Want to get out of London - No idea where to move to!

[taliasparkle]

Hi all,

My husband, my 16month old son and I currently live in Walthamstow, East London, and we are desperate to move out to the suburbs. The only problem is we don't know whereabouts we want to go!
We want to be somewhere easily commutable to central London as we both work there and where the travel doesn't cost the earth. We also want to have easy access via motorways towards the South West and Kent for visiting family. The main thing we're looking for though is somewhere that's safe and has good primary schools.
We've been looking at Orpington, Sevenoaks and their surrounding areas but we really want some recommendations as we do not know these areas at all.
We want a 3 bed house and may be able to spend up to 320k.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Talia

[BlueChampagne]

Try local threads for Kent/E Sussex?

[beaglesaresweet]

Sevenoaks and Orpington are poles apart - S is very expensive/naice and on a sanooty side as lots of bankers etc live there. Orpington is ok but does have rough patches. I hope OP, someone who knows the area really well will come along. I know that Tonbridge is ok and safe - somewhere in the middle between the two you mentioned, good commmute, near to some picturesque places and near Tunbr Wells for the shops..

[BlueChampagne]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-30182040.html

[taliasparkle]

thanks beaglesaresweet for your reply. They really are two different places aren't they? We've been to both for a bit of preliminary scouting and have seen a huge difference.
Do you know which of the areas of Orpington should be avoided?

BlueChampagne - that looks like a lovely house but is the very top of our budget. I'm really hoping we can get something a little cheaper as travel from Tunbridge Wells to London seems ridiculously expensive!

[beaglesaresweet]

OP, sorry I can't name specific places in Orpington, but there aer quite a few rough patches . Do look at Tonbridge! not as expensive as TW but very near it (slightly shorter commute too).

[taliasparkle]

Thank you beagles. Tonbridge is looking like a reasonable deal, but the travel is sooo expensive! :shock: