Is Sutton, Surrey nice / safe for a small family?

[lookingforhomemum]

Hi, me and DH (no kids) are thinking of moving to Surrey (leaving London) for more green, less populated/traffic with a safer area, and better schools (well, that's what we think Surrey offers). We are in our mid-30s. We are currently looking at Sutton, New Malden, Surbiton and further out, like Epsom and Reigate.

We really like the countryside but we don't necessarily have to be right in the middle of it. We like small towns, but wouldn't mind a larger town if we can get to the countryside, nature easily (car is fine).

We mainly work from home (expected in London office once a week ish). We also want to start our family next year so a good place for primary schools would be ideal (even secondary). We kind of are looking for our forever home, which might be a little early to decide, but we have been renting for yonks and moving a lot over the years and now in a good place (career and salaries) to settle down for a couple of decades (we hope!).

Our house value we are looking for is to about £550k, ideally lower. We are looking for a proper 3 bed house (no box rooms) with a drive and garden. We don't mind doing a little refurb. We aren't bothered about "posh" areas, but we do prioritise safety (London doesn't feel safe to us anymore if we were to have kids! Sorry in advance if that might offend anyone, just a few personal experiences have led us down this path :( )

I guess our priority is looking for a good, clean, safe area close to the countryside (a short drive) with good schools is what we hope for. We are also the type to enjoy coffee shops run by independent stores, we frequent them quite often.

We don't know much about Sutton, New Malden, Surbiton and further out, like Epsom and Reigate. If any one lives in these areas and has some suggestions (roads, areas, tips and schooling experience), we would be so so grateful.

Thank you! and sorry for the long post <3

If you choose the south side and closer to Cheam it's very leafy. I'd avoid the north end.

I'd probably look at Cheam though not sure how far 550k will go in the nice bits of the area.

Look at Ewell, Banstead, Tadworth too.

550 is unlikely to get you what you want in those areas, although Reigate I don't know v well. Surbiton/Kingston would be my first choice of those but I think you'd be looking a v small house or more likely flat. New Malden is fine, overpriced in my view. Epsom is ok though high st is a bit crap, I prefer Ewell. With your budget maybe search Chessington, just across border but slightly more affordable.
Sutton is well transport linked but I didn't particularly like it as an area.

Maybe search Ashtead too though I haven't looked at prices there for a while.

Carshalton village is a nice area with lots of parks however you wouldn't get a 3 full bed for £550 I don't think. Most of the houses are traditional 3 beds that have a box room.

There may be some Victorian terraces with a loft room that would work.

Sutton itself is not as green.

I'm sorry to say that for your budget you won't achieve what you want in those areas. Perhaps Sutton?

Realistically I would key in your budget into all those areas and see exactly what the amount brings up. New Malden, Surbiton and Reigate will all be more expensive for your wish list.

Sutton borough has excellent schools - Cheam is lovely as is Carshalton.

I have friends in Sutton. It's well connected but the town centre is particularly lovely (very few high streets are these days). You might find something towards Coulsdon that fits your parameters.

Agree that Chessington could be a good compromise - you definitely get more house for your money, still links to London and feels pretty safe. No real shops there though, it has a high street but not a town centre - you would need to go to Kingston for retail therapy. Sutton has a town centre but it doesn't have the appeal of Surbiton/Kingston hence the price difference. I wouldn't feel 'unsafe' there though.
Another place to consider is Worcester Park - some parts are reasonably priced. If you go to the main road you can get buses to either Sutton or Kingston in opposite directions, and if you are the cheam side you can get buses to Wimbledon and Morden too. Only zone 4 for travel to London. IF crossrail 2 ever happens (unlikely at the mo, but perhaps a consideration) it was supposed to be destined to go to WP. It also has Nonsuch Park round the corner which is lovely. It's high street, like Chessington, is limited though and a pain to drive through in rush hour

Cheam, Carshalton and Banstead are nude, but pricey. I live in rosehill. It's cheaper but a lot rougher. I feel safe and he's all we could afford but would live elsewhere if we could!

Try Wallington, there's nice Victorian bits, the train has got better and it's considerably cheaper.

Tolworth is more affordable like Chessington, compared to Surbiton. Also, Stoneleigh near Worcester Park and Ewell is also quite pleasant, but not sure about prices there.

You do realise Sutton (and Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington etc) are still in London?

Surbiton and New Malden too.

Check Sutton Common, quiet, nice people and good schools for primary and secondary within walking distance to high street.

Oh thanks so much for responding. Do you know much about these areas? I have never visited and hoping to this weekend. If you have anything to share about them, even something small, that would be amazing!! :)

I appreciate you replying! Can I just clarify (as I'm checking the map now). What do you mean by "I'd avoid the north end" - do you mean north end of Sutton, or Cheam? Thank you

I also forgot to mention, we would be totally open to a 3 bed with a box bedroom, but so long as it had loft conversion potential for that 3rd bedroom in the future.

I mean avoid north end of Sutton. South side is better but more expensive

Ewell and Banstead villages are nice.

I'd suggest that wandering around to get a feel

Excellent schools there too I think

Hi, I live in Sutton, have lived on the St Helier estate, near the centre and we now live on the Sutton/Carshalton border. Its good for schools and also for activities for kids, has a good library etc. Also great for transport links and only a bus ride from the end of the Northern line (Morden). There are also parks and its not too far away from green areas. That said, Sutton isn't what it was, especially the High Street (like nearly every other High Street), although there are still some reasonable pubs and places to eat.

@lookingforhomemum
For a look at Ewell village park in Bourne hall. There's a nice little library and pond, it links to a riverside walk that leads to the woods too.
All things nice cafe is nice for cake and a coffee.

For greenspace the Hogsmill walks, Nonsuch Park, Epsom Common (if you go for a walk on the common check out The Barn KT9!).

Have you looked at Purley, Kenley, caterham?

Hi, yes, I've considered Purley! I went there about 20 years ago and quite liked it. It's when I wanted to be an architect (college days) and met at architect at his home office and he had the loveliest house. But, he is an architect, so! Otherwise, I don't know Purley very well. At risk of offending anyone, it is close to Croydon which worries me. Croydon is not somewhere I would want to live (again). I lived there in my early 20s and it was not a good experience (safety wise). Where do you recommend in Purley? :)