To be interested in which London areas young families are living in

[NameChangeNewMum]

NC for this. Interested to know where in London new families are living, (if they are not extremely wealthy Russian oligarchs and living in Mayfair). I live near Silvertown but would love to live more centrally and in a more family orientated or leafy area - the kind of place I used to live in when I rented. I was just reading a thread about London Mums and a lot of them said they lived in Zones 1 - 2 and it got me interested.

If you are a newish Mum and in a "normal" to "very good" income bracket (as London is so skewed so we are all wealthy in the content of UK) can I ask whereabouts in London you live, and if you like it?

I recommend Bermondsey. It’s not too expensive considering how central it is (though obviously London is always going to be expensive) and there’s sooooo much going on for young families. Different groups and activities every day of the week. Many of them free (mainly the ones run by churches!). Great sense of community. Playgrounds everywhere. Great nurseries and schools. Everything’s within walking distance so we never drive. And good public transport links (Bermondsey tube station is step free so good for buggy outings).

No one has a massive house or garden here (unless mega mega rich) but maybe that adds to the sense of community - there’s lots going on because we all have to escape our tiny houses and flats 😂 and hanging out in parks is more sociable than the garden anyway!

The only downside is that it is quite a transient community - friends move away and it can be heartbreaking.

Oh interesting! Bermondsey isn't an area I'd thought about although I know it as I used to work there. Thanks for the info!

What's a normal to good income bracket OP?

I’m a Dad, we live in Shoreditch and love it, I doubt I’ll move from here, if I do I’ll head over to Hoxton or Stoke Newington. There are so many things to do here, great parks and generally very friendly.

We're in Westminster

We were in Sydenham for 5 years and just moved last month. Lots of young families and stuff to do for children.

Hackney

I lived in Wimbledon when my children were small. Raynes Park is slightly cheaper and also many families and not far from the Common, good train connection.
I have a flat in Parsons Green and was there on Halloween - so many kids dressed up, young professionals coming home and going to the pub, people just out and about. The local estate agents hosted parties for the kids- it was lovely. Not a cheap area but full of families.

Forest Hill

Chiswick- next to Duke's Meadows/Chiswick House. I LOVE it. It's awesome! I'm not a new or young mum anymore, but I was once.
My eldest is 18 and my youngest is 5. I have to say, this has been the best area of London I've ever lived in (I've lived all over London). Transport is great. The green spaces and playgrounds are amazing. The schools, nurseries, local swimming pools are all fantastic. Loads of things to do with the kids. Great shops, restaurants, etc. It's just all-around perfect. I cycle everywhere and we have a dog, so I'm always out and about.

Ah Wimbledon is great! My MIL lives there.

Blackheath / Greenwich - it’s fabulous here, great transport links, open spaces, the river, cheaper houses in Charlton

We used to live in Hackney which is incredible for families, so much to do, but it got too expensive. I wouldn’t recommend my area now!

Friends live in Walthamstow and Forest Hill, they’re both great.

Camberwell. I love it. Great pubs and restaurants, lovely parks, near Dulwich and Herne Hill for yummy mummy stuff or Brixton for a livelier scene, and quick on the train round to Victoria, Blackfriars and Shoreditch. It's cheap(er) because there's no tube but the trains and buses are great.

Camberwell. But will move to Forest Hill/Sydenham soon

Bromley

Clapham is full of young families - particularly between the commons. Balham also very popular for families. Would need to be in the very good income bracket!

Stockwell/clapham/Brixton triangle. Love it. V central, lovely parks, loads to do.

I used to live in Clapham Junction, absolutely loved it! Very ‘yummy mummy’. Couldn’t afford to buy though so we moved to zone 3.

If you look at actual population size, most people are living out in unglamorous and slightly more affordable zone six

I lived in Bromley about 8 years ago and I found it really chain-pub-y/commercial high st with not much atmosphere etc - didn't like it much personally. But perhaps it's changed?

Kennington also very good!

Blackheath. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

Telegraph Hill. On the edge of Nunhead / Peckham and East Dulwich is up the road. Loads to do with small kids round here.

We're near Maida Vale / Kilburn. You can barely move for the bugaboos on a weekday.