Goring or Brightwell?

[Ellerry123]

Hi all - I am in a quandry. I am relocating down south with my 2 year old after spending a few years in Scotland. As it is just the two of us, I would like to move somewhere we can really connect with the local community. I have looked at properties in both Brightwell Cum Sotwell and Goring and I love them both.

I can get more space and privacy in Brightwell - bigger garden etc but in Goring, we could walk to most places. As I would be commuting to London 2 days per week, being able to walk to the station is obviously really handy but then Brightwell is only a short drive to the station.

Although Brightwell is smaller, perhaps the community is tighter and so we'd feel more part of something than the bigger Goring but then there seems to be more going on in Goring both for little ones and parents.

Any advice very welcome!

Goring is good.

Loads to do (really loads; food fairs, arts fairs, regatta, village sporting events etc), easy to get around, good independent shops still. Lovely in summer

Don't know Brightwell particularly. Goring has a very strong sense of community. If you have young children it is extremely easy to become part of it. And yes, there is lots going on. We put a very high weight on having a train station within walking distance to get to work, but it is also invaluable once children reach teen age and can travel to Reading/Oxford by themselves. We feel very lucky that we chose it!