Not sure about Notting Hill?

[CHope]

Hello!

My husband wants to move to Notting Hill. We have two children(ages 9 and 5) who have a place at a school there. I heard it's very posh and not so 'artsy' anymore. I am more easy-going, artistic, and not a type-a person.

The other option is Primrose Hill. I know these are expensive areas. We are going with where the children are accepted into school.

I walked around both areas but can't seem to figure out where I would like to live best.

I'd like to be able to walk to most places but have some quiet as well.

Anyone live in these areas who can help?

Thanks in advance

NH Carnival is 2 days out of 365 and on a bank holiday when you would likely go away in any case so hardly a huge stick to beat NH with.

Which school is an important consideration. Is it a good one? I'd avoid choosing a home that would involve commuting a distance to school.

Ladbroke square gardens is really lovely if you can get a rental with access to that.

Yes, loads of tourists at the weekend and some still ask for directions to the blue door/bookshop. Worldwide people know your part of town.

Thank you again. I don’t know. I really don’t. This will be at least for the next 3 years. :/

First world problem if ever there was one! Or a happy dilemma.

I'd choose Primrose Hill and there are good schools nearby, if the experience of a couple of work colleagues is anything to go by.

It is a first world problem! I have anxiety though and I panic with every big decision I make. It’s very black and white for me. It might be good or a catastrophe.

I don’t want to base our decision around a carnival. We would leave during that weekend.

I assume you're going for private schools as you'd need to already be renting before you can apply for a Local Authority school. Not sure about free schools and academies though.

What about moving further out towards Shepherd's Bush, Hammersmith or Chiswick? You get more greenery and community feel. Still posh nowadays (ok parts of SB only)

I much prefer primrose hill. More of a villagey feel.

SuperStellaElla, does primrose Hill really have a sense of community? I would love to get to know our neighbors.

Thanks, NewBeds. Yes these are private schools.

My sister rents a tiny flat in Primrose Hill and I love visiting when in London on business. Get the tube to Chalk Farm.On rhe doorstep she has the canal, the zoo, Regents Park, Camden...its brilliant

CHope out of interest, what job do you do with your anxiety?
My career has been absolutely crippled by mine, I'd love to know what well paid career you have managed to carve out as you sound lovely and your lifestyle sounds amazing.

Primrose Hill EVERY TIME...

AwkwardPaws, I wish I could help you. I currently don’t have a job. It is really hard though.. I feel for you.

I could look into Shepard’s Bush and Hammersmith.

Thanks CHope I hope you find a home you love and that things improve for you

Does either location make more sense from a friends/family/hobbies point of view?

I think we can conclude both are great options. Putney and Richmond are also lovely if you are widening the scope.

An anxiety provoking dilemma if ever there was one. Mine would be going through the roof if ever I had to be faced with this.
A few days ago over 350 people had their lives snuffed out in a second in Sri Lanka.

AwkwardPaws27

Silverlake, I do enjoy going to art museums. And walking everywhere. East London is great but too far from schools.

I know, Zerrin. It’s gut-wrenching what happened in Sri Lanka.

I would look at Chiswick and Barnes or Richmond. Lots of excellent independent schools (I’m a parent and local prep school teacher and also live locally so drop me a message if you’d like some advice re schools). Living by the river and Richmond Park is wonderful and there are great boutiquey shops in Barnes and Richmond. Chiswick is more down to earth than Barnes or Richmond. If I had the choice out of the whole of London I’d go with Richmond every time.

I have lived very close to NH and PH. I’d look at north Kensington (close to NH but different vibe) or Hampstead. But to be honest, the London traffic at school run time is intense so I’d stick to somewhere close to school. Ladbroke Grove did you say? If budget isn’t a problem you’ll find a lovely home in a good NH square or North Ken or Holland Park. Brook Green is lovely too (just south of Shepherd’s Bush. Good luck!

@CHope I have pm’d you

Honestly you’ll never regret moving to Primrose Hill. There’s nothing to ‘not like’. You’re also super close to Hampstead and Parliament Hill.
It sounds like you’re leaning that way from your posts so investigate that first and if you don’t get the schools/property you want, then look at NH as a back up. (Incidentally neither Hammersmith nor Shep Bush are in the same affluence league as the other two. They’re both lovely, Hsmith has some gorgeous riverside properties but they’re a different league imo.

I've lived in Bayswater and really enjoyed it there. Less posh than NH but close enough for all the fun if you want it. NH isn't art anymore. I went back there after being away for years and was a bit sad to see how it had lost its quirk quite a bit. I spent years in Shepherds Bush which I loved but I like a bit of grit and quirk. Parts of Hammersmith are nice too. But nowhere is art really.