Which is better-East Dulwich,Blackheath or NW London?

matchalatte_2

Hello all,

Need some advice. We are looking for a new home in London. Some areas of interest are East Dulwich, Blackheath and Willesden Green (would have like to stay around Swiss Cottage or Finchley Road but too expensive, hence Willesden Green). We're not familiar with any of these areas but they are all shorter commutes for my husband who work in East London.

Any feedback on the areas above? What is Willesden Green like?We saw a property we really like but the area seems rather less friendly than say Blackheath. Is the area safe?

Also, how does East Dulwich compare with Blackheath in terms of transport links into Central London?

hazyjo

Think we need to know a bit more about yourselves... What sort of ages are you and what sort of lifestyles do you have? Are you out a lot, do you 'use' London a lot, or tend to stay at home? Do you eat out locally, go out drinking... you're paying for all that in an area like Blackheath. If you go home and shut the door, there are probably quieter areas more suited.

Any kids? Any in near future if not now?

I lived in Blackheath (many moons ago) and adored it - and still miss it. Lovely little village very close to London, with Greenwich (park, markets, etc) on your doorstep too.

Which stop in East London? Wouldn't choose to be south in that case, but if it's easy to get to with say one change at Lewisham or something, it would be a relatively easy/short commute.

Jx

richardw

Which bus stop or station in East London does your husband need to get to for work?

What kind of property are you looking for? Flat or House?
Do you have children or will they be hopefully arriving soon?

Can you say a bit more about your needs/ preferences.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

East Dulwich is nice, but the trains into central London are every 10 minutes and the service is notably reduced on Sundays. Note that many agents will market a property as being in East Dulwich when it's actually in the ring of scum surrounding it.

richardw

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

...the ring of scum surrounding it...

Which is where?

princeofpounds

East Dulwich is lovely, but it is also true that almost none of the surrounding areas are, which can leave it a bit of an island sometimes.

Blackheath is very nice, it's not great for west end London, but together with Greenwich they have an ambience all of their own which is really pleasant. Lots of green space, historical buildings, feels connected to the river. Bit windy though sometimes!

richardw

East Dulwich is surrounded by Peckham, Nunhead, Forest Hill, Sydenham Hill, Dulwich, Denmark Hill and Camberwell.

How many of these are 'not lovely' and/or are 'scum'? There are some sweeping generalisations being made which may not be helpful to the OP.

Uk_Lover

Bits of Peckham are very desirable as are some of the roads off Denmark Hill & Brixton, Camberwell is a bit rough though and I'd avoid Sydenham but if you think they are scum areas then you've obviously never lived there. Most towns in London have good and bad areas but to generalise that it's all bad just make you look stupid.I love Blackheath but as others have said it depends if you want a buzzing nightlife or peace and quite (maybe move further out if you want this).