Horsham or Farnham?

[Katie397]

Looking for a town to move to with my husband and toddler with things going on (we're moving from London), with open-minded creative people. Have narrowed it down to these two ... which would be better with a young child? How are the communities in these towns?

Farnham.

I don’t know Farnham at all, but definitely not Horsham if you want open-minded creative people in your life.

The above poster is being somewhat harsh on Horsham. There are a lot of open minded, creative people in Horsham, and there are a lot of things going on in the area for families. It's a fab place to bring up young kids.

Don't know Horsham but Farnham is a bit true blue, home counties. However there is some creative influence - it has the University of Creative Arts, so has a student vibe. Also The Maltings is a lovely artsy venue. It's not a big town, not a huge amount of shopping, but some nice independents. Lion & Lamb yard is a lovely pedestrianised area with plenty of chill outdoor eating. The surrounding countryside is great with lovely walks in all directions. Gostrey Meadows, Alice Holt, Rural Life Centre, Frensham Ponds all great for little ones.

I was going to mention the Arts Uni in Farnham as well which gives it a certain vibe. I think Horsham's bigger surrounded by a lot of new estates. But you never can tell...the Tories just hung on in Farnham, while Horsham went Libdem.

I’m looking for open minded creative people too. Not Surrey but Worcs or Gloucestershire or possibly Wiltshire or Somerset!

Not really, I know Horsham fairly well and have never had a good experience there as someone who is not white. Though of course my demographic is likely different to OP and so my opinion may be technically less valid and what may constitute as creative and open-minded.

But yes there is lots going on for families, though I feel family-friendly is pretty easy in most places, even London.