Straw poll - choose where I should live

[redberries1]

Oxted/Limpsfield - rural (ish), good commute, safe, green, nice schools for primary, know people, decent home but a bit boring, secondary options not amazing, not much to do for us or when kids older
Tun Wells - nice town, great grammars, nice period homes, lots to do now and when kids older, have a friend there, lovely countryside but longer commute, primaries a bit tricky - the only one near station is impossible to get into, harder for me to get back into work if London based
Merton Park - nice primaries, good commute, more to do for kids and us, know some friends there, near the common and Richmond Park but very suburban and no high street as such
Crouch End - know it, nice high street, my sort of vibe, easy commute, ok primaries, green space near but v expensive, more hectic London, don't know anyone there now
Teddington - lovely high street, London vibe but without the hecticness, very green, lots to do now and in future, good schools but expensive and slow commute

I've posted before here. Need to decide by end of week as getting kicked out of rental soon! Going nuts deciding what to do. Not sure mumsnet is the best place to get an answer but my reaction to responses may help I guess!

[Sunnyshores]

Do you want to move and stay there long term? Or do you not mind moving again? Because it seems to me that Oxted is a good/easy safe choice now (especially as you're in a rush) but when children are older there are better choices in so far as schools, things for children to do and you commuting further wont matter as much when children are older or you can use the time to look for a closer job.

For me, the most important factor would be the commute, but then I didnt have an enjoyable or hugely financially rewarding career.

So, if you only want to move once, then Crouch End sounds the best as it suits your life now and longer term. I think its easier to meet people and make new friends when you have younger children and are out and about with them.

[BrownEyedLady]

I have a friend in Tunbridge Wells. It is a pain in the arse to get to from some parts of London with public transport - from my experience you have to get a train into central London then another one back out.

[GavelRavel]

I find TW way more boring than Oxted (though i know what you mean, it's a bit dead) so not there. Teddington sounds good I guess, or maybe somewhere closer in than Oxted like Caterham, Warlingham etc - easier to pop into London for works, nights out.

Massively depends on the size of property you want and budget though.

[redberries1]

Thanks folks. We could obviously get more in Oxted or TW but could afford (just) what we need in Tedd/MP or CE.
Would prefer only to move once but open to moving again - just would be another upheaval I guess later in life.
Hmm TW boring as well? Argh...

[redberries1]

TW works for DH as works in Cannon Street. I'm in twice a week also in city so doesn't matter as much to me (though obv I have to do kids pick up etc)

[redberries1]

Any other words of wisdom

[Pootlebug]

Other possibilities? (I realise that widening the field might not be helpful at this point - sorry!). Is DH likely to stay Cannon Street based? If so then how about South East London? Good schools in Greenwich, Blackheath, Charlton, lots of green space and easy commute.
Are you looking to rent or buy and what sort of budget for how many bedrooms etc?

[redberries1]

Thanks. Yes thought about se London but prefer to be near big green space e.g. Heath or Wim Common. I visited lots of se London and it felt very busy for me unfortunately. I know it's lovely though!

[LadyMetroland]

This may sound nuts but I would seriously consider air pollution as a factor - ie avoid London where levels are rising.

I'd go for Oxted

[redberries1]

Not nuts! A definite issue. How would we know if high levels of not? I know putney is awful but that's about it.