Where is better - Esher or Weybridge?

[ToaskaQ]

Where is the better place to raise a young family – Weybridge or Esher? I currently live in Surrey but want to move further north of the county, closer to London. I have narrowed my preferred areas to these two. I previously lived in one of these towns but that was pre-children and during Covid so I don’t feel like I really got to know it and what it has to offer.
Community is really important but I didn’t get a sense of it when I lived in one of the towns. But I’m hoping that will change now we have to get out and about in the area with our DC.
Which area do you think is better for parents with toddlers? I appreciate that they are quite similar and not too far apart, but if anyone has any insight into activities for toddlers in both areas that would really help inform our search.
Thanks

*edited to correct a typo.

I would have thought that Thames Ditton or Claygate were better for a community than Esher.

Claygate is OK, but as someone who currently lives in a village I would prefer to have easy access (i.e. a short walk) to a town's amenities.

Well then go for Weybridge because Esher doesn't really have a town - the Morrisons which use to be McColls is closing very soon along with the post office located in it. Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood and Claygate will be the nearest post offices.

Any suggestions for places to go (and clubs to join) with a toddler in both areas? Also, where are the better schools? Principally, primary schools.

Sorry I don't know about young children but regarding schooling, for the Esher area the most desirable secondary school is Hinchley Wood , read the admissions policy on the school website to understand the criteria for a feeder primary school and living in the catchment. The other most desirable primary is Esher Church school near Claygate, it feeds to Esher High for secondary or parents choose private schools.

There are different options if you are Catholic and for secondary there are grammar schools too.