Tring, Princes Risborough or somewhere else?

[Pomegranatemum]

We want to move out of London with our 2 preschool DC. Need to still be able to commute in 2 or 3 days per week. Family are in Cambridgeshire and West Mids. With a budget of 950k we’d like a 4 bed detached house with a not tiny garden. Somewhere with cleaner air than London(!), a bit going on, but easy access to nice countryside. I also really want the DC to be able to walk to their primary school.

We’re considering Princes Risborough but need to think if the Bucks grammar system is what we want.

Also considering Tring. I’ve seen it described as “sleepy”- what do people mean?! And I’m concerned about the station being out of Tring. We wouldn’t really want to be driving and parking, but is that the only way? If we lived on the side of Tring closest to the station is that doable without using the car? We’re used to walking lots in London.

We’ve never been to either place! Obviously we’ll go and check them out, but in the meantime where else could we look at? Amersham and Berkhamsted discounted due to budget.

TIA

No one has mentioned Ampthill yet. lovely big village, similar vibe to Wendover/Princes Risborough but no HS2, small town/ large village, quite affluent and pretty, good schools and not far from the train station in Flitwick. Lots of lovely countryside around including a huge country park in Ampthill itself.

@Bear65 we've hopefully decided on Tring! Haven’t offered on anywhere yet though.
We visited Tring, Berkhamsted and Boxmoor. We just really got ‘the feeling’ in Tring. Also realised that in Berkhamsted we couldn’t afford to live near the station end anyway, and it’s mainly terraced housing, which we don’t want. I’m sure if we end up in Tring we’ll use some of the amenities in Berkhamsted, but we didn’t fancy it for what we’re looking for in a place to live at this stage of our lives.
What are your thoughts?

Yes, I’m thinking Tring for similar reasons. I grew up around the area and moved to London after university, where I’ve lived ever since—so it’ll be nice to return “home.” I liked Berkhamsted, but couldn’t find a property I really liked within my budget, and Tring felt like a good balance of everything I was looking for.

I grew up in a village just outside of Tring and went to Tring School. It’s a great school and lovely little town. I’d recommend it as a good place to grow up. My dad worked in London and had no problems commuting from Tring station.

Might be worth noting that there’s a shuttle bus from princes risborough station to surrounding villages. I know it goes to Chinnor (which is also I nice place but quite small/ spread out without much of a village centre feel) but not sure what the other stops are. Might be worth looking at.

@RubyBirdy thank you for your perspective. We’re a bit daunted by the thought of the commute, so it’s good to hear something positive! I think I’m going to need to invest in a bike and safety gear so I can get to and from the station.
I don’t suppose you know much about the primary schools?

Yes, my sister went to Goldfield then Bishop Wood (I think Goldfield is up to 7 years, Bishop Wood carries on from then) and she did very well. Dundale and Grove were good too. However, I personally went to Long Marston, which is a village school, which lead on to Tring.
My dad parked at the station, but it may be busier these days. He did used to get up very early and set off well before I left for school!

Came from Watford for more peaceful living with 3 year old. I live in Pitstone, 5 mins from Tring station and love it here but yes u need car. Ive been looking for place in buy for 1yr now as we renting...still to find but looked everywhere and driven round so many towns/villages.
my dream location would be berkamstead, lovely town and train station straight to euston.
amphtill also beautiful, flitwick would be closest stastion direct to London Kings cross.
st albans also great city.
Tring is lovely but yes station out of town.
best thing is to drive all these places.
good luck