mymama - what a small world it is!
Would love to ask you lots of Q's - we may know each other, but as we can't post names on this forum, I've sent you an email.
Are both you and your DH from Rocky? If you don't mind me asking but how old are you? I am 34 turning 35 this year. What school did you go to? What area of Rocky did you live in? I went to Glenmore (but don't hold that against me) and lived northside.
We left Rocky in 2000 to come over to London. Have only been back 3 times since and I really do not miss it. Will never go back there to live I'm afraid, it's just too small for me now.
In regards to where to live in London, I am a bit of a West London snob. Couldn't imagine why you would want to live anywhere else. I have lived in Nottinghill Gate (1yr), Ealing (5yrs) and now currently in Teddington (1yr). I haven't done the full research on schools but people have told me that the Teddington area has some great schools. We are very close to Bushy Park, not far from Richmond Park, there is no tube out this far but the other transport links by way of train and buses are great. Shopping is pretty good with a large shopping precinct at Kingston (5mins away), wonderful one off boutiques in Teddington High St, Richmond shopping is great as well and within easy reach as well as Twickenham.
Generally I would consider what's really important to you and your DH. Where will he be working? In the centre of London or on the outskirts and will it be Nth, Sth, Est or Wst? Will he want to drive to work or catch public transport (where he works can play a big part in this decision). The travel time getting to and from work can be a killer. You have no idea until you're here. Unlike Rocky where in 5 mins you can be anywhere you want to be or even Brissy you can easily be most places in half an hour. Here - taking an hour to get to work is very common and the traffic can be horrendous!
Also with accommodation you will get more for your money the further out you go but travel will cost more if you work in the city centre. I have also found the attitudes relax so much more the further out you move as well. It's not so hectic. If you have children it's great to be near some of the big parks or even if you don't have children. The parks are a great escape for some peace and fresh air. Richmond and Bushy Parks have deer freely wondering about the place and there are playgrounds, pounds, cycling paths and cafes etc to keep you occupied.
The one thing that is difficult to arrange once you're here in London is a bank account. Depending on who your employer is, they sometimes have an agreement with their own bank were they will refer you to them and the bank will open an account without a problem. If not it's a headache, no no, a migrane! I have friends who have had a build up of pay cheques but no account to bank them into and their AUD was dwindling very quickly to the point they had to borrow money off friends. I think HSBC is in Oz and you may be able to set something up there before you leave.
Oh I could ramble on forever. Let me know any other specific Q's and I'll try to answer them. There are a number of websites I could send you that may be helpful.