Commuting to North London

[SallyMcG]

Hi all

I'd like to ask some advice.

My husband has just been offered a new job in North London. At the moment we live in South Hampshire but we'd like to take this opportunity to move north of London to be closer to family. We need a place that is within an hours commute of the North side of town where he can commute by train. We like rural but also need a train station, and somewhere that isn't London prices.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

This map might be a good starting point for places with good train links into London.

Which is the nearest station to your DH's work? Much quicker if he can get a train into Kings Cross or Finsbury Park, for example and walk than have to then get a tube which could add 30 mins to his commute. It also depends on your definition of 'London prices' as living close to the end of the tube line might mean a quicker commute but obviously more expensive than living further out.

I would start at his office and then work outwards. How long is the walk to the nearest station and then where do the trains from that station go? Keep working out until you find a place that you a) like, b) can afford and c) has decent schools if you will need them.

Factor in travel costs as well - trains from, for example, Hitchin, into central London can be several thousand pounds a year for a season ticket as well as the cost of parking at the station. My other 'warning' would be not to count on doing work on the train whilst DH travels as the trains can be rammed during rush hour(s) and if he can find a space to stand and read an ebook he'll be doing well!

Hope this helps as a start.