Chichester or Winchester?

[brothercream]

We are a family of 3 (DH works remotely, I am a SAHM and we have a 1.5 year old) with plans to further expand our family soon. We are moving from somewhere far livelier than both Chichester and Winchester but want to be closer to family. I know both cities well to visit but not much about actually living there (and I haven't visited either regularly for 10 years). Our budget could be up to 800k (although I'd rather spend less!). We prioritise walkability, things to do, and being somewhere where we can fit into a community as we will really be starting again. Good state schools are also very important to us. We like the countryside but definitely want to feel in the centre of things and would rather travel out to the countryside than in to the city. Currently, I feel like Chichester has a bit more going on (and cheaper houses?) but it is further from London and I know nothing about the schools nor about how easy it is to meet people. Any advice from people with experience of either?

I think with a more expensive city it's worth thinking about how far out of the actual centre you'd need to be to get the right house in the right budget. So if you want to walk into the centre how doable is that. For both areas I think you're close enough to countryside that I just wouldn't factor it in.

I would also join a couple of Facebook groups for each area and just get a sense of what's going on (of course accepting that you get a certain type of person more ikely to post.

@EatingSleeping thanks for the reply! I should have said, we are mostly looking at 3-4 (3 for Winchester) bed terraced houses. We'd probably try to avoid a flat and would like a garden but otherwise our priority is proximity (walking distance) to the city centre.

In which case (because broadly speaking the primaries are good) I'd prioritise being securely in catchment of whatever you feel gives you balance to walk to both. As you can get a real community from school and having friends that life close by (or the that you bump into on the way) makes all the difference!

I think with children even a tiny garden makes a big difference. Nearby green space is great but it still necessitates leaving the house so it you can swing that I would!

My life in Winchester was pre children so v different but I think it is a good blend of commutable to London (which helps employment) and a town type feel

I can't really comment on Wincheater but Chichester is lovely apart from the traffic issues on the A27 but if you aren't commuting daily it won't affect you too much. With your budget you'd easily get a detached/semi with garden and walking distance to town.

Schools here are all pretty good but sought after so factor in catchment areas (look at the actual map on the gov site as it's not always your closest). Theres lots of playgroups and baby clubs too and kids farm within 20 mins drive in both directions.

Theres centourian way and the trundle for popular walks. Plus close to the beach.

Feel free to dm me at any time if you have any specific questions.