Let’s face it, when relocating as a family, our number one priority is our kids. All of our research into what we are looking for in our dream location are with our kids (in most cases) at the front of our minds. i.e. what type of school should we send them to, how do the academic results compare to other schools, are there a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, a community, are there things to do on the weekend? the list goes on.
At Whereshome we understand the importance of making sure you make the right decision when relocating for both yourselves and your little ones which is why we have put together our top 5 family friendly suburbs, providing the right balance of city and family living.
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire
Described by locals as having a village vibe but with all the benefits of a more cosmopolitan location, the historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford has a lot to offer.
One of the safest towns in Hertfordshire, Bishop’s Stortford is popular with young professionals and families owing to its great schools and fantastic transport links. If a more rural life is what you’re after, but you’re not quite ready to go full Barbour and Hunters 24/7 – Bishop’s Stortford might just be the perfect compromise.
Bishop’s Stortford has plenty to offer. For those with little ones, the town benefits from a number of play parks, a soft play, children’s art workshop, a cinema and is a short drive from a number of popular tourist attractions - including Mountfitchet Castle and the House on the Hill Toy Museum. Bishop’s Stortford is also a great base for equestrians, being within a short drive of Newmarket and offering 2 different Equestrian centres - Maple Pollard and Hallingbury Hall.
Foodies are well covered too, with a mix of Thai, Indian, Italian, Greek, French, and gastro-pub eateries to choose from. And for the outdoorsy types, the area is a haven if you’re hoping to don your wellies and embrace country life. There are a number of beautiful country walks as well as plenty of local farms, offering family-friendly days out for the little ones and larger events throughout the year.
Teddington, London
Crowned as 2021’s top London neighbourhood and singled out by The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide for its community spirit, independent shops and cafes, Teddington is a family-friendly, leisure-filled and pleasant riverside area full of Victorian streets and excellent commuter links.
Teddington is a pristine and affluent village-like town on the banks of the River Thames in southwest London. With plentiful lush countryside in Bushy Park and a vibrant town centre, A wide selection of sports clubs, it's easy to see why professionals and families have been ditching the hustle and bustle of central London for this quaint tree-lined town. The pretty high street sports a range of elegant boutiques, fresh fruit vendors and an eclectic mix of eateries and local events including; festivals and family fairs.
Teddington houses some of the most sought-after family-friendly schools in West London, making it a big draw for young families. However, with Teddington ticking many of the boxes, it does come with a price tag. You can expect to pay between £1.5-£2M for a 4-bedroom family home.
Pinner, London
Originally a medieval hamlet and now a pretty suburb of Harrow, the village of Pinner in Greater London is an ideal family friendly commuter spot. With great transport links, a number of prestigious independent schools and fantastic state options as well as one of the lowest crime rates in the whole of London, Pinner is a popular location for families looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Pinner is an ideal location for families. Aesthetically, the village benefits from a beautiful mix of Tudor and art deco housing in amongst more modern builds and that historical feel flows through with various annual fairs and fetes which have been maintained by the community.
Pinner Fair has been held annually since 1336, but don’t think the area takes these traditions too seriously – the Pinner St George’s Day celebrations include ‘Ye Olde Wheelbarrow Race’ which sees teams of two pushing their partner around Pinner in a wheelbarrow whilst they both knock back pints from the local pubs. For sports fans, Pinner has its own rugby union team - Pinner and Grammarians RFC - as well as Pinner Cricket Club, Pinner Golf Club and a junior league football team, Pinner United FC.
The village also has an amateur theatre group - the Pinner Players - who regularly hold events in the village hall and on the art scene, the Heath Robinson Museum at Pinner Memorial Park is a stunning dedication to famous cartoonist, William Heath Robinson.
When it comes to shopping, Pinner benefits from high street staples while also offering a number of family-friendly independent and artisan spots, perfect for a bit of Sunday window shopping. Foodies are well served too, with the high street offering everything from Lebanese to Sri Lankan, Malaysian, and Afghani cuisine, as well as a variety of gastro-pubs.
St. Albans, Hertfordshire
Perhaps one of the most currently sought after locations to relocate to in the UK, St Albans might just have ‘it all’.
St. Albans is an incredibly charming historic market town with a palpable and rich history, bountiful green spaces, highly-ranked schools, a wonderfully eclectic eating and drinking scene, and a warm and welcoming community spirit, among many other things.
Moreover, for those relocating within the UK or repatriating to the country, you might be surprised to find this city (yes city) in the charming Hertfordshire countryside is a mere 20 minutes from Kings Cross, cementing it as one of Hertfordshire’s many computer belt gems.
With commuters and residents able to get to London quickly, combined with an assortment of excellent family-friendly amenities, many young professionals, families, and city workers alike have opted to escape foggy London town in search of a more laid-back life where they can get more bang for their buck in terms of property.
Farnham, Surrey
