Opinions on Broxbourne/West Cheshunt and surrounding areas

[mrsys]

Hi All,

We are originally from London and moved to Milton Keynes 2 years ago, but are moving back due to being really far from friends/family/support system.

We are considering Broxbourne, West Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Cuffley, Goffs Oak but are not sure which one to go with for our young family (two girls, aged 4 and 1, we are in our early 30s).

Ideally we'd like an area that is somewhat culturally/ethnically diverse with parks, community, a high street and transport links into London as being close and easily accessible to family is a priority for us.

Which areas have great primary/secondary schools that our kids can grow into, with things to do in the area - soft plays, farms etc. We're happy to travel into London for date nights etc, but would love to be able to eat locally or in surrounding towns.

Thanks so much in advance!

For four days she had no replies. Then I replied to her post and that prompted other to post, and I am glad of it.

I don't consider I derailed it. The OP only had me to reply to, as you can see on page one, and when she responded I replied.

I am so glad that I was able to encourage more people to help the OP. I thought it was very sad that she had been ignored for four whole days.

Then why didn't you help her when she first posted on 2/6 if you have so much more knowledge than me?

I did my best to respond when no one else did.

Hi, Broxbourne is nicer than Cheshunt or Hoddesdon. Schools are good and transport to London is also good. Cuffley is nice but expensive. I would look at Hertford or Ware as well. Reform is quite strong around the area and there is an undercurrent of racism and xenophobia but it is more diverse now than in the past. There's lovely countryside nearby.

I did tell her about Hertford and Ware, beautiful places, but a 2 bed semi costs a fortune in Ware.

I did wonder, from her replies, if she was a victim of discrimination and didn't like to say.

No you didn’t, I mentioned it on the 3rd reply 😂

you are absolutely mental.

See page one.:

lizzie · Today 00:39

Moving to Ware, you'll find a peaceful town that fuses a rich historical backdrop with a charming riverside setting. Steeped in history, Ware has been one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in Europe since 4000 BC. The town has a bustling high street brimming with necessary amenities, linking with a calming ambience of water activities on the River Lea, including boating, fishing, and kayaking. Ware isn't merely ideal for water enthusiasts, but also for walkers and cyclists who would delight in a tranquil stroll. The convenience of commutable transport links to London combined with the pristine nature of its own attractions makes living in Ware a pleasant experience.
A semi detached will set you back £700K

Perhaps because I have a life outside of this website and must have missed her first post! So sorry how inconsiderate of me.

For four days she had no replies. Then I replied to her post and that prompted other to post,

It will not be forgotten, you were the first to post.

Where’s the laughing emoji when you need it? 😂

I think where some posters have called some areas shit holes is uncalled for because every town mentioned has excellent schools, green spaces and houses. Hoddesdon, Hertford and Ware are all up the road from each other and if you live in any of these towns, you’ll find yourself using sports clubs, going to parties etc in each town. You’re not restricted to one place and can enjoy what each has to offer. Personally I’d avoid Hertford because the traffic is horrendous, Hoddesdon is more affordable than Broxbourne (but it’s a bigger area). There are some cheaper areas in Ware.

No they are not awful. Lived in Cheshunt for 30 years , we bought up 2 children here. We sometimes think about moving to retire, then think there is no point. We have great rail connections to London. Lea Valley in walking distance. Schools are not bad, kids had access to the Mariners base where they learnt to kayak, sail and climb and now the White water centre courtesy of the Olympics The leisure centre is reasonable.

Have you made a decision yet? It is 3 days since there were posts on here.

It occurred to me that the community you seek is one of minorities, such as colour or creed and that you cannot integrate.

You can tell us what the problem is and we will try to help you.

I think you’re the one with a problem @llizzie.
leave the @mrsys alone !!!

Thank you for your kind words and the trouble you went to to post them.

Can I ask why you asked for help please?

Has your problem - whatever it is - been solved?

Hello @mrsys !

As a mum of small children who used to live in Cheshunt, I used to think the area was great until the kids arrived with the pandemic! It's close to London and didn't take long to go to see friends or commute to work. The shops in the pond are useful but the traffic is horrid and it did feel like an extension of London. We had a good experience with local nurseries but the schools in the area are not that great! I felt isolated and only managed to make friends as we were about to move. Our neighbours were great though and we are still keeping in touch with them. After 8 years, we sold our beautifully renovated house at a loss because of Liz Truss and moved to Surrey, still very close to London but the schools are a lot better and the community is great!

It would be helpful to know where your family and friends are exactly so maybe we could recommend other areas. Hertford would be my choice because it has great schools, a great community and a lovely town centre. Broxbourne has amazing schools but no shops! I never understood why it was so expensive considering that it didn't offer much.

I hope you find this helpful and my advice would be to visit the areas, see how you feel about them and check out the schools and their performance. Kids grow quickly and before you know it, they are in reception 😆

Could I ask, please, if you are the poster of a thread on black mumsnet at the moment?
Thank you for your consideration.