moving to London... help, please!

[KABKiley2]

Hello! We are moving to London for at least the next year. The original plan was a new job based close to Euston station, so our kids are registered at Southbank Hampstead. Things have changed and now we have kids at Southbank and my husband will be toggling between an office in Milton Keynes and one in Staines. That's a large triangle! Does anyone have any suggestions on areas that would alleviate some of my husband's commute but would still be a relatively easy commute to school? Also, when looking at tube commutes from Finchley Station to MK, it says it's 25 to 30 pounds. Is there a commuter card that makes an everyday commute affordable? Thanks for any help you can provide. FYI... we are Americans from Atlanta (respectful and friendly Americans!) with 2 daughters, ages 7 and 10. We live in the city in Atlanta and like an urban environment. Thanks.

Hello! I am not sure about the commute, which sounds odd, but I would be tempted to move to be near one or the other office if you haven't started the kids off in school, as your husband will be on the road a lot from the sound of it. In terms of the commuting costs, they are extremely high over here so there won't be any way of offsetting them unless he goes to just one office and gets a season ticket loan through work, which doesn't sound like it is going to be an option. Sorry to sound negative - perhaps someone will come on here with more focused advice about the locations.

There's nothing really convenient for commuting. Harrow is about halfway but you will have a horrendous commute getting to the school. He surely won't be doing MK and Staines in the same day. Work should pay for commute to at least one of the offices. It is expensive to commute but cheaper if you purchase advance tickets

Choose housing near one of the places of work so can walk or cycle or quick bus to work and place your children in whatever public school you are offered or pay for a private school. Problem solved.

If you moved near to the Staines office, the kids could go to the American school in Cobham. Cobham has a large US community. I know you prefer an urban environment, but the traffic in London is a nightmare. It can take a couple of hours to drive a few miles.

Thanks, all, for your input. In a last minute flip decision, my husband is will be working with the company off Euston. Our kids are already registered at Southbank Hampstead, so now comes the challenge of finding a relatively affordable, dog friendly flat in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London. Oy!!

Good luck, I hope you enjoy your year!

What about seeing if ACS Hillingdon has a place then move somewhere on their bus routes. They say on their web site the will help advise.
Another option if you are set on southbank would be to right to the far end of the Northern line. Your kids commute into Hampstead and your DHL commutes by car to his two locations. Out to South Mimms and schlep round the M25 to Staines and up M1 to MK
There are season tickets for the trains

Sorry just seen your update. What about looking at East Finchley for South Bank.
Hendon is cheaper
By urban do you want city centre urban edgy urban, or suburbs urban.
Different areas of north London have their own feel, culture and cultural bias.

Another spot to look is West hamptead