Farnham North/South divide

[Zighy1]

Does anyone live in the Farnham area? Currently renting here and went to see a property to buy today on the outskirts of Farnham in Weybourne. The estate agent them started to tell me about the North South divide. I had no idea this was a thing? If I buy on the North side is this something I should be aware of for future house sale, crime rates etc. I have moved from London and thought all of Farnham was considered “nice”. Any advice gratefully received.

Don’t live there any more but I know it well. Divide is a bit much! People often want Weydon school for secondary and buy houses accordingly. The really big houses are mostly south. But personally I think there’s something to be said for having the park and town centre on your doorstep without having to cross the railway and the annoying level crossing. Where are you looking at houses? If it’s the town centre so then obviously north of the railway then you’re absolutely fine. None of it I’d think would be high crime etc though.

Its all to do with schools, south farnham primary and weydon secondary are in the top 10 of state schools so it’s made prices of houses in south farnham rocket-you wouldn’t get into those schools from north Farnham

Potters Gate primary is north and a feeder to Weydon. I know of a couple of kids from there that are now at Weydon. But yes the catchment is mostly south.

Thank you, that’s really helpful. My children are grown up so schools are not an issue. We are currently renting South and to be honest as beautiful as it is I do miss just walking to the shops, gym etc. and yes the level crossing is a massive pain and I always seem to get stuck in a queue to cross the A31.

Proximity to Aldershot will be another factor in the north being less desirable - it's one of the most deprived areas of Hampshire.

Might be worth considering Alton? You'll get more for your money.

Yes, the North of Farnham does merge into Aldershot which isn't particularly nice. With anywhere, pick your area. I live close to Farnham, but I wouldn't consider living in it as the traffic is a nightmare. I take any route that isn't near Farnham.

I always think Farnham would be lovely as long as I worked, shopped and socialised in Farnham and could always walk. People in South Farnham especially don't walk anywhere and the traffic reflects that.

Anywhere around the outskirts of the park is nice to have endless walks on your doorstep. But you're still in Farnham, paying Surrey council tax and sitting in traffic.

Yes I think the house I viewed is closer to Aldershot hence the price. I’m coming to the conclusion I can’t afford Farnham. As I don’t need the schools or the commute I am going to widen my search area. Thanks

Thanks I will look at Alton. It’s good to get advice from people who know the area.

Yes take a look at Alton. You could also look at Petersfield which is just over the border in Hampshire.

I’m from South Farnham. It is nice (though I hated Weydon and unless they’ve improved their bullying rates can’t see how anyone would enjoy it, so lucky your kids are all grown up), but it’s a funny old town as people say because south you’ve got the station and the walk to town, but north you’ve got the park, and in between you’ve got the worst traffic known to humanity and no matter the different ways they carve up the one-way system and knock things down (farewell, The Gorge cafe) and move things, it’s always going to be a clusterfuck.

Plenty of people in south Farnham walk, though.

Yes Alton seems pretty decent when I’ve visited, don’t know tons about it though.
You could also consider Fleet maybe, I’m there and it’s similar price wise to Alton, maybe slightly more, but less than Farnham for sure.

Things north Farnham have, the beautiful park, Caesar’s camp, no level crossing, access if needed to the M25 or the M3, no level crossing, the rugby club, did I mention no level crossing, , David Lloyd gym, Nuffield gym, did I mention no level crossing…….

I really want to like Alton, but I just find it a bit flat, can’t describe it.

Ref access to the M25 and the M3 that is easier access to LHR and LGW and if the situation calls for it, Stansted.

Appreciate that you have no need for schools, but north of Farnham we have All Hallows, an outstanding school, with an inspiring headmaster…

Did I mention no level crossing….

I will stop now…..(unless I think of something else…..)

Alton is nice, schools ok, houses much cheaper. The thing about Farnham is the road, A31, that cuts it in half. Schoolchildren cross it daily without apparent harm but It's bloody terrifying. No thanks.

Alton has tons going on in terms of community events, lots of green space, great country walks, train line into London, good schools and college (not needed for you OP), it's got a lot going for it I think (and only two stops on the train or a 10 minute drive into Farnham if needed).

It's got a lot going for it in my view. What's your budget OP?

Need to emphasise in Altons favour, the station is the end of the line. At 7am on your morning commute to Waterloo it maximises any investment you've made in property. ALWAYS a seat available

Thanks everyone. Off to explore Alton, hoping there is no level crossing there! Unbelievably driving back at 11pm last night I still got stuck behind that bl###y crossing again! 😂

Hi @Zighy1, another vote for Fleet area here, I've just moved to Church Crookham so am walking distance to Fleet. Albeit the town needs a little revamp but property is cheaper here!