Bringing up child in central london- anyone else feel central London becoming a “dump”

[Newparent01]

Hi everyone, new member here keen to hear opinions. I was brought up in the London suburbs and lucky enough to have a privileged education(JAGS, Westminster). Now a parent I would like to offer our child the same kind of education. I appreciate it depends on his future talents, personality, and an academic school may not be the best fit. However, a recent concern is how London has changed over the years. Even in the 90s when I was at school there seemed to be a safer feel, more polite interactions. I commuted by train to both my schools and the idea now doesn’t feel appealing. We live in central London, and I’m wondering if we should consider moving out to consider schools which are more “sheltered” and have more extensive grounds. We are currently looking at moving to a house from our central London flat as have outgrown our current space, hence already thinking about schools. Would appreciate advice from those who have stayed /left central London.

I also agree that the people living in Central London nowadays tend to be incredibly wealthy or the opposite end of the spectrum in social housing. Very few average middle class families to mix with.

As a zone 3 Londoner, what are you classifying as central London?

Hello OP
I also went to JAGS. I wasn't really suburbs, but zone 2/3 London and not on the tube. As an adult I now live more centrally. We're not completely central but edge of zone 1.

My DS is now 10 and we're looking at secondary schools. We've loved staying quite central with children. It's great being able to get into the centre quickly. It certainly doesn't feel like a 'dump'. It's a great mix of different types of areas all on top of each other, like much of London. There may be less space in terms of gardens, but there are lots of parks or little squares and random playgrounds tucked in the middle of estates. Being central also means it's easy to get to a mainline station and get a train out if that's what we fancy doing.

What we've also found staying central with children is it's been great to meet other parents who we connect with. There are probably fewer families, because lots of people do move further out when they have children. However we have found that those who choose to stay centrally often seem to have a similar mindset. Also, contrary to what some others have said, it remains very diverse socially and economically, certainly at our son's state primary and those of other friends. The schools at primary level are also generally really good.

I was a young adult in the 90's and much of inner London (outside of the touristy or business areas) was a dump and dangerous. It's far more gentrified now.

I personally cannot imagine choosing to bring a child up in inner London, we moved (and moved jobs) prior, but nothing to do with looks, I just like space and it's too expensive

As a zone 3 Londoner, what are you classifying as central London?

I class central London as the City, Westminster, Holborn, Marylebone, Chelsea etc basically the parts a tourist would need to see to say they’ve visited London.

I live in the far suburbs of London and feel quite removed from the pace and bustle, but it's there if we want it, as is the countryside. Perfect mix.

Thanks everyone for reading the post and your responses. Really helpful to hear views and experiences.

Zone 2 here. The buildings and streetscape here have never been nicer due to massive building. However people are still aggressive on the surface, but someone kind and helpful can be found if help is needed. I kind of think everywhere has become more aggressive though?

I definitely have more access to green space than my friends in the suburbs. London is one of the greenest cities! From the vast parks of Hyde, Regent’s, St James etc, to the woods at Highgate and Hampstead, the lakes at Battersea and Southwark. I’ve never lived more than a 2min walk to a park, canal, playground etc.

I saw someone deficating behind a lamppost in Winchester. Not sure a poor homeless person is a reflection on a city as a whole.

I live in Westminster and have to avoid the human shit in doorways quite regularly (and have to pull my dog away) but then I remember in 1977 in London seeing a homeless person going to the loo in St James Park- so nothing new

Zone 4 here and always worked in central. Love that I can be in central in 20/30 mins but since having kids I can’t wait to leave. Constant sirens, stabbings constantly, and old peoples home recently got robbed of their bloody outside xmas lights/decs which is just so scummy. My DS is at secondary which is a great school but I worry about him on the bus, a few of his friends have been mugged. The local shopping centre bans teens in the holidays. The high street is abysmal. Traffic is a joke - sorry im really moaning 😂
I NEVER imagined I would want to leave London, but I long for a quieter life!

I think that you might like the area between Wandsworth and Clapham Commons. Not gritty lots of families good private preps and some popular state primaries. Lots of green space. Many children go to private secondaries (the Dulwich schools Emmanuel, Whitgift etc etc.)

Northcote Road is nice with cafes and shops etc.

I think central london is a lot cleaner than it was in the 90s, just more built up as PP says. Homelessness is obviously awful.

Kids get the tube to school all over so I wouldn’t worry about that

If you’ve grown up in London and stayed this long, I don’t think the outer suburbs or commuter towns are going to be for you, but you could move out to a lively but leafy but of zone 3 or 4 - look North or South East.

We moved out to zone 6 from Bloomsbury when we had kids, we are surrounded by greenery, a friendly community, amazing state schools and were able to buy a house rather than a flat - best decision we made :)

I'm in zone 2 West London with husband and 8 year old and still feel my daughter is very lucky to be growing up here. She goes to a great state primary close to home with some good secondary options. I love that there are loads of great activities she can do after school and holidays; South Ken museums; theatre and culture; fab parks, Kew and Wetland Centre; easy to get out of the city; brilliant Cubs group just minutes away . We have lot of nice friends nearby with kids same age. Worry about crime as she grows up but don't believe it's different to other big cities.