Home move suggestion for a pensioner

crisp

Hello,

I would be grateful for suggestions regarding a home move in 2014.

Its for a pensioner (72), though active and fit, who doesnt have access to a car.

Strong preferences in no particular order:

1. a tube link plus good local bus network.
2. relatively safe and quiet area (but not remote)
3. shopping facilities less than 15 mins away by bus.
4. preference for north of the river.
5. budget £250k.
6. Freehold home
7. 2 or 3 bedrooms
8. no retirement or shared ownership or mobile homes

Always lived in the Wood Green area (40 years), but now looking for a quieter life.

Just an idea of areas at this point would be so helpful

silvercar

Barnet: Busy shopping centre including supermarket. Lots of buses and tube station.

crisp

many thanks silvercar. its on our shortlist, but always good for a second opinion and a wider search as the budget isnt huge

dimbo61

Nantwich Cheshire,
No tube trains but plenty of countryside good local shops.
Two hours or less to London

Kazza_Monkey

Was just about to say what about kent lots of nice places over this way til I saw north of the river good luck with the house hunting

crisp

Kazza_Monkey wrote: »

Was just about to say what about kent lots of nice places over this way til I saw north of the river good luck with the house hunting

yes there are some lovely places there. we had a look at maidstone and surrounding areas, but on reflection without a car mum would be too remote for her liking and she and us prefer to have her within 10 miles for the grand kids. We are currently in Barnet.

If we all moved then Kent would be an option, but its unlikely at present

silvercar

I just looked on Rightmove for Barnet properties. I think you will struggle to find a house. Is a flat or maisonette an option?

Johnandabby

Barnet is quite hilly - perhaps fine for now, but might be more difficult to get around later on.

What about Edgware? Similar transport linksto Barnet, but with slightly cheaper house prices, albeit £250k will still be a push.

crisp

Johnandabby wrote: »

Barnet is quite hilly - perhaps fine for now, but might be more difficult to get around later on.

What about Edgware? Similar transport linksto Barnet, but with slightly cheaper house prices, albeit £250k will still be a push.

A level walk is important. Edgware is an option. Also looked at Chesham, Amersham, Watford and the Rickmansworth and surrounding areas with level walks. Had a look further afield to the likes of hatfield, borehamwood, radlett.

Any feedback on these would be helpful.

silvercar

Parts of Borehamwood are good and parts are not. The difference can be a matter of streets. Same with Hatfield from what I hear. Radlett is generally good but (a) expensive and (b) a bit isolated from North London by public transport.

There is also the issue of over 60s free bus pass, you won't get it if you live in Hertfordshire.

crisp

silvercar wrote: »

Parts of Borehamwood are good and parts are not. The difference can be a matter of streets. Same with Hatfield from what I hear. Radlett is generally good but (a) expensive and (b) a bit isolated from North London by public transport.

There is also the issue of over 60s free bus pass, you won't get it if you live in Hertfordshire.

That's very true. Mum makes full use of her freedom pass 2 or 3 times a day and wont give it up easily.

Hatfield has plenty of stock at reasonable prices, but seems to be quite a student area and could lack community spirit and care as you may get with home owners.

Very motivated to stay in a London Borough.