london area recommendation please for new family

munro_wilson

Hello everyone,

After 4-years teaching english and volunteering in India, Mali and South Africa we are planning on returning to the UK as we are expecting our first baby!

I have a new teaching job starting in central london and we would like to rent first in an area that we are keen to make our home.

I am interested to hear of any recommendations of places to live in london that fall into the following:

good local state schools, relatively safe neighbourhoods, preference for period properties, "village" community feel with a good selection of independent cafes and shops, I love gardening so areas with generous gardens would be great!

devotee

Well it all depends on how big is your budget, but really you are looking at West/SW London - Chiswick, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Barnes, Kew. All very village-like, very safe, good state schools (especially Teddington) and very green. Loads of parks in all areas mentioned.

Obviously stay away from East London and NE London especially now!

silvercar

Rent first to get an idea if you like an area.

Think carefully of your commute. You say central London, but the difference between being near the right station for your journey can save a lot of wasted time in the day eg if your school is near Paddington it would make sense to look at areas that can be reached from there, rather than have to cross London to commute out of Liverpool Street.

munro_wilson

Thanks for the quick replies. I will be teaching english and music in two locations - Charing Cross and Holborn.

princeofpounds

What you are asking for requires BUDGET.

Do you have one?

ognum

Last nights action in the capital gives food for thought as to the 'best' area to live.
Maybe not over a shop would be my first thought.

I am sorry if this sounds flippant it is not supposed to, my heart goes out to all thse innocent people who have lost everything.

jjlandlord

At the moment, I'd say that any area of London which is not on fire is fairly desirable.

hazyjo

As several have said... BUDGET please!

Blackheath - if you can afford it!

Or South Woodford if you can't - still pricey though.

How long a commute will you consider? Some lovely Essex towns with stations, same for Kent. Less than half hour from Shenfield to Liverpool Street as very fast trains. Pricey though, both for houses and trains.

Jx

munro_wilson

budget 400 per week for min 2 bed flat or even a house.

Running_Horse

Commute from the home counties. London is a dump that anyone decent leaves eventually. If you want a village feel, move to a village, not a dirty overpriced city with millions of inhabitants.

devotee

I think you can afford Chiswick which is not too far out and safe. You have the tube and overground rail, so well connected.