Where would you move to?

[duchessa]

Hi all,

Would love some expert MN advice!

We're hoping to move before the end of the year (renting initially). Thankfully we have a good budget.

Criteria: Within an hour(ish) of London for twice a week commutes into the City

• Excellent state primaries and secondaries (we know that we'll be on waitlists for 'in year admissions' but we're currently homeschooling and can continue to do so until spaces open up)
  
• Safe/low crime
  
• Beautiful/historic elements
  
• Close to nature but not 'dead' - a thriving high street with restaurants/farmer's markets etc
  
• Not dull commuterville - we've ruled places like Beaconsfield out as they seem to be lacking any real 'vibe' or community
  
• Not directly under a flight path
  
• Somewhere with a hint of a creative element would be ideal (I work in the arts and we're definitely not a 'stockbroker belt' family!)
  

Bath would be a dream but it's too far from work and family.

We liked the look of Farnham and Winchester, and someone suggested Tunbridge Wells (but we haven't had a chance to check it out yet). Would love thoughts on these places or suggestions for others!

[MrsJamin]

Which main London train station is the nearest for your work? Londoners are flocking to reading even more than normal at the moment. What with it being on the crossrail line, it ticks all your boxes too. A thriving arts scene, history but lots going on in the town centre ("normally" though, obviously). What's your budget and what do you hope to be able to buy with it?

[movingmuddle]

What's your budget? That will make a huge difference to where people suggest.

[duchessa]

@movingmuddle

What's your budget? That will make a huge difference to where people suggest.

We have a good budget - up to 5k/month.

[MiniMaxi]

Oxford or Cambridge

[MiniMaxi]

(I know the Oxford state schools are largely good. Not sure about Cambs)

[VictoriaBun]

Reading your requirements , my first thought was Bath as well but obviously just a little too far out of your remit travelling wise . Are you sure you can't push it ? Lots do !

[duchessa]

@VictoriaBun

Reading your requirements , my first thought was Bath as well but obviously just a little too far out of your remit travelling wise . Are you sure you can't push it ? Lots do !

Family are in SW London so it's a bit too much of a schlep from Bath (especially as some don't drive). DH also says no as he hopes to commute a bit more often if and when this pestilence finally abates.

[friendlycat]

Winchester.

[UsernameN0Tavailable]

Lewes?

[JoJoSM2]

Guildford is another large town/small city that’s commutable, buzzy and surrounded by attractive countryside. You could also try Reigate. It’s a small town but buzzy and on the edge of the Surrey Hills.

[MrsJamin]

Brighton? Thriving arts and history, lots of shops etc. No idea about schools. Good budget for getting somewhere near the station.

[Serin]

Norwich?

[lljkk]

Norwich is almost 2 hours commute from London & the train line is dodgy. I wondered about Colchester.

[AllAroundTheKitchen50]

BERKHAMSTED without a doubt.
Check it out

[sarahb083]

Winchester
Guildford
Petersfield (maybe a bit too dull though)
Brighton

[Findahouse21]

Canterbury and the surrounding villages

[duchessa]

@MrsJamin

Brighton? Thriving arts and history, lots of shops etc. No idea about schools. Good budget for getting somewhere near the station.

Thanks @MrsJamin. DH says he finds Brighton too grimy...

[ulanbatorismynextstop]

Saffron Waldon

[DangoDays]

Salisbury

[Dinosauraddict]

Winchester

[SorrelForbes]

Guildford or Winchester

[Bloodylegoeverywhere]

Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey are about an hour from London if you look at the Camberley, Fleet, Sandhurst area.
Guildford is a nice place too.

[MinnieMountain]

Cambridge.

[Twizbe]

Huntingdon. Direct link to kings x, cheaper than Cambridge, historic market town with some good schools. Godmanchester is a lovely part of Huntingdon and walking distance to the station.

If you're ok with a drive to the station then St.Ives in Cambridgeshire is lovely.

[NettySays]

Marlow, Berkhamsted, Cookham or Guildford.