Help where to move? Barking, Plumstead etc.

[Sonodays]

Posted here for hopeful traffic (namechanged).

Considering moving to London. With very small budget (300K) only affordable areas are Plumstead, Barking&Dagenham etc on the outskirts.

What are these areas really like to live in? (Will look at areas once decision to move is made).

Move is mostly for work (IT contracting). Lone parent and struggling outside of London with lack of contracts, commute and childcare.

Have 2 young children (infants) schools are a concern. Currently in catchment for outstanding schools (hoping having support at home and both very bright. With schools following the same curriculum won't be such an issue. I may be naive?)

Currently in a 2 bed terrace. Naice area, although dreadful neighbours.

Advice very welcome.

South Norwood £300k

Crystal Palace £300k

None of them luv. Keep looking. Further out of london the better. Don't understand what the hypes all about. I'm in west london. Overated. Polluted. Aggressive
Expensive.

Southwest1

Sorry, that makes no sense at all, inheritance tax is payable on death and is charged at 40% above the nil rate band of £325,000, although this will rise to £500,000 by 2021 as part of the main residence allowance

Sorry, the house had been purchased with the proceeds of a sale of a property left in a will, it's a bit complicated, but inhertitance tax would have been due.

Southwest1

Ahh, that makes sense now!

I've lived in Hornchurch for 6 years now and really like it here - huge country parks, decent high street and the district line. Also, is in zone 6 so you can use your Oyster card. Elm Park is one stop away and has slightly more affordable places so maybe check that out (Hornchurch end rather than Dagenham - sorry Daggers!)
As previous posters have said, have a look along the C2C Fenchurch Street line - the trains are air conditioned and reliable. I grew up in the Benfleet area and you get a lot of fast trains from there (although the travel is pricey). Langdon Hills (train station is Laindon) is worth a look too.