Want to move further out but not too far. Sutton or Bromley?

[FlamingRobots]

I’d really like to move to the countryside but have realised my need to be in London is far too strong! I’m now considering Bromley and Sutton boroughs, the pros - good schools, close to green space, the cons - less diverse, less arty/creative vibe. I’ve also heard on MN that Sutton is a bit “rough”, I can deal with that as I currently live in a let’s say “vibrant” area but I have children who will soon become teenagers so that’s a little concerning.
So black MNers, this is where I need your help. Where in these boroughs will I find good secondaries that aren’t too large, perhaps have a more nurturing ethos as well as academic, good for young teenagers as well as a more left leaning political view?

I live in Bromley. Hayes to be specific. Good schools lots of green spaces, and good transport links into London. It's a nice place to be.

Definitely not left leaning though! Whilst there are no doubt left leaning people here, there aren't enough of us to ever shift the useless Tory MP.

Thanks @skippy67 I must admit I thought left leaning would be too much to ask for! 😄 I know Penge, Anerley and Crystal Palace are but they are far too expensive and whilst I love those areas the children would prefer being closer to open, green spaces.

Is Hayes quite diverse? I know Bromley won’t be anything like Croydon or even Tower Hamlets and perhaps I’m expecting too much. How about Chislehurst, Petts Wood? Any black mners live there? Or how about Coulsdon, Caterham, Whyteleafe?

I wouldn't describe hayes as diverse, but there are definitely more brown faces now than when we first moved here. The 6th form at Hayes school has a lot of kids from out of the borough attending which shakes things up nicely... 😉

Sutton is more of a Lib Dem area than Bromley I think, so a little further left. Council is Lib Dem and previous MP is. Socially I’ve only met one ‘out’ Tory but plenty of very active Lib Dems. Sutton High Street is struggling, as are many, but due to being a Tory marginal seat we are the recipients of money from the pot to from the government to improve them. Very good grammar schools of course. Look particularly at South Sutton, Carshalton Beeches and South Cheam, if you have the budget. Also St Phils is v good if you’re Catholic.