Londoners: tell me about Clapham

[franch]

Currently living in Islington but need somewhere bigger - we may move locally but DH's family are in S London so it suddenly occurred to us that Clapham might be a good move. I'm a confirmed Islingtonian but don't know Clapham at all really so have a totally open mind and would love to hear opinions - particularly if you know both areas and can compare.

Interested in the usual stuff: family-friendly places; things to do with a baby and toddler; schools (including private); entertainment, eating out etc. What are the most desirable/convenient areas?

Also, baby no. 2 is due in Sept - if we're in Clapham by then, what are the local hospitals and midwifery teams like? (I'm going for a homebirth.)

Thanks

[RTMTMML]

don't move Franch. How will Charli find you? How will I meet up with you? Though of course it's not too far from my sisters. Can't tell you anything about it though as I haven't lived South of the River for years.

[Twiglett]

Clapham isn't cheap though, I don't think its that much cheaper than Islington TBH, not for a family house

It is a nice area, lots of green space - the nightingale triangle is called 'nappy valley' by estate agents

have you looked at upmystreet.com?

HTH

[Twiglett]

I prefer south of the river to north

[franch]

OMG I hadn't thought about Charli Disaster! It's off!!!

[franch]

Mars, WHAT DOES THE 'RT' STAND FOR???

[Twiglett]

site on clapham

do a google search there's loads

Clapham does have an arthouse cinema that has mother / baby sessions

Clapham Common is nice (also Tooting common with Lido and Wandsworth Common)

Lots of bars and restaurants

Very busy road through it

Northern line not great

I prefer Dulwich to be honest

[franch]

Twiglett the idea was based on proximity to DH's family rather than price - we know there isn't much difference altho Clapham does seem marginally cheaper. Will have a look at upmystreet

[fisil]

Clapham is expensive. There are some good state primaries, but there has not ever been a secondary - kids have to travel. A new one (The Lambeth Academy) opened recently and has yet to be proved.

What about Wimbledon? Good schools, bigger houses, better transport (not on the Northern Line!), better local shopping.

[Twiglett]

Sorry Franch, didn't mean to infer you couldn't afford it

[Twiglett]

Only mentioned Dulwich 'cos its a 15 minute drive to Clapham

[franch]

Thanks fisil & Twig. DH is from Tooting and went to school in Dulwich - both there and Wimbledon are a bit too 'leafy' for us - we're so used to living really centrally in N1, and my parents have a flat in the West End so I want my Mum to be able to pop over on the bus I don't really drive so tubes and buses are the most relevant thing for me

No offence taken Twig! Thanks for the opinions - that's what I'm looking for really rather than hard info - will go there as soon as we get a moment and get a proper 'feel' for it

[franch]

What about hospitals? Anyone homebirthed in this area?

[mummytosteven]

i think the nearest hospital would be St. Georges Tooting. don't know about homebirth - not a Londoner but used to visit my friend a lot in Clapham.

[fisil]

That's quite a way to St Georges (but I can't think of a closer one off hand). I know people who have homebirthed nearer Wimbledon, and it's all gone off fine. Don't know about Clapham though, sorry!

[Twiglett]

had a section at St Georges - its a great neo-natal centre of excellence - but the aftercare was crap

midwives care is fine though

can't believe you don't want leafy

[fisil]

oops, didn't see your post franch. I know what you mean about leafy. We moved here from Bloomsbury/Kings Cross and it took me ages (and a series of counselling sessions!) to get used to it. Actually, we're not even leafy where we are, we're in the burbs.

[franch]

I don't have anything against leaves, Twig

I think you said it fisil - burbs, aagh! I moved to London for the bright lights - motherhood isn't tempting me away from them as yet

[fisil]

yeah, but ...

£(house in burbs + shrink) < £(house in London)

And Tescos is really big, and ... no, that's it really.

[RTMTMML]

Radio Times franch. I'm standing in for RTKangaMummy and posting TV schedules.

What about Putney? It's nice there! My sister lives there but Charli won't travel that far (no pressure). What about N10? Gorgeous here, though rather leafy lol

[franch]

fisil, seriously, I'd be onto you for your guy's number

Isn't Putney leafy, Mars? We did think seriously about Muswell Hill but once again, it's just not central enough - we're spoilt here, a couple of minutes' walk from Highbury Station - woosh, straight in to the West End. And you know what a wuss I am about getting around town with DD (never mind with her plus no. 2!)

[snafu]

The Birth Centre is next-door to St George's though, so you could definitely check that out re: homebirthing. Visited there a few weeks ago and it is fab - met some of the midwives incl. the amazing Caroline Flint. site is here

HTH!

[Aero]

If you live in Clapham you will probably have the choice of either St George's or St Thomas's (where ds1 was born). I lived in Clapham for years and loved it. Loads to do for children, though it's 9 years since I lived there, so someone who lives there now will have more info than I can give.

[RTMTMML]

It is central enough. Highgate tube just down the road, woods for the kids to play in and parks. Buses that go everywhere. Charli will come here. I'm here! Village feel in London, child friendly etc etc.....



Buses that go into the centre of town etc.....

Franch........... Franch............... you know you wanna......

[franch]

OK OK Mars, you've sold it, I'll come and be your neighbour

Can't afford Caroline Flint sadly snafu!

Thanks everyone for all the other thoughts & info