because we can't figure out where to live?

[Arty3542]

Hello!

I've posted before about moving to London from the NYC area with our 3 children. We are down to the wire and need to decide pronto! We have narrowed it down to two areas... Notting Hill/Holland Park OR Hampstead. These are where the schools that have places are.

I know that these areas are expensive and I'm sure people will laugh at our dilemma, but this decision will decide where we will be living for the next 5 years. I am the WORST when it comes to make a 50/50 decision. I think I'm driving my husband nuts.

Thank you mumsnet for all your help thus far!

Hampstead would be my choice

Yes, I would go for Hampstead - all the advantages of urban but with the common close by.

Hampstead. Notting hill is amazing but still a fair bit of crime.

Hampstead. Definitely.

Hampstead I would say, a good friend has just moved from there and misses it so much, her kids miss it, it sounds very friendly and village like but in London - perfect!

Thank you!
Hampstead does seem very friendly.

What kind of crime happens in Notting Hill? Are there many families there?

Hampstead. You won't have to put up with the Carnival every year.

Have a look at this site - you can search by postcode, street etc.

Sorry, I meant to say you can search crime stats (broken down by crime.)

Both would be great - can you afford the type of house you want in both? Hampstead has a lovely village feel and the Heath. NH is very vibrant and better connected (in my opinion).

Hampstead is lovely. Often described as a village in the city. Holland Park has a more urban feel... more of a thoroughfare. Both have lovely big parks, but I think it takes a lot to beat Hampstead Heath which is simply glorious.

The thing with London is the diverse housing options (massively expensive vs average vs a bit run down but essentially pretty good vs less nice vs slightly dodgy vs scary large estates) available within a short distance. NH/HP have a greater diversity than Hampstead.

Hampstead is so green and leafy - I have friends with families living there and they love it. My husband's ex-boss lives in Holland Park and we've been to theirs a few times (they're American from Chicago) I live Holland Park! Very family friendly.

We want to move to NY - maybe you could advise us on where to live??

I grew up in West London (same side as Holland Park/Notting Hill) but I would go with Hampstead. Oh, to have that as an option!
Good luck with the move.

This is so tough. It's still pretty easy to get to central London from Hampstead, correct?

Kimann, do you find the locals in Holland Park friendly? Are you worried about safety?

Well, NYC is fabulous! With kids, I like Brooklyn(Cobble Hill) or UWS. Pre-kids, the West Village and Greenwich Village.

Thanks, Justpeachy. :)
Why do you choose Hampstead over NH where you grew-up?

Arty - yes very friendly. Safety wise my friends have never had a problem, nor have my friends in Hampstead to be honest. Lovely parks around. And from Hampstead - you'll be on the northern line and it's about 5 stops via tube (I think!)

From Holland Park - it's essentially more central so quicker to get into central London.

I have friends that live in Greenwich and they say it's really close to NY - I've only ever been to NY once so I'm not too familiar with the surrounding areas. The only thing I would be worried about is how much walking you have to do out and about in NY - I remember from last time!!

Yes, lots of walking in NYC, Kimann. :) But it's a good thing. The subway is great, as well as Uber, the cabs, and buses. Because NYC is a grid-system it's very easy to navigate.
Greenwich, CT is a suburb outside of NYC. I think it's 40 minute commute into the city.

Another vote for Hampstead. I used to live nearby. What is your budget for rent?

Hampstead all the way. I live in North London, and Hampstead Heath is ten minutes away. Just lovely. And with a tube station and shops. If I had the money I'd move back there.

I'd go with Hampstead.

I would also go with Hampstead.

The restaurant scene and cultural stuff in Notting Hill is significantly better than Hampstead. And I know families who live in Notting Hill and love it (I also love it). BUT nothing beats the Heath for me!

Hampstead houses and streets are just beautiful also.

A family I know recently moved from Notting Hill to Holland Park, it seemed a little greener and more family-friendly. But my two top picks would still be Notting Hill vs Hampstead.

And Hampstead would win!

But it depends what kind of thing you prefer?

I'm going to go against the majority here and say Notting Hill/ Holland Park. I've lived in both and Hampstead and I find Hampstead very squeezed together if you know what I mean? Both are lovely though so you can't really go wrong.

Hampstead. I've lived in both areas and Hampstead just feels a bit gentler. And you'll never, ever regret living near the Heath.

With tube, trains, buses everywhere in London is accessible.

Have you visited either area in real life? I think that makes a huge difference - you can't really get a feel for the character of an area from the internet alone.

I would say Hampstead because it's a lovely area for families, but if you really can't decide, toss a coin. If you feel disappointed with the result, you'll know how you really feel!