Help us decide which place fits our lifestyle best in England (Richmond, St Albans, Bath, Reading, Oxford)?

[mrszusi]

Hi everyone,

We're currently residing in Richmond upon Thames and working in Soho. We're considering relocating because, while we adore the natural beauty surrounding us, Richmond is crowded, everything feels quite distant, and there's a transient vibe to the community. Our ideal location would offer safety, abundant access to nature, a river nearby, a sense of community, and fewer crowds. However, one of us needs to continue working in London.

Could you suggest which place might best suit our needs? Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

@DiddlySquatSquat if I can just say in defence of Bath - yes it is touristy but there are lots and lots of us residents here too who do like it! It has normal businesses and life etc- not just tourism - I've lived in Oxford and Canterbury too and they had similar situations.

I like Guildford- personally much prefer it to St Albans- better countryside, better shopping and much better facilities overall. St Albans is not in zones so has high commuter prices but London property prices- personally I think you may as well live in say Kingston or Wimbledon and be in zones for the same money- and I know several families who came to that conclusion too. It wasn't very neighbourly when we lived there the last time either. I don't dislike it but think it overpriced for what it is and I didn't like anywhere in the immediate vicinity either. Harpenden was very snooty and a bit of a posh ghetto with little practical on doorstep.

I honestly thinkon reflection for the OP she's looking for something that doesn't really exist within good commuter distance and in budget and would be better looking at places like Teddington, surbiton, Thames Ditton, Ham, Hampton Hill etc - and getting involved in 'local' things- most suburban areas have an element of transience but actually those areas have less than the London averages.

It is a fair question.
We want to settle down in a place where we can find a quiet, tight-knit community and not be saying goodbye all the time. Yes, we only have a dog and are planning to have a baby, but we thought it would be easier to rent a place and move before having a child, then later buy something.
We would like to find a safe place where we can walk alone after dark and have access to nature because we love hiking and kayaking. We also play tennis, which is really affordable in Richmond thanks to the community tennis courts. Joining a volunteer group and trying different activities such as climbing walls, playing instruments, sewing, biking, and horse riding are also priorities for us, but we are flexible choosing something.
It's also a plus if we can attend a language school. We're not into clubbing; having a drink in a pub is enough for us. Sometimes we go to the cinema, theater, or museum.
We don't have a car because, well, London, but we're used to driving and can buy one if it makes things smoother.

Maybe you're right, and we haven't been getting involved in local things because of the transient feeling. Now, I would like to give a shot first in different areas in Richmond, which are a bit cheaper and further from the center of Richmond.

St Albans isn't suburbia! It's a small, cathedral city with a defined centre, lots of shops, bars, restaurants, an events arena, a theatre and lots of local life and events. It also has a very diverse and international population, thanks to many people moving out of London. It honestly feels like an area of London, which is why it's so popular with London transplants. It may or may not be right for the OP, but it's not suburbia.

Bath to London isn't that long but you'll only get to Paddington an the factor in London transport. For instance Paddington to St Pancras is about 45 minutes by tube, allowing for waiting times. Housing in the nicer areas is very expensive.

@mrszusi as well as the places I suggested on the Richmond peripheries, (which to be honest is a cheaper option if you factor in commuting and are ok with a flat) you could also look at places like Epsom , Esher, Guildford's, Godalming, Dorking, , Reigate ,weybridge etc- all have access to decent countryside and river etc. not trying to put you off St Albans - just saying other areas available for similar commuter cost with in my opinion nicer countryside on doorstep if that matters to you.

Do have a pop to Thames Ditton in the village area - it's really very nice.

If OP is travelling to Soho, Paddington is a great station to travel into. She can switch to either the Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road or Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus. It's a 15 minute journey.

Looking at locations into Marylebone station may be an option. That's only 2 stops from Oxford Circus on the tube.