Relocating to London

[mrbaitone93]

Hi,

Our first and slightly nervous post. I am a single father with full custody of my DD. The crux of it are, we live in a small seaside town up North (Jon Snow accent) and we have been thinking for a while, of making the move to London. I was just wondering if anyone else had any experience of this? We are currently in social housing and will be exchanging (hopefully) for a property in London.

The reason behind it is opportunities for my DD. I personally am advancing through my career very quickly however, as always, I would like her to have the best life. We are currently in a town that has limited opportunities and lots of, how to put it “Tommy-Robinson-minded” people and I just don’t want that for her. We are very settled here and have great friends. The only family we have are my mum and brothers and cousins etc. so that is not the issue. For me it’s what is London like to raise children in 2024. We have naturally visited many times and always felt so safe there however, that is as tourists.

What are schools like, are they safe? Is gang culture really that bad? Same with knife crime etc. Is illegal immigration’s really posing a threat in London as the media portrays? Do your children thrive in London?

We are likely moving to South London (as our budget allows) around Lambeth/Clapham Common. Any stories or advice would honestly, be greatly appreciated 🙏

Honestly there’s no one ‘London’. It seems pretty radical to move your kid away from everything they know for a more open mindset, is there nowhere that fits the bill that’s a bit closer?

London’s social housing is a real mixed bag, from brilliantly designed spacious flats to very tiny and mouldy boxes with no outside space. Likewise, areas can go from great to dangerous in only a couple of roads. The housing associations here are diabolical in my direct experience but maybe that’s a nationwide thing! Where exactly are you looking?

Like everywhere, good schools are oversubscribed so the timing of a move is everything. With in-year moves you’re reliant on the council placing you in an available school. However, kids are leaving London at such a rate this may be no problem at all for primary (more difficult for secondary).

Having said all that there’s such a phenomenal amount to do and a lot of fabulous things to do for free. It is noisy, congested and requires stamina, but also it’s buzzing and vibrant.

i have family in that area and the concern isn't childhood with museums and large parks etc. but the teen years.
my family will be moving out. city teens grow up quickly.
despite social housing it's a very very expensive area to live in. soft play etc. pricing is through the roof.
on the way home from the school run just last week we experienced a gang of teens all dressed in back (hoodies and joggers)shooting each other at close range with fire crackers, when the police arrived they dispersed into shops and doorways and certainly at the time were not caught. a few days later we witnessed two cars and a minor fender issue which turned into a street brawl...again on the way home from school so 4:15 ish.
the two school aged kids were very interested and wanting to watch both incidents.
i agree it's not a good place for 12-18 year olds. children need a certain amount of maturity and self discipline to steer clear of the antisocial behavior.

Did you move?

We are currently in a town that has limited opportunities and lots of, how to put it “Tommy-Robinson-minded” people and I just don’t want that for her.

You are right. I'd be out of there like a shot. I have a biracial child.

So how did it work out @mrbaitone93? Your post is from October last year.