Moving further a field . . . . advice.

There are a number of websites (I think one is called upmystreet ??) that list all statistics - school, league tables, crime rates, council rate bandings etc - by postcode.

I would also subscribe to local newspapers to look at property costs and also to identify any problem / crime areas.

Do you have a job arranged - could your employer help with advice ?

When you have made your decision on area, it may be a good idea to rent a property for 6 or 12 months before deciding to buy - this will also give you more time to look (depends on your view of the housing market !!).

I agree - the problem is getting to know the area you are moving into in order to work out where you want to buy. In addition, once you have established a rough location, you may need to take many days to organise the viewings you will need to find the perfect property as it is often difficult to get vendors to arrange appointments when suits you.

We moved from Essex to Dorset many years ago (150 miles or so + the M25) and we had numerous weekend trips into the area and at least 2-3 holiday cottage lets to give us time in the area. As it turns out, we finally found our current home well outside of our intial target area but it was certainly difficult trying to research the area from a distance.

If you are very set on a particular location, do you have the option of moving into rented accommodation for 6 months - this would be perfect for finding a home to buy if you can afford to be off the ladder for that time...

I would strongly recommend renting first not just for a few weeks bit for a minimum of 6 months.

That way you can decide what local amenities you need/want to be local to. You can also take time in choosing a house.

I'd agree with the advice for renting first to get to know the area. Also, buy a street map and familiarise yourself with the location e.g. residential areas/industrial/commercial/busy roads etc. Register with loads of agents and research the housing market. Find out property prices from
http://www.nethouseprices.com/index.php?option=com_house_search&search_id=21924202

Give yourself a few months of receiving property information before viewing and file property details by town/village/street. If there are patterns emerging you'll find them like this. Note down prices that property in the same street has been sold for. Check on the local council website for planning applications. Check the following site for local statistics:
http://www.checkmyfile.com/neighbourhood.asp
https://www.upmystreet.propertyfinder.com
http://www.homecheck.co.uk

Check environmental issues on:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Search google for local forums and messageboards and see what the locals say.

Lastly, learn to read between the lines of the EA's blurb and understand that they will act in the best interests of themselves/the vendor - not you!