Moving to London Area - Best Neighborhoods for families with Toddlers?

[Tricey]

Hi - We're newcomers to Mumsnet and looking at a possible relocation to London. We could really use some help with several things...

1. What 'neighborhoods' (preferable in London, with Hubby commuting to Poplar area) are best for us to live-in? Looking for a clean, safe place that's toddler-friendly and good fun for mum to make friends.

1. What are rents like...i.e. what kind of budget do we need for rent? Groceries? Car?

1. Any other tips on life there?

Thanks!

PS - Hope this is the right place to post this topic.

[MummyPig]

Hi there I live in SW London/Surrey so not really able to advise on areas within reach of Poplar. But when we were thinking of moving, there was a great Evening Standard book "Where to Live in London" detailing all the London Boroughs, I wonder if you could get hold of one? Also try joining a few London netmums groups as the listings will give you an idea of how much is on offer for toddlers in the area.

And we found 'Up My Street' very helpful. You can look up neighbourhood profiles (including what proportion of the residents have children), check out the local schools, see what cafes, restaurants or shops are nearby and even hunt for properties to rent or buy.

[Tricey]

Thanks for the info!

[Kif]

there is a book called "london property guide" which is very good starting point.

It depends a lot on
a)your definition of safe and clean (ots london, after all)
b)your/ your hubbys feelings on commuting
c) your budget

Have a look at Greenwich/ Blackheath village area as a start. Also consider the area around south Woodford tube station (and other nearby ones on the central line).

I have a soft spot for East Ham - but that is frankly 'alternative' choice.

Tips in next post - bub gone to sleep now so I'm off to sleep too!

[Tricey]

Thanks again.

Kif - When you say it is London after all....do you mean to say that London is not a safe and clean place? How much dirt/pollution should we expect? Does it deter people from going outside and from taking their children out to play?

Someone in Hong Kong said that we'd find London to be dirty and more polluted in comparison to Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong is one of the worst polluted places, I can't even imagine London being worse. Is it? (As a matter of fact, I think I'll post this under another thread title too to get a feel for people's thoughts on it. It's a really big deal here in HK.)

Hong Kong is a super safe place so I can imagine not many cities beating it in that regard.

[Kif]

No, it is a fantastic place for taking kids out.

Lots of modern playgrounds. Brilliant big well maintained parks (Little Miss Kif spends many a happy hour running around greenwich park and hyde park feeding the squirels and the swans).

Child friendly attractions (our favourite is the Natural History Museum. We also go to isle of dogs city farm which is walking distance to us)).

Always something to see and engage them in (parades, window displays, farmers markets, trains, boats and airplanes).

Now that Dd is coming up to 3, I'm starting to get her involved in more organised clubs and activities.

And all this on your doorstep with reliable public transport.

[Tricey]

Ok, good to hear. One concern eliminated!

[Kif]

Sorry for very fragmented response - typing over the head of my newborn Ds - every time he sleeps I dive under the covers - I'll be back in the early hours!

[Tricey]

Kif - No worries, I read in fragments; every time the baby calls, I'm on duty.