Thoughts on south Raynes Park

[TidyOliveEagle]

Hello, we are currently renting in Southfields and love the area, but you don't seem to get a lot of space for your money when buying property.
We are ready to purchase a house and are considering the southern area of Raynes Park where you get a bit more space for the same budget. Our alternative would be moving out of London. Specifically, we're looking at the area on the Raynes Park side of Cannon Hill Common. I.e. South of Bushey Road.
We have a 18 month old and another on the way.

We are not too familiar with the area and would appreciate any insight on the area/community/state schools/noise etc.

Thanks!

We looked in that area years ago. Nice housing stock, very suburban. Very good secondary schools in the area if Catholic, not sure about state schools.

Commute isn't great (long way to the station, then a train and tube to work), traffic can be bad due to not great public transport, and a long way from night tubes and buses.

Can be a good choice if are happy that it doesn't feel like London, but you aren't out, out of London.

I preferred Kingston because it had more of a feeling of place. We ended up staying in zone 2 with a smaller place (not that close to the tube - 20 min walk or a 5 min cycle)

I would echo the pp comment about public transport. If you're used to Southfields, you may find being a very long walk or a bus ride away from a train line a bit of a shock. I used to live in the apostles, which are right near the station but obviously smaller and more expensive than the 30s housing where you're looking.

If you can come a bit further up Grand Drive, to the "ways" you'd then be more within walking distance of the station.

My partner and I moved to exactly this area in January and we love it! I can see what others mean about transport if you live towards the south end of the common (I'm at the very north end, so while I have a bit of a walk to Raynes Park station, it's not too bad). The housing stock is good, the people are lovely (our neighbours have offered us a lot of help since we moved) and it feels peaceful and safe. It may be a little more noisy if you're close to Grand Drive but where I am is very quiet. Happy to answer any other questions e.g. about specific streets, although I don't have any insights on schools I'm afraid!