Coming back to the UK - where should we live?

[babymakesfive]

After almost 15 years in the US we are thinking of moving back to the UK. Recent civil unrest (literally on the street where we live), news that our kids' schools won't reopen at all in the autumn and a desire to be closer to family have made us want to come back, for a few months at least.
We used to live in London but we will have PTSD from the violence we're living through now, and a drastically reduced income due to the Covid-19 shutdowns, so wondering where to move to give life back in the UK a try!
Requirements:

• Not too far from London, so we can visit friends and family (once restrictions lift) and so my husband can commute once or twice a week.
• Pretty and scenic, with parks and gardens for the kids
• Great schools (kids are 10, 7 and 3)
• A reasonable number of shops/restaurants - we've always lived in cities so it would be nice to still have some 'creature comforts' on our doorstep
• Safe! Ideally with friendly locals to help my Yankee kids settle in!

Suggestions warmly welcomed : )

Catchment for good non selective schools from 4 - 18
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82511999.html

Thats the problem. We can get a larger house for half that where we are!

But if its in people's budget it'd fab. And yes Id be happy with all the secondary schools.

Pineapple
There are MUCH cheaper parts of Winchester
but Badger Farm is pretty civilised

I know, Badger farm is nice. We're just not in a Winchester price bracket for what we want anymore.

Would still recommend it for others on higher incomes than us though!

The OP has not come back
but if she wants safe and secure and good food and easy access to London and the country
and easy school, Winch is a very very good bet

If I could afford to live there I would

It really does depend on your budget. Also think about secondary schools- for 3 kids private schools will be punishing. From what you have said I would think about a large-ish town/ city in the south east. I agree Canterbury and Winchester might work, also Oxford, Cambridge, Tunbridge Wells, St Albans or maybe even Norwich. Most of these are not cheap though as lots of people are looking for what you are! Cheaper options might be Reading, Coventry, Ipswich or Newbury which are not as sought after but not exactly riot territory! My advice is once you can, come over and have a look around, also don’t rule out more rural areas if you need a bit of headspace.