Moving from London to Tonbridge Wells

[Movingfromlondon1]

We are considering making a move when we can. We currently live in South West London (Wimbledon area) but are starting to feel that with a 2.5 year old and 5 month old, we will be better placed as a family in Tonbridge Wells. Reasons include better quality air, more space, good schools and being closer to family.

Of course this comes with a sense of trepidation, and there are many questiona that internet searches wont answer. So it would be great to hear from anyone who made this move, or anyone already in Tonbridge Wells. Is there a community feel, particularly for young families like ours? Do you miss London (if you came from there) and without knowing our personal circumstances, would you recommend it?

Any advice or information would be very helpful.

Is that Tonbridge, or Tunbridge Wells?

My sister used to live in Tunbridge Wells - it's a nice town, and yes, lots of young families, but it's more difficult to get into London for work than you might think.

My sister and her DH eventually moved back to the outskirts of London because it fitted in with work better.

Tunbridge Wells and a tonbridge are two different places, but are quite close together.

It’s a nice area to live in. Kent has a good grammar school system, and Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells have super-selectives which are sought after schools (as well as ‘Ordernary’ and non-grammars).

Can’t comment about the young family set-up as I don’t actually live in these areas, but not to far away, but I’m sure they’re fine.

I know both fairly well though I haven't lived in either.
Tonbridge has much better rail connections because it's a junction and has trains from different lines. There is less attractive housing of different styles than there is in TW and therefore a bit cheaper but the shopping is good for quite a small town and good schools too. The vibe is obviously going to be a bit different from Wimbledon, quite mono-cultural, but this is subjective...depends what you like.

W lived there for 3 years and it's a really nice place

Ah sorry I meant tunbridge wells