Where to live to work in London Bridge?

[Mandalayblonde]

You all seem to be good at these London property location queries so hoping for suggestions for my sister (single, early 50s) who is moving back to UK for a job near London Bridge. Rough rental budget of £1,750pm or ideally to buy (budget approx £300K)?? Doesn't know how to balance commute versus lifestyle? We are in NE so can't advise. Any guidance on areas to look or other aspects to consider much appreciated!

I lived in Beckenham when I worked in London Bridge. There are 2 stations (Beckenham Junction and New Beckenham) and a tram so generally good public transport, there's a nice mix of shops, cafes, gym, parks, tennis club etc and it was around 30mins on the overland train to London Bridge, 35 to Waterloo and 40 or so to Charing Cross.

Urban villagey green space and a lido sounds perfect!!

Thanks, this is a very helpful suggestion in terms of checking out areas. She isn't sure about renting versus buying and what London property prices are doing - but I think that's a whole other thread!!

Bear in mind that if she's been oversees a while landlords may require six months' rent upfront or a guarantor.

And the London rental market is ridiculously fast moving and competitive. My friend on a six figure salary had a nightmare getting accepted anywhere. It is probably better the further out you go.

Coulsdon. 20 min into London Bridge.

I think she should stay round Orpington for a week (fast train into London Bridge, affordable housing...for London...) and see what she thinks re the social side.

As sadly most sensible commuter locations tend to be boring!

She should also decide if she wants to run a car as that gives more options in terms of getting to/away from the station. And cost in that it needs to be ULEZ compliant.

Thameslink is a good idea to use, and it means she could commute in easily from north of London, which might be easier in terms of travelling up to see you/relatives (assuming she might want to drive)

This is near some great pubs, lovely parkland and nowhere near a 1.5 hour commute !
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131507042#/?channel=RES_BUY

Slightly odd one - I'm selling a 2 bed flat (no garden) between Forest Hill/ Catford/ Honor Oak, approx 12 min walk to each. All have quick connections to L.Bridge (12-15mins on the train). I bought it for £380k in 2016 - but willing to sell for significantly less, if we can avoid using an estate agent & because I need to be closer to my Mum who is terminally ill. Happy to share details!

Hither Green is more affordable than Greenwich/Blackheath. Several independent shops/restaurants, fabulous pub, easily walkable to Blackheath/Greenwich and 15 mins to London Bridge.

She doesn't need to move to Kent or commute 1.5 hours, what a thing to say

OP I live near Greenwich/Charlton and I think it would be a great place for someone moving back to the UK and used to a more rural life, it is incredibly green and easy commute to London Bridge (overland train or even by river boat)

She could definitely rent or buy a 1 bed in that budget, a 2 bed would be a stretch but possible

I would highly recommend she rent first to see which area she likes but yes if she's coming from abroad she may need to pay 3-6 months upfront (anywhere in London) unless she's been getting a salary into a UK bank account and will pass credit checks.

Thank you, this is v reassuring! Was worrying she might change her mind if I shared this thread about travelling 3 hrs a day to sensible suburban commuterville

(6 month rent upfront still a bit offputting!)

Greenwich is a fantastic area and I really recommend it for someone moving to / back to London - it is very leafy with the gorgeous park, lots of lovely cafes and restaurants and is more affordable than other areas in London for rentals. It has decent connections to London Bridge and to North London/the City via Thameslink/DLR. Also feels very safe.

I would also suggest Blackheath and Hither Green as potential options for rentals. Hither Green has a village feel and fast trains to London Bridge.

Buying in these areas can be very expensive still for the same reasons.

I second / third Blackheath as an option for a rental. Gorgeous village with huge green space and 20 mins walk through Greenwich Park to the Thames. Trains are only about 12 minutes to London Bridge from Blackheath Station. Blackheath is stunning, and is basically next door to Greenwich (the village itself, not just the borough) but is less touristy and with more of a community- farmers market, local arts centre, classes, etc.

Stratford area? We used to commute to London Bridge from Leyton. Was fine other than having to get a bus to the tube

South Norwood, on the Crystal Palace side. The transport from Norwood Junction station is better than from Crystal Palace itself (there’s the overground and thameslink). It’s also cheaper. I bought a flat there in 2021 for 200k, she could definitely get a 2 bed with a garden for 300. Walkable to Crystal Palace for the “village” of bougie shops and the park, or the nearer, smaller Norwood Lake park. Herne Hill and brockwell park are 15-20 mins away on the bus, and the fast train is 12 mins to London Bridge

Hackney has an outdoor, heated lido at London fields. Bethnal Green, Bow and Stratford are all fairly central, would mean a much shorter commute and very close to the massive Victoria parks and lovely walks along Regents canal.

Brockwell Park has a Lido, too.