Advice on possible move to Crawley, West Sussex

Bun

Hello,

This is the first thread I have actually started, so hope somebody is able to help.

As mentioned on the 'information on new area thread' we are going to have relocate either in the very near future or some time this year. Basically the company we both worked for went bust unexpectedly and there is just not the work in our field in this area, so we need to move. Any new employment is likely to be in London, so we have done some research and as I'm from Surrey originally (but can't really afford there) we would like to relocate so that we get the benefit of the countryside and area I do know, but where DH can use the Gatwick Express to get into work. This also means we are central to travelling to family etc. We've decided provisionally that Crawley is looking our best bet so far. I used to visit there regularly as a teenager, but don't know anybody actually living there.

I've searched the area's council website (and then compared it to our own). In addition I have googled and found the local papers online, which have given information on crime, local press releases about meetings regarding local problems/activities, good things about local schools etc. The letters pages have also been useful.I've also covered the area on Rightmove (we would be buying). I have an idea so far about which areas to avoid (Broadfield/Bewbush) but would welcome any advice/opinions from anybody who knows the area well. We have a two year old son and have found their schools information very good, but any tips there would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Bun

mummytofour

The Gatwick express is going very soon so please dont buy assuming that dh can use that as he wont be able to!

Im pretty sure that an all zones anytime rail card is about £340 a month from a large choice of stations on the south coast ( i know from Horsham it is and also from angmering)

I myslef would not want to live in crawley, I have just moved from Horsham about 7 miles from crawley, Horsham is nice, I guess it depends on what you want and what you are used to and how much you want to spend, Crawley is cheaper than Horsham, but you get what you pay for.

Have you looked more towards the coast? the prices are cheaper the more out from London you go, somewhere like Worthing would giove you more for your money, but then that adds to the commute, things all needed to be weighed up.

My Dh is looking at getting out of London as its far to over rated IMHO! and the commute is not worth it really worth the money and agro.

Bun

Thank you so much for that mummytofour. I have done more research and the only areas we would really feel comfy with are Pound Hill and Maidenbower, and I have already started looking at property in Horsham, and found some nice stuff. As you said, you get what you pay for.

Cannot believe that I have not been able to find anything on the Gatwick Express ceasing (have just googled, and you are indeed right), that was the rationale for that area so will look elsewhere as well as Horsham. We are already in Bournemouth (not a fantastic bit admittedly) and it is completely impractical to commute from here so we don't really want to move anywhere else on the coast with the commute still being so long.

I agree with you about London, we are only moving because we have to.

Thanks again,

Bun

car25

Hi, I have lived in the area all my life. More expensive than Crawley, but have you considered Haywards Heath or Horley, both on the main London to Brighton line.

Bun

Thanks car25, Horley looks like another option. I used to live in Merstham many moons ago, so know there, Redhill, Reigate and the area round there, so that's really helpful.

astonsmummy

I actually live in crawley, after living in redhill for 13 years, i think it is a good place to live,

there is so much to do especially for young children, ie: surestart, lots of clubs, toddler groups, play centres etc,

i think it is perfectly situated between london a nd brighton, i have also lived in horley which is a nice area, but is quite small, at least with crawley, you have 13 neighbourhoods to choose from, i would suggest visiting and looking round the areas you want. all places ans areas have bad points, but most of the time its just talk, i personally live in broadfield, and have never had any problems, unlike when i lived in redhill. but if you are buing a property, i think poundhill would be a god choice, it have a very good school and is a nice area, maidenbower is ok, but is a bit far out. good luck wherever you go xx