Walton on Thames/Hersham on a “low” budget?

[Namechangeallchange]

”Low” for local standards, but might seem a lot to many. Budget is £550K ish for, ideally a (small) 3 bedroom. I have seen a few properties within that range on RM, not sure how realistic it is though?I mean is it likely we’d get outbid or perhaps these are houses in much more “rough” areas?
Which parts would you avoid?
I have this fear that by living in such a lovely, wealthy area will mean that we will always be feeling like the leas wealthy ones, especially as DS starts schools etc and they might start comparing. Is it silly of me to worry about that? Yes. Is it realistic though? I think so.

Anyone who knows the area and can advise?

That budget should get you a nice house. I prefer Walton to Hersham, although everything is so close, you could also consider Weybridge or even Addlestone to get more for your money.

@Anewuser thank you! I was reading that Adddlestone is a bit more rough and less safe? We really like Weybridge but is a bit pricier, will still consider though. Walton and Hersham seem a bit more on budget, saw some properties half way between the two.
I am just a bit concerned of being surrounded by millionaires and massive mansions and never get to “fit in” iyswim? We’d like to settle there for a long time and want to feel part of the community.

You’ll settle in just fine. If you have children, a lot of rich children will go to state primary school but then private at Secondary - St George’s.

Mine were invited to some lovely birthday parties and play dates but I never felt judged.

Some people will say Addlestone is rough, but I walk the dog around the area for an hour (even in the dark) and have never felt remotely concerned. I don’t know anyone who has had a break in/crime and I’ve lived here over 20 years. Never considered myself rough.

Good luck wherever you decide to buy.

@Anewuser thank you, I will definitely check it out, I have never been to Addlestone.
The main thing about Walton is the good commute, we both work in London so it’s essential for us. Will check trains from Addlestone too.

The trains aren't particularly good from Addlestone, and non direct, you change at Weybridge. I lived around these areas for a long time, and if you have the money to live somewhere nicer, then do so. While "rough" by Surrey standards is actually perfectly fine, Addlestone feels souless and large parts of it back onto the M25.

No you most definitely won’t feel out of place. There are a wide range of people and incomes in Walton and Hersham- multi million pound houses but also much smaller and many on modest incomes. It’s a lovely area to live. You may find cheaper housing on the side of town closer to the Walton leisure centre Excel, but all parts are nice. I’d avoid Addlestone.

@Fretfulmum thank you. Is there a reason why housing is cheaper there? No areas to avoid?

Some parts of Walton are too far away to walk to the train station etc.

Weybridge you're looking at a min of 600k plus for a three bed. The prices have been going nuts recently. The schools are excellent at state level and there's several private schools in the area and wider area.

If you're looking the area for decent transport into London, I'd suggest Byfleet, West Byfleet or outskirts of woking. Woking is a mixed bag but has become pricey in the last couple of years as well. Shepperton is also nice but can be a bit over priced and the train isn't great as its on the slow line. As is lower Sunbury (expensive but you may be able to find a decent project house) and Sunbury. Ashford may be a bit more doable but not sure what prices are like in that area as I've not looked there for a while now.

If you look at towns nearby and change at Woking for London Waterloo you may be able to find better value homes.

Following on from Onemorecookiemonster you could also look at Sunbury (not lower Sunbury) Halliford, Hampton. We are Hampton near the Hanworth borders, area isn’t the best but lots of buses, and fast trains from Feltham or slower trains from Hampton

Thanks all. We don’t like Woking. We have dismissed West Byfleet because of the pylons, I don’t like the idea of living near them (I know, I am mad).
I have seen a few 3 bed in Hersham and Walton so don’t think it’t totally undoable. We are also open to 2 beds if spacious enough.

@Namechangeallchange you will most definitely find something decent with your budget. Housing is cheaper on that end, I assume because of schools but I don’t really know why. You will just be compromising on space and access to the station. Even though around the high street is desirable, most of the houses are small and cramped with terrible parking arrangements. Traffic is also a nightmare. I find closer to the station far more peaceful and the housing stock is better although you are a tad further away from many amenities. It depends on your lifestyle. With Walton, you either choose to be near the high street or near the station. Hersham is also lovely but better nearer to the high street rather than near the station.
Sunbury looks nice but I think access is what puts me off. You have to drive all the way round to get to the other side of the Thames. It also doesn’t have any baby groups/clubs etc and you’ll always be travelling to Walton/Hersham/Shepperton. Although that may not be a factor for you right now.

All of the places you are looking at apart from Weybridge, you should be able to find a 3 bed semi detached. I live in Byfleet, direct trains into London, my 3 bed semi would be on the market for £575, my brother’s similar sized property in Addlestone £500.