Anyone live there, near there, been there?  We are still looking for an area to move to, and this one seems to be in our price range, good schools etc, haven't got the chance to visit for a couple of weeks, so would welcome any comments

Hayley

I always use Up My Street to check out new areas ......they have average house prices , what schools are available and all sorts of useful info there

HTH

Melody :)

I live near Chandlers Ford, if it is in the same price bracket personally I would head towards Fair Oak, Durley, Colden Common, Wickham, Soberton  all still very easy access for commuting if that is a priority but more countryfied.
:)

Hi
Price bracket is of course important, commuting not a huge issue train wise, though other half would need to travel back to Heathrow for a time, then will be working at Swanwick (nr Southampton), also good schools are vital, C/Ford sounds like it has good schools and is in the catchment area for Thornden Secondary which has nothing but good reports.  I will check out the other areas suggested though, did check out Wickham once but can't remember what the schools were like.
Melody, I have used Up My Street quite a lot on our extensive searches, but I wish there was a site that went into more detail about areas, it would be great if someone did a website for doggy people showing where all the good walk, clubs were etc ..... now maybe that is a good idea for a book!!!
Hayley

PS  What are the walks like in the area, are they all field walks or are there any good country parks or commons?

Swanwick is a stones throw from me, we have lovely walks around Swanwick Nature Reserve (behind Aviation Centre) you can also head towards Warsash beach and walk all along the South Downs. I came back from there Monday looking like a swamp monster :)  very muddy everywhere at the moment. You have Holly Hill Park, which also takes you to the River Hamble. There are three very big country parks to choose from in the area.  Yesterday I took them all to Hundred Acres at Wickham, lovely walk, we still got very muddy tho'. Ring craft class at Bishops Waltham... another nice area.
I think that where ever you go, good schools depend on your child wanting to learn and not mixing with the wrong crowd.

Thanks for that Debbie, that is a big help, it is really hard to get an idea of good walks just by looking on the map, we did see Holly Hill Park on one of our visits and thought is was a bit small and close to roads for regular walks as we have a girl who has been known to follow scents a fair distance, but if there are a number of walks within a reasonable distance it would be okay.
We don't want to take any risks with schools, both my husband and I were unlucky enough to go to poor schools, and it was too easy not to do the hard work needed, my son, even though he is only 4.5, really needs to be pushed to try things so we want him to go to the best school possible, my daughter is the opposite, I am sure she will do okay wherever she is
Thanks again, we definitely have a better idea of where to look now, just need to get on the agility and obedience websites to see what the area has to offer in those respects, I will be very sad to leave the excellent clubs we have here
Hayley
(PS Had a peak at your site, lovely dogs)

Lots to offer in the way of Agility around here.  We are in the Southern Agility League.  There's Scallywags, Burridge, Eastliegh, Wellow, Southdowns.  You'll be spoilt for choice.

Sally

I can certainly comment on Junior & parimory schools, my friend is a teacher at Wickham, excellant schools. Locks Heath Juniors good school
IMO Brookfield Secondary is a good school but it has many children from 'upper class' families and my children found it difficult to fit in because we certainly don't holiday in the Carribean, our hol's consist of a few wks a year in Somerset at a friends farm with all the dogs :)
Holly Hill is small but lots of other walks and loads of agility clubs about

Thanks Debbie and Sally, that is a really big help, when my other half gets back we can have another think about where to look next!  Sally, are you a trainer at Scallywags, if so, do you mind if I keep your email on file so I can contact you if we do move down that way?
Hayley

Hi Hayley,  Yep that's me.  Feel free to get in touch if you move to this area.  You can always pop in if you're down here house hunting.  The Agility equipment is always up and available except when like now it gets flattened by the wind.
Sally

Thanks Sally, I will keep your email on file, I know it shouldn't be a major consideration when moving, but I would be very upset if I coulldn't keep up my training, especially as Obi is going to be very high drive and need every activity I can find!!!
Hayley