Any Northampton/MK locals? Looking for relocation advice!

[eekhelp]

Hello! My husband and I are trying to choose between 2 very evenly matched houses and I was wondering if there's anyone out there that could help us with more information about the local areas to help us choose. One is in Crownhill MK and the other is in Hardingstone, Northampton, both are lovely, the MK one is probably a nicer house and needs a little less work, the NH one is in the the conservation area so very lovely area. We live in MK and don't know Northampton so well though (though we are the other side of MK so don't know the Crownhill area very well) We've been up and down to both areas loads, and really can't decide! Any insight if anyone is local to those areas very much appreciated! Does anyone know both areas at all, or have experience living both in MK and Northampton? Any help appreciated! :)

Northampton is okay, shopping isn't as good as MK, the town centre is a bit dire. It does have 2 really good theatres, a good indie cinema, lots of lovely country parks. Hardingstone is really lovely, close to town centre but not too close. It used to be a village but now part of the town. It's fairly close to the M1. That part of the A45 can get really busy at rush hour. Has a good Waitrose close by in Wootton. What do you like to do? Do you need to travel for work or think about schools? I don't know Crownhill at all so not much use there.

There is a thread in education secondary saying some secondary schools are in big trouble in Northants. Look at that info if you need a secondary school.

Yes secondary schools in Northampton aren't great. DS1 is in yr 6 so we're just about to go through this. I think I'll have a look for that thread. Thanks Bubbies.

Can you link to the Northants secondary school thread please? I can't find it.

I agree, Northampton is really great for primary school age kids, so much to do. But the town centre isn't great unfortunately (it really could be but places like Rutland lakes will take more and more business away). If you live in a village you have to drive everywhere. We do drive to MK quite a bit for activities and shopping but it's not too far. I love the theatres in Northampton and there are some fab restaurants. Great private secondary schools, but not so great state...

Thanks everyone :) We decided to go for the MK house, now just have to hope the sale / purchase goes to plan :)