Tell me what you like about Richmond

[ColleenEatsVeg]

Hi ladies,

My DH and I are considering moving closer to London before trying to have a baby. At the moment I am a steppie to two lovely kids (9 and 7) and they adore Harpenden where we live. Sadly though between travelling to Waterloo everyday and the threat of rising travel costs I think moving into the city is the best option.

However I am completely lost. Its a very different world living in London when you have 2 small ones in the family and you are thinking about having a baby.

People keep recommending Richmond for its easy commute to the office and how "leafy" it is. Coming from the lovely ladies that live there how is Richmond for early childcare and how kid friendly do you find it?

Richmond is amazing!!!!!! I dont live in Richmond, but in Richmond borough.

Im so grateful to God that Im fortunate enough to live here. There are so many playgroups, parks, activities, shopping. Commuting to waterloo is relatively simple.

I dont know what harpenden is like, so cant really compare.However, in a nutshell would definitely recommend the borough. Education in the area is also pretty good as the kids get older. Definitely something also to think about.

Good luck with the decision. :)

im the same as lukymum love living here i do live in richmond and its great we have a huge park close to kew gardens lots of childcare but depends on what you want there are day nurseries, nannies, childminders lots for children to do near and in richmond for all different ages and lots of good primary schools :)

Richmond is brill and is super child friendly. I also live in the borough rather than Richmond but there really is a lot for kids/families to do round here. Ther are lots of good parks/playgrounds, schools are great and it's easy to get into London.

I've been living here for 3.5yrs now and love it especially in the summer, lovely being by the river. We've made good friends here and now can't imagine living anywhere else

Richmond Park in summer and winter
Petersham Cafe
Marble Hill Park
Walking along the towpath
Pazza Idea and Fishworks for food and coffee
Fab public transport (bus, tube, overground and southwest trains)
Richmond Theatre
Good shops
Close to Kingston for more shops
Sitting on the river, having a drink on a Sunday afternoon watching the sun set.

I could go on

we love it here and although house prices are ridiculous you can find more reasonable prices in some areas.

Living in Kew (nearly always a walk to the tube) id fab for getting into south Ken for museums. Primary schools in Kew are almost universally good and some outstanding. Kew gardens is great for kids and adults and although expsenive for single visists is only about £60 for an annual pass. Lots of good playgrounds, good shopping in Richmond and Sheen. Mor of community feel - all DS's freinds live walking distance to the school (and hence from each other)

Downsides. - traffic is a nightmare but you do get used to it. Airplane noise can be intrusive but again you do unbelievably!) get used to it. House prices high.

"Its a very different world living in London" living in Richmond is really not live living on most parts of London!

Thanks so much for all the information, I would have never thought about the planes heehee. Will keep it high on the list ATM we are still clinging on to harpenden but know sometime we will have to move closer to work

richmond, kew barnes are all lovely when it comes to living in london, the only thing is that its all a bit expensive. its got the small town attitude as in looking out for your neighbours but is in london. go for it!

lots of green spaces for free,
easy for public transport despite the traffic
child / family friendly
lots of places to eat on all price ranges

personally I think it is a mixture of neighbourly friendliness
while not being small town intrusive
and very mixed / international population