Felden Vs Chalfont St Giles

[DNN]

Hi,

We are looking at buying a house and we have seen 2 houses so far. 1 in Felden (Hemel Hempstead) and 2nd in Chalfont St Giles.
Criteria is good options for state and independant primary and secondary schools.
Although both houses were lovely, my main concern is that I still don't have a driving license (with covid backlog there were no test dates available).
In any case we need to move this year and me not driving the school buses dont come anywhere close to the houses.
Can someone please throw some light on these areas or Gerrads Cross, Beaconsfield etc.
Thank you

Felden is a good option imho. You can walk to the station where there are lots of buses and obvs the train.

We looked at the Chalfonts but couldn't make the schools work at the time.

I booked a driving test recently with less than a 2 month delay so might be worth trying again?

Thanks Sticki, I will have to actively start looking for test dates.

Do you live in Felden?
Do you know Sheethanger lane? Is it good - I mean proximity to the station / town etc.

A lot of people said that I should consider other areas like Rikmansworth or Gerrads Cross, since Hemel Heampstad town is not that safe etc. Is that true?

Also if you dont mind me asking where do your kids go or went to school (if you live locally)?

Felden is on the outskirts of Hemel - it's not in Hemel. It's a lovely area with expensive properties and countryside all around, but located within easy reach of many towns and villages, and if you don't want to go into Hemel you can just go to Berkhamsted which is less than a 10 min drive away. It isn't in walking distance to anywhere really except the station but even that is a bit of a walk (although this depends where you are in Felden). I would recommend looking further into Felden if you are looking for a more rural feel. Sheethanger Lane is a private road with large, expensive properties. It's a nice road, however the more rural feel of Felden is on the lanes where most properties are detached with large gardens and more space around them (if you look at a map you will see the main lanes and how the property is a lot less dense and that these lanes are surrounded my countryside). It's not an ideal location if you want to walk to places, you really need a car if you live further in Felden. Sheethanger Common is on your doorstep which is lovely for walks. Flaunden is a nice village nearby, Chipperfield is another, or Berkhamsted and the surrounding villages such as Potten End or Ashridge area (Little Gaddesden). Also, Aldbury on the outskirts of Tring. You could also look at these areas as well. Personally I think Berkhamsted is a lovely town to live near and there are many rural options nearby. I prefer it to Rickmansworth which feels more urban.

@DNN
Children go to school nearby - Bovingdon (primary), Berkhamsted (primary and secondary) and Hemel or St Albans etc. There are lots of good state and independent options.

Bookworm has given good info about Felden and surroundings.

Hemel nearby is an asset - shopping, services and activities etc. Every town has its issues but Hemel is underrated IMHO as it has lots of green space and an historic old town with great connections to M25, M1 and railway.

DM me if you want more info.
Good luck

I think it would be limiting to live in either location as a non-driver.

Chalfont St Giles is lovely with a useful high street. There is no nursery in CSG if you need to use one, you need to travel to Chalfont St Peter or Seer Green. There’s a bus once an hour but no other public transport beyond taxis.

Bucks is a grammar county so you need to look carefully into your comprehensive catchment. You’d also need to check the private school buses for secondary as there’s none of note nearby, most are in Hertfordshire.

I’d look at Little Chalfont and Chorleywood if you don’t drive as at least having the Met line would be really helpful.

Hi DNN,
Out of interest, where did you end up in the end? I live in Felden and happy to answer any questions. Please feel free to DM me.