To want to move my family to London

[Miralala]

I've been offered a job in Zone 1 (mix of wfh and 5 hour return commute on diff days).

I really want to take the opportunity to live in London now, as live fairly rubbish city I don't like - however we have the 'ideal' life now with great schools, 3 bed semi, leafy suburbs, nice little high street and park 5 mins away.

We can up our house budget so could we keep any of that lifestyle anywhere in London for £700k? Absolute must is a nice secondary as kids are gentle souls and getting to secondary age, and son plays music, chess, etc - would be eaten alive in typical comp. I have no idea whether / where to start looking in London.

Maybe if you move out to Surrey (I’m in Surrey) or other borders. You won’t get much in central London for 700k. I’ve lived in Surrey / south London borders for 21yrs, grew up in north wales. I love London so much, never ever tire of it, but you’ll probably get a load of replies saying don’t do it. Yesterday was my bday and last minute decision to go to the theatre / walk along the south bank / meal in Covent Garden, atmosphere was fab and I wouldn’t be able to do any of that where I grew up, going to the pub would be it

I don't know anything about secondary schools but you can certainly get a three bed in London for 700k. Don't move to Surrey. Just because your job is in zone 1, I assume you're not expecting to live there? Live in normal London, have a bit of a commute but much more flexible than being in the home counties, and importantly your kids will be in London and will be able to get themselves around as they get old enough. I grew up here and loved it.

South west London? Richmond, Teddington, Kingston, Surbiton? Not sure about the schools though.

What is it about your city you don't like and what makes you think London would be better? London is a huge place so we might be able to give better advice if you could be more specific.

People romanticise London, it’s not as nice as you think normally.

£700k isn’t much in the nicer parts of London. You’d be very limited on area if you wanted to buy a 3 bedroom house. Highly unlikely you’d be in catchment for great schools at that price too I’m afraid.

I think you will be disappointed. Disappointed on all aspects of life

Does it seem like a long term job role? Hard to know obviously, but could you rent out your current house and rent in london, or still buy? You'd then have your old house to return to if the job isnt what you expect, the kids hate it or your just want to return.

Do you know london or have a preference for an area? Friends/family nearby? Where in zone 1 is the job? Which tube line is it on? This may have a baring on our recommendations for the commute. South of the river have less tube connections and more bus routes (apparently). North west tends to be more expensive than north east.

Ealing maybe possible...3 really good secondaries in Hanwell and a c of e school in acton which is very musical...(although not if child has any sen and v religious criteria/selective) ....lots parks/activities

I would say you are going to struggle on that budget, especially on the school front. It would be good to know where you are now so there is something to compare it with. Surrey isn't a bad call.

Thanks for all the replies. I grew up in a big city (abroad) and am a city person. Just love all there is to see and do, the architecture, history, people from different backgrounds, etc. I don't know London at all so looking for advice - wouldn't expect to live in Zone 1, but equally wouldn't want an hour's commute from Zone 7.

Bounds Green or Alexandra Palace area you can probably get a 3 bed semi for £700k. Good and Outstanding schools in catchment. Don’t listen to those who say you’ll be disappointed with London. I moved my whole family here 6 years ago from the market town/countryside for the reasons you describe and we’ve never looked back. Go for it!

Good suggestion from averythinline actually. You might find something in the Mill Hill area of Acton and then could look at Twyford School (the C of E one).

The job is in Holborn, so great transport links.

South East London has grammars. Chislehirst is nice, Sidcup has nice streets too. Bexley is nice. £700k should be ok for 3-4 bed semi in some of those areas. Trains are about 25 ish minutes to London bridge.

I love London only moved here at 23 and can’t imagine moving away from south east now (though we may go Kent way)!

OP I’m in zone 1 in London and I have a 48min commute to work to zone 1.

Around me there are nothing but good schools. But 700k won’t get you a three bed.
Where are you working? That would help with recommendations

How about East London? Walthamstow, Highams Hill?

@NoNameHere12

People romanticise London, it’s not as nice as you think normally.

Massive generalisation.

To be honest I can't inagine you'll have a smaller commute than 45 mins. I live in zone 3 and it's always around that.
Bounds Green is nice but not sure how much of north London would be in that budget.

@NoNameHere12
People romanticise London, it’s not as nice as you think normally.

Really? Based on what? I love living in London! Like any city you get nicer placer abs not so nice planes but generally what a city to live in!

I think people romanticise the countryside and small market towns tbh

South east London would definitely get you a 3 bed for that budget - Crystal Palace and surrounding areas are nice and have good train links into London Bridge and victoria. I’ve lived in a few UK cities and London is definitely my favourite

Hanwell would be good. Leafy suburbia, good schools

@Etherealhedgehog

I agree. Different people romanticise about what they feel passionate about.

I personally don't like London so wouldn't live there, but can absolutely see that my small town would stifle lots of people and they'd prefer the hustle and bustle of a city.

Different strokes for different folks.

Just because the trend is more towards families moving out of London, doesn't mean those making the move the other way are mistaken. And generally finances will drive moves both in and out of the capital.

I think you are massively underestimating state high schools. They do cater for the quieter kids with interests in quieter activities. They are not all zoos.