Moving out or moving out out? Post Reply

[emjkni]

Hi local mums and dads

We, like everyone at the moment it seems, are looking to move out for something bigger and to somewhere greener but we have no idea where to go specifically.

We have family who are local and Kent/ East Sussex so somewhere around in the South, SE or SW makes sense but we don’t really have ties to anywhere specific.

We are on the lookout for a detached with a bigger garden and walking distance to links to London, local shops and an independent schools but not a big town feel. We have such a good community feel in our little neighbourhood in NVN so somewhere with families with school kids to mimmick our vibe here.

Happy to look at out (Surrey) or out out (Kent/ West or East Sussex).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions to give us some direction.

[nvmof3]

Take a look at Haslemere. Small town with good shops and amenities. Train station with 5 London trains per hour. Good choice of state and independent schools. Lots of families who have followed the well trodden path from London. Lots of families. Independent Schools to look at - Amesburt, Highfield and Brookham, St Edmunds, St Ives for prep, Churchers, Charterhouse, King Edwards Witley, Cranleigh, RGS, Tor Mead, Portsmouth Grammar for secondary. Also lots of good State School options.

[fatankles]

Cobham?
Village feel, Great high street of shops and nice restaurants (The Ivy, Coppa Club)
Surrounded by a plethora of Independent Schools

Or maybe Esher or Claygate?

[csewoods]

We were in exactly the same position as you a year ago! We looked at many different areas and in the end settled on Hove, and having now lived here for four months we couldn't be happier with our choice. We have great independent schools within walking distance, plus the beach, cool shops and the countryside of the South Downs just a ten-minute drive away. Happy to give you more details if you'd like to DM me.
 

[SouthLondonDaddy]

Do not underestimate the cost and hassle of a long commute, even if only 2 or 3 days a week. People will always lie about their commuting time, they will say half an hour when in reality it's at least an hour door to door on a good day, and 90 minutes on a bad day.
Also bear in mind that, after they reach 11, many kids couldn't care less about a big garden, and would much prefer the amenities and ease of getting around of a city - so be prepared to act as a chaffeur for the kids.

There was a good discussion here:

https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/4 ... -SW-London

I say all of this because, even if you are absolutely determined to leave London, these remain important points in deciding between "out" and "out out".

Also, and I know lots of people will hate me for this, if you are not English white (not even British, but specifically English) think twice about going "out out": integrating with the locals may be very tough, all the more so for kids at school.

[nvmof3]

I think SouthLondonDaddy's view is interesting, and it is clear from it that it comes from the perspective of someone who has not made the move. It is good to hear both sides of the debate of course, but it sounds like you have made your decision to move and are just trying to work out where to. 
As someone who has made the move, I just wanted to address a couple of the matters raised, to reassure you. 
The commute from where I live (Haslemere) is billed as 45-50 mins. In reality it is around 1 hour door to door.  It is pretty reliable.  In my experience, the number of trains per hour is more important than the duration of the train journey.  Train journeys are a brilliant time to catch up on emails and plan the day ahead, so a long journey is useful time, and many tend to watch box sets or read on the journey home, which is also time I didn't really have in London.  Having fewer trains per hour is stressful as if you miss the train due to leaving work 5 minutes late (why do people always want to ask you something when you stand up to put your coat on??) then you want to know that there will be another train shortly afterwards. THe commute is really not an issue at all. In any case, it isn't much longer than travelling from Nappy Valley to central London, and at least I am sitting with a laptop, rather than standing on the Northern Line with my nose in someone's armpit. 
My kids are teens now and are very adept at using the train too to travel around to visit friends in other towns/cities or going up to the city for some fun.  Tbh, I'm happier that that city is usually Guildford, not London, and they don't seem to have the pull to London much....yet. 
The comment about "English white" is nonsense as far as I am aware.  Anywhere within commuting distance of London is pretty cosmopolitan and full of people who have moved out of London who are very welcoming of new people from all walks of life. 

[emjkni]

Thanks so much for everyone who responded. I had my notifications off so I hadn't seen these. Thanks again so much x

[ppe]

Hi there - we moved out about a year ago. Found this website really informative and helpful! Good luck!
http://www.lifeafterlondon.com/

 

[swmumhere]

hi THERE. hope you are well. was wondering what did you do at the end? I am in the same situation.

[Hettypalmerschools]

You may be interested in our free moving clinic next Thursday 3rd Feb at Gail's on the Northcote Road.  Could help to talk things through. Have a look at the flyer to book in your slot with us.  I am an independent schools expert and I will joined by a Property Search Team, absolutely no obligation to sign up to use us, just a free 30 minute chat that may help clarify things.

[Hettypalmerschools]

Or do just get in touch with me directly
www.hettypalmer.com