Location help for renting. London.

Tifsy

Hello, I need some help with locations for renting in a family friendly area. My OH wants a direct train to Charing Cross within 60mins with no changes. We have a budget of £1500pm and can go up to 4k for his yearly train pass. We want a 2-3 bed house.
So far we've found Sevenoaks & Tonbridge that we like. Tunbridge Wells is just a bit too far out. What is Dartford like, rough? Sidcup/Chistlehurst we also like. We don't necessarily need to be South of London just within the 60mins to Charing Cross.

Thanks

Lurkingtoposting17

If you want a direct train to Charing Cross you will be south of it as it's only served by southeastern trains (clues in the name)

This is all pretty subjective and easy to research yourself by either going to visit and using google street view. Chislehurst, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge are all relatively nice areas with reasonably similar amenities and schools but not exactly close to each other to pit them against each other IMO so depends what you want.

Check zoopla for crime stats/schools use google maps for green spaces and idea of curb appeal in the areas you consider... go visit the areas. Easy to research yourself and pretty subjective

benjus

I live in Sidcup, in the estate known as "The Hollies" - a converted Edwardian orphanage complex. It's a great place to live, lots of green space and onsite facilities for residents (swimming pool, gym, tennis courts). Annual Travelcard is £2408. This is the kind of place you could rent here: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/44099986?search_identifier=f00a07035ee8cb556a506df9383bd867#tzWQce8TivZpDJPA.97

elverson

Sevenoaks is posher i.e. more expensive than Tonbridge.

Have you looked at Orpington - fast trains to Charing Cross, a bit further in but still close to countryside if that's what you're after. £1948 for a train-only season ticket or £2408 for a full Travelcard.

hazyjo

Haven't lived that way for a long time, but Bexley used to be quite nice too - no idea if it's better or worse now. Chislehurst as you mentioned is really nice and would be my fave Mind you, I love Tunbridge Wells too and nearly bought there. Is it really that far? Do they have fast trains? I'd rather have a longer journey and a seat than have to stand. (People are just too annoying lol. I like to get out of their way and get some space to myself. Not sure if you'd get a seat at any though - might be something to consider.)

Browntoa

St marys Island near chatham ,


Chatham Dockyard , 24 hour security gated community so family friendly and walking distance to the station , about 50 minutes on the train, bang on budget at £1500


http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-66857966.html

Tifsy

Thank you so much for all the replies! We are relocating from Newcastle so can't go to visit the areas & don't know the area at all. I've been trying to go off information from forum posts & google, so this has been very helpful thank you!

bouicca21

Dartford and Orpington have good and bad areas, if you can't visit I'd cross them off your list.

For Charing cross you can also look at tube routes going to Charing Cross or embankment.

There are so many possibilities that you really need to say more about the sort of place you want. Walking distance to station? Sleepy, rural(ish)? Vibrant? Multi cultural? Clubbing? Major shopping centre? Cultural venues? Sports?

bouicca21

PS. There has been a somewhat under publicised consultation about north Kent trains only terminating at Cannon Street. I don't know whether a decision has been made, but it might be worth keeping an eye open.

Tifsy

OH wants to be within 1 mile of the station as he wants to walk it not drive. Ideally it would be sleepy rural but not dead, we would like to be able to drive to scenic areas at the weekend for long walks etc... We aren't looking for clubbing or pubs & don't need to be near shopping centres, not interested in sports. Within driving distance of a gym, cinema & a nice high street. Safe also, as OH needs to walk from the station after 8pm.

We ruled out Tunbridge Wells as the annual travelcard came to £4,484.00, which is over budget sadly.

Thoughts on Horley?

Cheeky_Monkey

Tifsy wrote: »

OH wants to be within 1 mile of the station as he wants to walk it not drive. Ideally it would be sleepy rural but not dead, we would like to be able to drive to scenic areas at the weekend for long walks etc... We aren't looking for clubbing or pubs & don't need to be near shopping centres, not interested in sports. Within driving distance of a gym, cinema & a nice high street. Safe also, as OH needs to walk from the station after 8pm.

Thoughts on Horley?

You can cross St Marys Island off the list then