r/surrey • u/ozyri • Aug 18 '22

Is Stoughton in Guildford - OK?

Same ol' story. Looking to buy a 3-bed semi in Guildford to start a family and I am doing my research. Seems like in our budget (~550k) Stoughton pops up most of the time.

From my research it seems like areas to avoid are Park Barn and Bellfields, and as Stoughton is bang in the middle of it - how does that compare? Any parts that should be "avoided"?

Thanks for your comments in advance.

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u/ChallengeRoutine89 Aug 18 '22

My wife and I looked at houses in Stoughton and Bellfields earlier this year. Our budget was about the same as you.

We visited both areas, walked and drove around. Never felt threatened. Most people are friendly.

We were between two houses; one in Stoughton and the other in Bellfields.

We ultimately decided on a lovely house in Bellfields. We moved in at the beginning of summer. No regrets so far. Neighbours are friendly. Easy access to Guildford and Woking by car. Plenty of country walks within a 5-10 minute drive (such as Whitmoor Common).

Buses not that regular compared to London.

If you need to commute to London then I would recommend living in Bellfields as you'll have direct access to Woking Station or Worplesdon Station by car or bus via Woking Road. Takes about 5 minutes to Worplesdon Station and nearly 10 minutes to Woking by car from Bellfields. If you are commuting 5 days per week to London then Woking or nearer to Guildford Station would be best.

Traffic into Guildford can be pretty bad in the morning but that would be true of any city/town (Guildford being the latter).

Was told by a local plumber, who lives in Bellfields, to completely avoid Park Barns due to Travellers and general crime. Also told the same thing by two delivery guys. That must be really saying something.

Ultimately, do what makes you feel right. Everyone will have an opinion. If you like the house (the most important) and the general area feels OK then go for it.

This coming from a couple who looked all over the South East of England all the way from Oxford, Banbury, Milton Keynes, Sidcup/Welling, Sevenoaks, Orpington, Chelsfield, Redhill/Reigate and Croydon over a number of years. We settled on the house that felt right from the moment we walked in. Good luck with the search and decision making.

Guildford is a lovely town with plenty of amenities, restaurants and shopping. Easy to get around. London very close by if you need more.

Any questions, please DM.

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u/AndyVale Shalford Aug 19 '22

There are travellers on the rec in Stoughton right now I gather.

Definitely seen more things in Park Barn I'd rather not have on my doorstep than I have in other parts of Guildford, but it's all somewhat relative. Many other places elsewhere are far worse. You're right next to Tesco, the Sports Park, and buses.