The place to settle down

[OlyaR]

Hi everyone. This is the first time I have posted here. Looking for your advice in choosing where to settle down, because my husband and I are new here in the UK.

So we're currently living in Hove and planning to move out of our flat + are contemplating moving to a different place. Don't like the idea of raising a kid here and the city itself doesn't feel right for me. I was thinking about Surrey but have no idea where exactly to look at. We liked Richmond area a lot but the aircraft noise there is crazy, I'm super sensitive to it and can't sleep when it's so noisy ( our current flat overlooks the busy road and it's the main reason why we're moving out.) We're planning to rent and are looking for areas with reasonable prices. So:

1. The town itself should have that traditional English feel and nice architecture. This is what Brighton lacks in my opinion. Cleanliness and lots of leafy places are also important.
2. A good high street with lots of shops, restaurants, and activities for a baby. My husband and I lived in bigger cities so don't think we could live in a village or a very small town. I prefer to walk a lot so all this should be within walking distance.
3. Lots of parks and green spaces where I could go for a walk with a baby and a dog. I mean parks rather than countryside because I use a buggy every day. But access to the good countryside is a great bonus, we love nature.
4. Preferably a good proximity to London and at least one airport.

We don't consider the north, looking for areas around London or more southern parts of the UK

Which areas we liked so far:
Richmond. Ideal place, the architecture, shops, cleanliness, but too noisy and I'm not sure if we could afford it.
Winchester, Chichester, Lewes. Nice little towns, but don't know if there is much to do or go for a walk with a baby, didn't see much parks there.
I've read a lot that people love Surrey but which areas can I consider so it isn't too small but green enough?

I will be so pleased if you give me some ideas, was searching a lot but will appreciate the help from people who know these areas better than me -) Thanks in advance

Kingston or Guildford or Marlow or Henley , possibly Epsom

We live in Bath which fits your criteria but Heathrow is 1hr 45 away - train to Paddington 1hr 20, Bristol airport 40
Minutes

I was going to say Guildford, or the nice areas in north London, like Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Highgate, though they’re even more expensive than Richmond.

Do you have a budget?

From what you’ve said, Guildford

Definitely Guildford

If you look at Guildford, look at Godalming too- some lovely houses and incredibly close to Guildford both on train and driving

Probably too small, but look at Marlborough. Lovely high street and walkable to Savernake Forest. 63 miles and 1 hour 15mins to Heathrow.

Also, in Surrey, check out Reigate.

If you will look at Kent, try Edenbridge. Has most of what you require, plus access to London Gatwick. Aircraft noise might be an issue for you, but it never bothered me when I was there.