Advice needed on relocating from Kent to Somerset

[Mark1930]

We are looking at relocating to Somerset via my work. We currently live in Kent and have two children 6 and 9. This is a huge leap and we have been doing our homework but would just like some advice from you lovely people. We are looking at around the Taunton area but all depends on schools etc. Not a clue on what areas are really good and also what areas to avoid. Thanks so much in advance for any help you can give.

What sort of location (rural village, walking distance of town centre etc)? State of private school? Low, medium, high house budget?

or

Looking semi rural as we are currently based on the outskirts of a town. Budget is c.400k. Many thanks

Avoid North Petherton and Bridgwater and generally that direction.
Avoid Henlade as it’s a rat run for commuter traffic - although they are upgrading the M5 over the next year or so.
We are about five miles south of Taunton towards Ilminster - small rural village, great school, pub, shop.
It’s worth taking a few days off, coming down here and literally just driving around to get an idea of the location of villages and amenities.
Visit village shops and pubs as you get an idea of the community feel, chat to local people and get info on schools etc.
On your budget you’ll get a pretty decent house in a Somerset village! 😂

Some of the larger villages are lovely. Close to Taunton perhaps Trull or Bishops Lydeard. A short drive away are Milverton and Wiveliscombe which both have a lovely community feel. The most favoured state secondary school is Castle which has it’s catchment to the southwest of the town. I’d avoid the areas around junction 25 as they tend to get snarled up at morning and evening rush hours.