Commutable to south Cambridgeshire/London - Bishop's Stortford?

[lalio]

DH has a new job in south Cambridgeshire (Hertfordshire/Essex border) and we're thinking about a move nearby. Priorities are schools (we have a young DD and another baby on the way) and I need to get to London for work, so somewhere with a decent train connection.

Budget is about £900k-£1m. We had a look at Bishop's Stortford and it was lovely, great schools (although admissions seem a little tricky), perfect location for our work, but there seems to be a bit of a gap in housing around that budget. Things are either significantly more or a fair bit under, and we were ideally looking for this move to be a step up and somewhere we'd stay a while.

Any other thoughts? Saffron Walden is tempting but the lack of a train station is tricky. Thank you!

Royston? Trains go into Kings Cross.

Thanks, @canthavethatonethen! Houses looked good there but we weren't too sure about schools beyond primary. Not asking for much I know 😅

@lalio the thing is that you might find somewhere you like because of the schools, and then those secondary schools can change considerably between the time you move in and when you actually need them. A good one can become indifferent quite quickly due to a change of head/leadership. Bit of a lottery really.

Royston and go private or Cambridge.

Broxbourne? Easy train or drive to Cambridge and quick into Liverpool St or Tottenham Hale for the tube. You should be able to get a 3/4 bed for your budget within catchment of the secondary school.

Broxbourne, Hertford or Ware? All have very good schools. Broxbourne and Ware are easier to navigate if a car owner though. Hertford nearer to the A10 side would be better, due to volume of traffic across town.

Living in Saffron Walden is well worth the 5-10 minute drive to Audley End station! Excellent schools, really good facilities for a place of its size. You could look at the village of Newport just outside if you want to walk to the station. (Good schools but not as much going on as SW.)