dorking that will give you something closer to the "Scottish" experience (power cuts, being cut off by snow in winter, acres of woodland), but I agree that the commute could be a pain and they are pricey. Also, since the new Waitrose opened I think Dorking has undergone a bit of a rejuvenation - quite a few independents if you know where to look. There are some good village infant schools but they can be oversubscribed.

We are considering a move in the opposite direction. Good luck

I lived in New Malden 10 years ago & moved to Epsom where we've been ever since. I commuted back for a while, traffic is painful everywhere around here, but it would take me 30/45 mins in rush hour. Definitely recommend Epsom - lots of green space, loads for the children to do and most schools are great. Look around Ewell, you can find some pretty good places for that budget.

Hi OP there is a Shepperton branch train line which goes up to New Malden in 15-30 minutes depending on where you start from. Trains are only every half hour but you go through Teddington, Hampton, Sunbury and out to Shepperton. All are nice areas (price drops as you go out towards Shepperton) with parks and good schools and varying housing stock depending on your budget. Also you're close to M3/M25 and Heathrow.

I live around this area so am biased but I think it could be a good option for you. Good luck!

Sorry just read your second post so just to add that the locations I've mentioned aren't rural but Bushy park does have a lot of deer

What did you decide op?