Buying in Greenwich/Blackheath in London?

[user1476694639]

Hi, I'm a newbie...

I'm 38 weeks pregnant with my first DC and we're looking to move from our two-bedroom terrace in London to a bigger place.

DH works in Canary Wharf and is keen to spend as much time helping with DC as he can - he wants to shorten his commute. I'm a freelance who works from home. We're interested in buying a four bed in Greenwich near Cutty Sark DLR, but don't know if Greenwich is compatible with DC (and any future DCs) and our crazy cocker spaniel.

Is Greenwich okay for a family with an athletic dog? I know it's crowded with tourists - we lived near Tower Bridge for a while and it can't be as bad as that.

[Saltedcaramel2016]

Greenwich and Blackheath are lovely. I don't really know what they would be like for children but imagine they would be fine. Greenwich park is massive and has a great play area so would be well suited to kids and dogs!

Even though school seems some way away I would set out to buy in the catchment area of a primary and maybe even a secondary that sound good as it would be a shame to move and then not be happy with the local school.

[DustOffYourHighestHopes]

Both places are CRAMMED with children. But not crammed like Clapham or Balham.

Anywhere near the park or heath is fine. Try the houses/flats between Lewisham station and the heath. Not chichi, but good commute and lots of green area close by.

[Ruu]

There are some great primary schools but the secondary options are pretty poor. Catchments for the primaries are small. It does get rammed with tourists and when the sun comes out but they tend to keep to the main streets. The park is beautiful and Greenwich and the Heath quite unique; it doesn't feel like the rest of South London. There are no practical shops in Greenwich but Lewisham has all the chains, Charlton Riverside is a short drive away and of course you have Canary Wharf.

[JillyTheDependableBoot]

"There are no practical shops in Greenwich" - but there is a Waitrose

Currently live in Greenwich, moving to Blackheath. Blackheath wouldn't be that great for DH's commute; east Greenwich would be great. You'll need a hefty budget for a 4-bed with decent sized garden either way.

[purplepaisley]

Have a look at Blackheath Standard / Westcombe Park area, rather than central Greenwich. Proper shops, including M&S food supermarket, outstanding primary schools, still close to park and Heath for dog walking. Loads of baby groups in the area. Still an easy commute to the wharf via train then DLR, or bus and tube from N Greenwich.

[DustOffYourHighestHopes]

Greenwich has plenty of practical shops: massive Waitrose, M&S food, Superdrug.

[hydrangea78]

Greenwich town is packed with tourists all summer and most weekends. The residential streets don't get too busy though. Blackheath is wonderful. No tourists, the Heath, lovely shops. Live in the right spot and you can walk between Greenwich, blackheath village and Lewisham and have the best of all worlds. I wish we still lived there. Had to move because of property prices and schools.

[purplepaisley]

Yes, agree Greenwich also has good shops and the town centre is lovely, very child and dog friendly, just meant to say it's worth looking at surrounding area too, especially for schools and nurseries. I've been in the area for years and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I think my kids are so lucky, growing up with a world heritage site on the doorstep. Good luck with your property hunting!

[user1476694639]

Thanks everyone!

I looked specifically at Blackheath Standard/Westcombe Park and now have an offer on a house. Thanks Purplepaisley for the recommendation!

[LillyLollyLandy]

We live in Blackheath - DH commutes to Canary Wharf and I go into the City. We have 2 kids with one on the way and a crazy spaniel. I love it here, it's so family friendly. If this purchase falls through have a look at Hither Green - direct line to lewisham so you can get DLR from there and some beautiful houses.

[babydad]

Vote for HG here, great transport link, great houses and amazing primary schools.
Lacks on the shops side of things, but Blackheath isn't miles away.

[Teaspoon74]

Only just seen this so hopefully pointless as you say you've made an offer, but we're in Plumstead and there are lovely houses with gardens and lots of green space for the dog. Travel is good and due to improve when crossrail opens in 18 months or so. And until then the DLR and river boat serve Canary Wharf well.

Improving local services and amenities and great schools - what's not to like?!? If you're still looking I'd be happy to give tips/ pointers. X

[ocelot41]

I would say it depends on whether you plan to state or private educate. Both Blackheath and Greenwich are fab (although pricy) but SO difficult to get into a good primary even if you practically live on top of one. Hither Green (esp area around Manor House Gardens) is a good compromise with 5 outstanding primaries within spitting distance so you would have to be very unlucky not to get into any. The only primary I have heard mixed things about is Trinity - seems to be a bit Marmite - some people love it, some really hate it.