Ashtead or Chilworth what are they like?

[me23]

Hi we are wanting to relocate from central london to surrey (mainly to get a garden and something more family friendly) we keen on 2 bungalows one in ashtead and one in chilworth near guildford BUT we know nothing about the areas would really appreciate if anyone could tell me anything about either.

bump!

Only know Ashtead... small & boring is what comes to mind! (though tbh I was young, free and single when I lived in the area so it might appeal more now that I am old(er) and have kids!

If you are used to city living you will probably find it a big change though - the only place in Surrey I would consider living is Guildford...

Ashtead is pretty but it is just seems to be a thoroughfare between Leatherhead/M25 and Epsom. Traffic around there is a big of a nightmare (popular private schools) and the resident's commitee seem to have a very NIMBY attitude - they stopped Tesco from developing and were in the news a while back for not allowing a centre for injured servicemen as it would 'lower the tone of the village' ...

Ashtead probably has some nice houses but always seems sandwiched between Epsom and Leatherhead and is still within M25. Chilworth looks like bungalow city from the train (if I'm remembering correctly) - not sure what schools are there. There are lots of nicer places in Surrey:

Reigate, Dorking, Godalming, Cranleigh/Ewhurst, Effingham/Bookham or villages in the Surrey Hills area (westcott, abinger, Shere)

Never lived in Chilworth but live in the town nearby. I was wondering other than the bungalow why you pick here specifically - I consider it a little out of the way in terms of transport links, schools etc and not the most beautiful part of the area (IMO) - so I was wondering what your criteria were for choosing an area?

Im in housing association property and doing a mutual exchange with another HA tennant and these 2 properties have been offered to me, so I don't have much choice IYSWIM, I've also been offered a house in norbury sw16 but not too keen on the area.
My main criteria are a safe area, a garden for my little girl/and cat and within 1hr of london/
What's wrong with bungalows?

I don't think anything is wrong with bungalows and I think that Chilworth has a mixture of housing ages and styles - can't comment on the garden but I would class Chilworth as a safe area personally. It does have a road running through it which if you were right on it would I suspect be noisy.

I would have thought Chilworth would be the best option (having read your criteria) although check journey time to London is under 1 hr and I would also find out about schools.

Ashtead better for shops etc for daily bits like pint of milk, post office, bread etc. Chilworth not so well served. Public transport way better in Ashtead. I would go for Ashtead over Chilworth if that is your only choice.

Thanks for all your messages, I would rather have ashtead because it will take less time getting into london and is a bit less isolated!
I lived in central london my whole life so will be a big change. Although my partner comes my a little village on the dorset/somerset border and I love it there.
I've looked up schools in both areas and they all have good reports and the ones in ashtead are particulary sort after.
We will need to buy a car (have no need for one at the moment) and I will need to learn how to drive! My partner will be ferrying us around for a while.

Good Luck with your choice I hope it is a happy one for you all