We're moving back to the UK after a number of years overseas, and as we have only ever lived in London we would love some advice on areas to consider for our return. We have a good budget (5k/month) for a rental.
Criteria:
- Safe, picturesque large town or small city with beautiful architecture and lots going on
- Not TOO far from London for an occasional visit/once a week commute (to Bank)
- Great state schools (my DCs would be going into years 2 and 5, I know we've left it late but a few schools we've emailed in the areas below do surprisingly have spaces)
- Access to nature nearby. We are leaving a beautiful beach city so having a river/some water nearby is a big bonus
- A thriving high street, not too rural but also not plagued with big city problems (DC have had a really stressful year for various reasons, we would like them to be somewhere picturesque and safe now).
- Friendly locals and welcoming community. A friend of mine moved to SouthFarnham and she said she felt very excluded (I realise this is just one person's experience but I know some places are less 'open' to newcomers than others!
- Not too suburban! We are drawn to places with a cosmopolitan flair : )
The shortlist so far is:
Winchester
Canterbury
Cambridge
St. Albans
Henley-on-Thames
Tunbridge Wells
Bath
Possibly Barnes/Hampton/East Molesey, although these are closer to London than we would like.
Sorry for the epic post, and thank you so much in advance for your input!