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Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

Primary education

Clapham?

17 replies

michelleryryan · 28/02/2017 16:14

Hi everyone! I am relocating from New York to London with my husband (who will be commuting to Victoria) and 16 month old daughter very soon. We were originally looking in Chiswick, Richmond and Fulham, but are not seeing anything on the market currently suitable for our needs within budget. I am just wondering if anyone has thoughts on or experience in Clapham? Is it safe? Toddler friendly with parks and activities? We have seen several nice housing options there, but are unsure about the area and schools. Thank you so much for any input!

OP posts:

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nightswimming1 · 28/02/2017 22:31

If you live in New York you will certainly find Clapham safe! It is a lovely leafy area will good schools (state and private) and transport links. The Northcote Road area has the nickname "nappy valley" as there are so many young families there. Nappy valley net is a great forum just for the area (although I'm sure there are plenty of Clapham Mumsnetters).

Abetes · 28/02/2017 23:52

As pp says, very safe with loads of young families. Schools are heavily oversubscribed if you want good state schools and you have to live v close to get in. Lots of good private school options at primary level if you want private. Lots of geeen spaces too.

FrozenNotCold · 01/03/2017 00:07

Northcote Road is Battersea.

Clapham is quite a mixed area. Edgy rubbing shoulders with lots of young professionals and families. I used to live there and have lots of friends who still do with their families. I wouldn't raise my family in Clapham. I've been mugged there a couple of times. There's definitely safer places to be!

Pud2 · 01/03/2017 20:31

Clapham is a lovely place to live. Very green and suburban with lots of young families and good schools.

There is also Clapham Junction which confusingly isn't in Clapham, it's in Battersea! That's also a popular place for young families.

Bear2014 · 02/03/2017 11:19

Have you looked at Dulwich? Clapham is nice, but I find Dulwich to be more family friendly, greener and cleaner. There are also some great schools. I would investigate Herne Hill and West Dulwich, both of which have easy commutes into Victoria.

minipie · 02/03/2017 11:45

Lots of different bits of Clapham as pp says.

If you've been looking at Chiswick, Richmond and Fulham it sounds like you are probably thinking of the Northcote Road area, which is the most family friendly and also the most gentrified bit of Clapham. If so, PM me and I can answer any questions...

sanam2010 · 02/03/2017 13:38

why not look at Putney as well? That's quite nice. Clapham does have some not so safe parts, quite a bit of crime around Clapham Junction

nightswimming1 · 02/03/2017 14:21

@minipie I was told quite abruptly below that the Northcote Road is in Battersea despite its proximity to CJ.

Bear2014 · 02/03/2017 14:28

Northcote Road is indeed in Battersea. As is Clapham Junction. Clapham proper is SW4.

minipie · 02/03/2017 14:30

Yes yes I know it's in Battersea. But I still think the OP is probably thinking of Northcote Road when she says "Clapham", given her criteria and the other areas she's been considering. Or if she isn't she should be!

I suspect the OP is more interested in which area to choose rather than precisely what it's called

Bear2014 · 02/03/2017 14:36

Oh totally, That's why I recommended Dulwich, totally off brief!

Clapham and Battersea are very different indeed, and the OP probably does mean Battersea (or Wandsworth). Seems to be full of well-off American families these days.

SquirmOfEels · 02/03/2017 14:37

It isn't going to help OP to discuss an area she hasn't stated an interest in! And Northcote Rd is definitely Battersea (it's not adjacent to Clapham Junction)

If you can afford it, Clapham Old Town is lovely, and fine for families, as is the area around Abbeville Road. Clapham North is rather less family oriented.

minipie · 02/03/2017 14:38

Seems to be full of well-off American families these days

You mean... like the OP?

Although actually I find everyone is French

Bear2014 · 02/03/2017 15:12

minipie Yes exactly like the OP! That's why I think she means Northcote

We lived in Clapham North until DD was nearly 2 and we found it family friendly, but have found Dulwich even more so, since moving there. So I thought a mention might be helpful, despite not having been an area mentioned by OP.

michelleryryan · 02/03/2017 15:27

Thank you all for your comments! Really appreciate the insight. I do not plan on driving daily (we are not sure whether or not we will have a car), so I'm hoping to find an area that is fairly walkable. I have looked in Wimbledon, but it seems that it requires a bit more driving than some of the other areas already mentioned. Anyhow, thank you again! I will be checking out the areas you have noted.

Does anyone know anything about Maggie and Rose in Chiswick? It sounds like a fun place for toddlers/younger children...

OP posts:

IamFriedSpam · 02/03/2017 16:26

I'd probably second Dulwich, the trainline goes into Victoria so it would be a very easy commute - although it's definitely more suburban than urban so if you want to be in the city proper it might not be for you.

itschilly · 02/03/2017 16:51

I'd also suggest Putney. You could do without a car if ness ( could use a car club if you reeder). Safe, right by the river, millions of kids and good schools.

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