Post-Covid world: where to move out of London? Weybridge, Esher etc?

[VL2020]

The most asked question ever on Mumsnet :) We are a family with a 4-year old boy looking to move to Surrey (mainly because of the transport link it offers). We don't know the areas that well but are looking for a commutable place to buy a detached house with a decent garden (as both work in London). Where is the friendliest commutable place? We are both Europeans hence looking for a more international place where everyone is welcome. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

@Rollingfog thank you for your suggestions - is Esher your favorite? I wonder what are the differences between the areas you mentioned

If your in Esher Esher high street, you have a good amount of restaurants a cinema, Waitrose and it feels quite busy and not very different to being in London, the high street and station are not that close though and around the station is much more residential. Thames Ditton is lovely, close to Hampton court, bushy park it’s got great walks and buildings. Claygate is more village, there is a great parade of Independent shops and cafes at the station and it’s surrounded by beautiful woodland and lots of horses. It feels more rural but the train is good and not further than Esher or thanes Ditton, maybe actually faster? I think with kids I prefer Claygate or Thame Ditton as greener areas. But all three are great!

@VL2020 no but I think it’s the nicest of the high streets that have been mentioned so far .

If horses are important, then look at Epsom. You have trains into Waterloo, Victoria and London Bridge and also the gallops on the racecourse where you can ride.

@Rollingfogg thank you so much, really. Will look into all these areas. Is there anywhere around Eshes you would recommend we avoid?

Maybe look at Bickley, Elmstead Woods and Chislehurst in Outer London. Closer to London than Sevenoaks, cheeped, green, access to grammar schools and private schools. Zone 5 so cheap travel too as you can use Oyster.

@allNetballHoop thank you for your suggestion - is Epsom a nice area or just the houses are nice?

I don't live in Epsom but my brother does. From what I have seen of it, it is nice but like anywhere, you have to look out for the better and worse areas.
My brother is in the college ward area and within easy walking distance of shops, the station, a cinema and a theatre.
The state schools that his kids go to (Rosebery for girls and Glyn for boys) are both rated as excellent and his children have done well there. Others may be able to tell you more, but I've always thought it a nice place.

@NetballHoop

I don't live in Epsom but my brother does. From what I have seen of it, it is nice but like anywhere, you have to look out for the better and worse areas. My brother is in the college ward area and within easy walking distance of shops, the station, a cinema and a theatre. The state schools that his kids go to (Rosebery for girls and Glyn for boys) are both rated as excellent and his children have done well there. Others may be able to tell you more, but I've always thought it a nice place.

Thank you - will have a look at Epsom 🙏🏻

Ah, the old Surrey thing. What’s the attraction? The areas you’ve listed (and all of north Surrey) are just the burb sprawl of Greater London. The rest of it is indistinguishable from its neighbours. Trains only run to Waterloo, probably the worst connected terminus. There’s better value and transport elsewhere imo.