Black families; Safest place to live outside london

[Adiza]

Have been looking around and seems to be impossible to get a mortgage in London, as this is the only city have ever stayed in since I came to this country. Where will be the best place outside London for us, have 2 toddlers under 5. Somewhere to feel safe and part of the community, good schools, not far from London. Please help. Appreciate any opinions. Thanks

[SurpriseSparDay]

But - everywhere is safer than London ...

If you’ll be commuting then the journey might be a deciding factor.

If not - explore and find somewhere you like. Universities towns or cities have plenty to do generally. And should have decent schools.

[thesurreyyouth]

Have a look at Reading. Quick regular train journey times to Paddington

[InfiniteSheldon]

Everywhere

[HappyHammy]

What's your budget and do you need to be near a rail station, there are plenty of areas outside London. What are your main priorities. Are you working on London, that can make a difference if you're commuting.

[twilightcafe]

When you say 'not far' from London, how far do you mean. And what's your budget?

[IntermittentParps]

But - everywhere is safer than London ...
Have a quick google of 'crime rates UK' .

[Lightsabre]

Budget?

[Veterinari]

I assume OP means in terms of multicultural tolerance...

There's plenty of racism in more rural/less diverse areas outside London so it's a reasonable concern.

OP
I think university town tend to be more tolerant and diverse but you'll need to give more budget/location info for advice

[Adiza]

Work in the healthcare sector so ready to change job. An hour or less drive to London. My priority is primary/secondary school and budgets 350 maximum.

[Pollaidh]

Aim for university towns, although many of those around London (Oxford, Cambridge) are very expensive, house prices almost as much as London. Reading could be good.

Avoid "in the sticks" rural areas. In the very rural area I grew up I didn't meet anyone non-white until I was about 17. A few years ago now, but the very very few pupils who joined our VIth form and weren't white seem to be treated the same as anyone else by other kids, enfolded into the pre-existing friendship groups etc, though people were interested in knowing about their culture. Didn't hear/see any racist comments but being white I may not have noticed. However the comments from local parents in this rural area, were very different.

[IntermittentParps]

I assume OP means in terms of multicultural tolerance...
Yes, but the replies like 'everywhere is safer than London' don't make sense in that context. London (and other bigger and, as you say, university towns/cities, are more tolerant and diverse and so more 'safe' for people who are not white.

[Veterinari]

Yes I agree.
That's why I clarified this

[sunshinesupermum]

London is the safest multicultural city by far OP.

[HappyHammy]

South London. Out as far as Bromley. Good transport and train stations. Lots of hospitals. Goid schools. Diverse communities.

[Lightsabre]

Boroughs of Bromley, Bexley and Croydon should have properties in that budget. Varying levels of multi culture but certainly more diverse than further out. Gravesend and Dartford also have much cheaper housing but longer journeys and you'd need to take the commuting costs into account.

[Adiza]

Thank you all for your replies, really appreciate it. Had Bromley in mind because of the good schools, but thought won’t have much for my budget.

[1bloom1]

Try Abbey Wood which is just about in London.
Depending on your requirements you can definitely get a house for 350k. It is diverse but bear in mind that the locals seem to still be getting used to the way in which their area has recently changed.
It is also due to have a crossrail station soon which makes it a great investment too. Good luck!

[Ladyapinks]

You can try mottingham in Bromley .You would find propeties within your budget and there are good schools too.

[trinibrit]

Canterbury- university town, good schools, and on the high speed train link to London.

[SmiledWithTheRisingSun]

God not Kent!!

Bristol? Brighton? Oxford? Cambridge?