Wallington or Reigate?

[Mai3]

Hello!
We have been looking for houses in Wallington and Reigate and liked both areas. We are a couple in 30s with a dc less than a year old. We are looking for 3/4 bed property preferably close to good schools which both areas have. While Wallington is an easier commute to London, Reigate has got much greener space and is slightly away from the London busy life. Looking for some advice and also any area to avoid in in Wallington?

Thanks!

Reigate 100%

Reigate is lovely and full of.young families who have moved out of London. The commute isn't great as you have to get to either Redhill or Dorking to get direct trains in but there is lots of green space and nice high streets locally

Reigate. Wallington has gone downhill. You can't really compare the two! And surely there's a big price difference?

Thanks @Peanut91 : I agree with the travel. Since only one of us has to travel, assuming it won't be very tough :)

@FrenchandSaunders : Thanks! We are looking for properties in the range of 600k. The options are limited around the schools we are targeting (planning the next 5 years already! ;)) but some good ones too. Any particular areas in Reigate to consider?

I'd have have a look at Sanderstead, Purley, Reedham, Warlingham, Woldingham & Kenley.

what about other parts of Sutton? the commute from Reigate isn’t great

North or East of the high street, especially if you need the station. Tbh 600k won't get much in the better parts of Reigate.

One more question, the schools in Wallington seem to be better than Reigate. Can somebody please confirm? Thanks!

Primaries are all good in Reigate, there is only one state secondary though. Many travel to Redhill or Dorking, or go private.

I would avoid the Woodhatch area. Houses are cheaper but I would rather be (and do live) in Redhill than live in Woodhatch. I would definitely have a look at Earlswood (just south of Redhill). It's a lovely area, good schools and walking distance to Redhill, which has good links to Redhill

You can tell from my username I live nearby. My vote goes for Wallington! It's easier to commute from there and you can drive to green spaces, which you probably do less often than commuting. You aren't far from Beddington Park, Morden Hall Park, Oaks Park, Banstead Woods etc and can also drive out towards the M25 for more rural places. Whilst Reigate is nice, it seems to have bad traffic.

In the past Wallington was a bit of a black hole for secondary schools, unless you got into a grammar school. I think it's improved and Oaks Park seems to be popular now. Grammars are close if your child passes. The primaries are good.

At the end of the day, you have to decide whether you want more suburban or more commuter town. There are pros and cons of both.