Moving to Oxted-help!

[user1476707244]

Hello
Am desperately seeking some reassurance about our forthcoming move to Oxted. We'all be moving from lovely Richmond in SW London purely because we 'need' more space and that's just not affordable here. I have a 2 and 4 year old and I'm tearing my hair out about moving the 4 year old from an outstanding school, to one which we know little about. Is there much to do for families, im a sahm? Are people friendly? Am I about to make the biggest mistake of my life? Any help would be appreciated x

I don't live there, but I visit the town centre sometimes and what always strikes me is how friendly people are compared to further into London. I think it has a lovely feel and community atmosphere. I would love to live there. I like the Barn Theatre and Tandridge pool, cinema. I liked the secondary school when I looked round. I don't know the primary schools. I think it would be a lovely place to bring up children with lots on for children.

Just seen you are looking at private schools. A friend has been very happy with Hazelwood

For secondary a friend is happy with Woldingham.

As an alternative to Hazelwood (and cheaper), you could look at Lingfield Notre Dame which goes through to 18. When dc are older they could go by train. We know dc who have come through various of the private and state/private options in the area. People vary on the prep/senior or 3-18 and often they wish they'd done the opposite! At senior age they tend to be more willing to travel, sometimes into Croydon or Kent. For State it might also be worth looking at Godstone, less than 10 minutes drive away.

I did the same move from Richmond to Oxted a couple of years ago with a 2 and 4 year old and was similarly nervous. Richmond is pretty special and hard to leave but I have no regrets. Initially I missed walking everywhere and having the convenience of shops, friends and activities on my doorstep. However there is a really lovely community and lots of families who have moved out of London for more space and good schools. My kids are at Hazelwood and we love it - fab school.

Over the fields is there a way of private messaging you? I'm totally new to Mumsnet and joined it this week in hope that there might be similar folk out there! I'd really like to hear more about how you got on with your move. My husband is now having doubts because of my fears, where previously he was all set to go.

User - just press 'message poster' on the blue bar on the top of the post of the person you want to send a private message to.

Happy to answer any questions so feel free to message.

Agh don't do it! We moved from east Dulwich out to similar to oxted location (q close by but in Kent) 4 years ago and I regret it every single day! When we moved I was a sahm with a 1 and 3 yr old....within 2 months I went back to work as I was going insane. We were lured by the big house and garden. Everyone else is happy enough but I would move back in a flash if it wasn't for kids settled in schools, not being able to afford anything etc!

We moved to Oxted a few years ago and live in the 'border' between Oxted and Hurst Green - I think I can guess where you mean anyway. Oxted is a suburban town so will never be quite like Richmond but it is what it is. It's perhaps the compromise for the wonderful gardens and characterful houses that you able to get for your money compared with somewhere like Richmond.

Have you explored the wider area? One of the best things is that you're a short drive away from wonderful countryside. The bluebell woods in spring are incredible. There are places to visit / cultural attractions nearby and all the village fetes, groups, clubs and activities for children you could possibly expect from a rural(ish) community. Many people here are passionate about preserving the character of the town they love.

Lastly, my children are at Downsway and will hopefully move onto St Mary's. Both are lovely schools though Downsway is not the infant school that all the yummy mummies want, if you see what I mean...

Surely almost anywhere is cheaper than Richmond. Where else have you looked more locally? Whitton, for example? The nice bits of isle worth (watch out for the sewage works)? Someone has already mentioned Hampton, which i always think looks lovely. There's a cheapish area near Kingston who's name escapes me....something park?

I've visited Oxted for work and it looked nice enough, but it seems quite a random move if you're not sure. I used to live in Richmond and am now very happily living in a cheaper part of the South East, so there's definitely life after Richmond. I wouldn't rush into it though.

Thank you, thank you, thank you again! Hoping to actually get some proper sleep tonight and not spend the night having terrors about removal men; bad schools and unfriendly neighbours!!!

Hello user1476707244 - just wondering if you made the move in the end? We're in a similar situation to you were then and intrigued to know how it worked out for you!? Thanks!

Heya! We’re in a similar situation and want to know what you ended up doing?

Hi , i am also looking to make the transition from living in London for nearly 20 years to Oxted .
Did you make the move ? If so how have you found it? Are the trains into London any good ?
My husband and myself are looking at moving either to Oxted or Tunbridge wells. Although you get more house for your money in twells and it is a bigger town the Train fair will be over £1k a month between us. Which is dead money . So oxted is currently looking to be the better option.