To live in Central London with 3.5 ds as a single mom... anyone else doing this..

[NYC6723]

will be moving to Maide Vale / St. John's Woods area in June

why would that be unreasonable? sounds lovely

but is it harder than living in the burbs... do you know anyone else who is in my situation (i'm sure there are tons of single moms in central london - just looking for some proof that this is not a stupid ide?!)

friend did this and she has had great choice of school for her dc, always been able to take her to loada of cultural things, often for free. grown-up v street-wise, but in a good way. OTOH she never had a garden to plauy in but was nr to local park.

I think Kewcumber lives in Kew with a 2+ ds. She might come along soon.

I dont see where the problem is as long as you can afford it. I think its a great place to live.

I don't see that it would be harder than the suburbs. Neither of those places are rough and London is full of parks. The only downside might be problem schools if you are using the state system.

yep Kew is in Kew and I am in west london too. not quite as central but i'm sure you'll find your feet quickly.

check out www.singlewithkids.co.uk there's a few of around and about london and surrounding areas.

i met up with a few for a picnic in MK yesterday and it was fun.

it's not just single mums either which is nice as it provides a bit of balance.

god no, much nicer than burbs. loads to do with kids in london and those both lovely areas with well-kept parks and loads of kids. what exactly are you worried about? will you be working? where will you be living?

Maida Vale mansion flats often have lovely, huge communal gardens too

I would love to live in a Maida Vale mansion block.

I am not a single mum but I do live in central London with a toddler. I think it is much easier to amuse kids in London than in the suburbs or in smaller towns. In central London there are loads of toddler groups, child friendly cafes, zoos, aquariums, playgrounds etc etc etc. If you wanted to do a differnt activity everyday for a year you could. It is easy to meet people and if you don't get on with one group of mothers then it is easy to find another. I would much prefer to be alone in London than anywhere else.

Thank you ladies so much.. really nervous about this move... but it will be the best for ds and myself

Lovely, lovely area. Central London on your doorstep, yet it's a lovely neighbourhood with Regent's Park just up the road and some lovely little cafes and shops. Edgawre Rd, Harrow Rd and Kilburn nearby for cheap shops and a more of a 'real urban living' experience . Great area for a single parent. You won't feel isolated - loads going on. Very jealous!

I live about 3 miles out of central london by the river (which I love) but would love to live in central london especially in the St John's wood area/Regent's Park area.

My DS1 and I have just been into the West End today and there is so much going on. Plus have built up a network of friends over the years through nursery and school.

I am quite sociable but not OTT and found that it happened to me quite easily.

It's a total myth that London is unfriendly and that it's a bad place to bring up children.

My childhood was spent in a provincial town and I found it stifling, limiting and boring.

People I have met over the years who were born or brought up in London are often reluctant to move out.

You are also quite near to Hampstead Heath which is great for walks etc.

I knew some parents who lived in the Barbican although they were married and that's pretty central.

I live further out but I think it's better to live further in from your own personal point of view. I have too many children (5) who were all at day schools out here enjoying the garden, space etc to move in but if I just had one little one I am sure that would be better.