Buzzy places to live within hour commute London

[800msprint]

Ideally with some culture, different independent restaurants and cafes, plus nice countryside on doorstep or something to do nature wise like a river, coast, big park or woodland nearby....
And also somewhere that isn’t overly tory/brexit. 😬 I don’t mind which way people lean but I would also like to be living somewhere where there are other people who have similar values to me too. I’m unsure at the moment what size place I’m after. I love cities but I also see the appeal of smaller places for ease. But I do like animosity and obviously you get more choice of stuff to do in bigger places. Kid-friendly. Schools are important but we can go private if state options not great/full. Basically somewhere with access to nature for when kids young but then also enough for them to do when teens too. Thanks!

It’s differences in understanding of ‘buzzy’ that lead to different suggestions isn’t it.

Some people mean a but edgy, possibly alternative or diverse. Others simply mean busy with lots going on.

I think you could only consider Brighton, Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol (which you have discounted), possibly Winchester... it does however depend on what you consider 'buzzy'. I have lived in a number of the places mentioned and for me Brighton and Bristol have some similarities as (obviously) do Oxford and Cambridge... but B and B are definitely 'edgier'.

Winchester is smaller and somewhere in the middle of all of them. Otherwise, places like Blackheath, Teddington etc. where you can get into London.

I cannot believe that Beaconsfield (and a bunch of other places) were mentioned.... so far from buzzy.....

I've no idea how parkrun comes into this, they are everywhere, that's the point. Nothing like exclusive about it at all.

@MrsJamin

The OP did provide their definition if you scroll up. More a place a family place with stuff to do rather than night out.

Hmm ok what I’m probably after is somewhere with character and life that is not just a bland commuter town. And yes some diversity would be great. I know I like places like Lewes, Hove, Bristol, Bath, also Folkestone sounds good. I think I’d prob find St Albans ok too but I think it’s way too pricey. It’s tricky isn’t it as buzzy can mean such different things. I guess I’m looking for a mini London village vibe and perhaps this can only be found in another city. I will find some time to go stomp around some places. Thanks for all the recommendations so far.

PS I totally would still clubbing (once every few years!)

Yeh I think I’d hate beaconsfield for example.

I totally don't get why you wouldn't have a parkrun near a place with nightclubs. They are literally everywhere especially in large towns and cities. Anyway I know that's not the important point right now!
I still think Reading has a lot going for it, very diverse, lots going on. And two parkruns!

Do you know Reigate, OP? I think it has more personality than most towns in the commuter belt. It’s also pretty and surrounded by gorgeous countryside.

Someone up thread said bedford. just no..ok nice river.,but not much else.

Watford. great schools, transport links, nice town centre good shopping , good football club, near the canal, theatre, good live music scene, diversity, great for kids

@JoJoSM2 I do know Reigate yes and yes it probably would fit what I’m describing but actually I’m not sure I’d want to live here so this is a really useful thread for me as I think it’s showing that I do perhaps want somewhere bigger with more diversity and oomph like the cities mentioned.

From your latest updates OP I think Hove would suit you best.