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We need your help on areas to start our search - it's been a long time

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  • theGrinch
    theGrinch Posts: 3,122 Forumite
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    bouicca21 wrote: »
    It would be easier if you specified what sort of area you were looking for. Easy access to local supermarkets, specialist shops, cinema, coffee shops, restaurants? Or happy to be in the midst of miles of suburban housing? What sort of destination for transport facilities? Schools?

    Easy access to local supermarkets, coffee shops, baker, butcher and newsagents.

    We have looked and visited a number of places in the last month and do have only 2 preferences but we want to add to them. We haven't put those two areas here as we really need fresh ideas.

    Geographically, we are good North of the Thames.

    Prefer to have more or a village feel but if on the edge of suburbia then it won't be a deal breaker given our preferences.
    "enough is a feast"...old Buddist proverb
  • bouicca21
    bouicca21 Posts: 6,514 Forumite
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    I suspect the most difficult part of that spec is finding a place with an independent butcher.
  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,103 Forumite
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    Is this to be a forever move ? or will retirement bring another move?

    Is taking early retirement an option then moving well outside London you may find you could buy a similar property for £3-400,000 and you would have over half a million to live on until SP
    Never pay on an estimated bill
  • Mutton_Geoff
    Mutton_Geoff Posts: 3,819 Forumite
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    I like Chesham. The high street and nearby area is full of old fashioned independent retailers of stationery, hardware, butchers, picture framers, cameras, shoes, carpets, cafes, greengrocers. I like it the high street is not dominated by national chains but real locals who work hard for their business. There is a Waitrose and Sainsbury, the theatre is great (Elgiva), the local pubs are (mostly) nice and there are plenty of choices for eating or taking away. All within a few mins walk of a tube (albeit the end of the met line).


    I think the Chesham Masterplan will help improve the pockets of Chesham where it does appear more run down compared to it's posh neighbour Amersham. Might be a good time to get in? Even the old Bucks Free Press offices have now been turned into two residential houses albeit at a hefty price tag.


    http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51337044.html
    Signature on holiday for two weeks
  • Lokolo
    Lokolo Posts: 20,861 Forumite
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    Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »
    I used to live in Bucks and for that budget I would look at Amersham and Chesham if you’re prepared for a bit of a commute. Chesham is cheaper than Amersham and I really like it as a small town. It’s at the end of the Met Line and is very rural. Amersham has a more regular and faster service into London than Chesham, using the Chiltern Line into Marylebone or the Met Line all the way to Aldgate if needs be.

    If by “London tube station” you literally mean in London itself, I’m not able to offer much in the way of advice but good luck with your search.

    I second this, but there are some areas of Chesham you would want to avoid.

    There's also Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross (I suspect GX you would struggle with though with that budget). Overground to Marylebone (20-25minutes to Marylebone for Beaconsfield, 15min from GX)
  • hazyjo
    hazyjo Posts: 15,470 Forumite
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    edited 7 January 2018 at 2:02AM
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    If you'd go Essex/Herts, I'd suggest these.

    This is near the airport for nice holidays too :) (Okay, budget a tad over, but there's always a deal to be done, esp when it's been on since at least 8 Nov... oh, and garden not massive but it's on a big central plot)

    http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51527085.html

    Theydon Bois was mentioned earlier - I used to be out there most nights of the week lol. Knew it very well years ago. There's not much there, but it's always been highly regarded.

    Looked at Epping and didn't see anywhere I'd choose for you, but it's a lovely town. I'd love to live there (although without the tube - I only survive on overground these days!

    Would also consider Hertford (which I love), maybe Ware and Sawbridgeworth (bit of plane noise at the latter).

    I'm in Leigh-on-Sea which at the moment I cannot fault. I LOVE my journey to/from work even though it's longer than my old commute from North Chingford. Fenchurch St is a joy compared to Liv St. Beautiful, happy place - by the sea (well, more estuary, but it does say 'on-Sea')! Couldn't see anything I'd suggest buying, but I would recommend anyone live here! We have everything on the doorstep!

    Jx
    2023 wins: *must start comping again!*
  • getmore4less
    getmore4less Posts: 46,882 Forumite
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    Pick your train lines and keep going out and check what is around each station.

    Further out you go the more you get for your money

    Berkhamsted is popular, the high street has plenty of amenities.
    Tring the station may be too far from town unless you live that side
    Linslade/Leighton Buzzard, I know someone that commutes from there and they got great value.

    Might be too close to the station 15-20mins walk to highstreet.
    http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-60398368.html

    A little further
    http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-69435065.html
  • theGrinch
    theGrinch Posts: 3,122 Forumite
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    edited 7 January 2018 at 11:06AM
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    Robin9 wrote: »
    Is this to be a forever move ? or will retirement bring another move?

    Is taking early retirement an option then moving well outside London you may find you could buy a similar property for £3-400,000 and you would have over half a million to live on until SP

    Forever is a long time, but on average we have spent 15 years at a property so I guess it would be for a similar period. I am moving to semi retirement and while I will no longer commuting into zone 1 5 days a week after April, I do need access 1 -2 times a week to central London.
    "enough is a feast"...old Buddist proverb
  • theGrinch
    theGrinch Posts: 3,122 Forumite
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    Lokolo wrote: »
    I second this, but there are some areas of Chesham you would want to avoid.

    There's also Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross (I suspect GX you would struggle with though with that budget). Overground to Marylebone (20-25minutes to Marylebone for Beaconsfield, 15min from GX)

    Do you have any experience of Great Missenden and the surrounding areas? Its NR but was suggested to us last year.
    "enough is a feast"...old Buddist proverb
  • Aylesbury_Duck
    Aylesbury_Duck Posts: 13,992 Forumite
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    Great Missenden and Prestwood are nice. The former is better, having its own station. I'd choose Amersham and Chesham over both though.
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