Thinking about moving to the area

[eversoW13]

We're thinking about moving to the area and would like to know what locals think of life there. We've done a little exploring on our own, but would love to get some insight from established locals. We're mainly considering the Wimbledon area, but are open to suggestions. :)

So, a few questions ....

Are there lots of things on for small children (1 & 3 yrs)?

Where are the best playgrounds, parks and access to nature (aside from the Common)?

Which non-religious primary schools are considered the best (not necessarily the most highly-rated by OFSTED)?

Does the area have much of a community feeling?

How do you predict the area will change over the next five to ten years (for better or worse)?

Is there any significant noise pollution, other than standard city sounds -- ie, does the area suffer from airplane noise, nearby trains, hospital traffic (sirens), etc? (We get quite a bit of plane noise where we are now in West London, so would like to avoid it in our new home!)

Are there any Facebook groups you'd recommend for getting a feel for what's happening around the area?

We are having a hard time deciding where to live -- this will likely be our last move until the kids are through primary school, so it's a big decision. Anything anyone can add to convince us that this is (or isn't!) the place for our family would be appreciated! Thank you!

Yes there is lots to do for kids. Polka theatre, YMCA play pod and classes, mini gym, ballet, Tots landing, etc.

Very nice playground at Dundonald rec. Wimbledon Park has water jets. South Park is popular with families and baby groups.

Schools - Holy Trinity, Bishop Gilpin, Dundonald have the best reputations, however catchment areas are TINY. Dundonald's was 105 metres this year. So unless you find a house on the school's doorstep, you won't get in. You may want to factor the cost of independent schools in deciding if the area is for you.

On the plus side, yes there is a community feeling, it is very safe, and there isn't a lot of noise.

Loads and loads to do. I think it's got to be one of the most family friendly areas in London.
Heaps of parks and playgrounds and lots of coffee shops and family friendly restaurants.
I think there's a wonderful community feel. Our DD is in a fantastic school (Catholic) which has a really lovely nurturing feel to it and the parents are all very friendly.
On schools, Holy Trinity is good but is Church of England so perhaps not what you're looking for. Merton Park school has an excellent reputation.
No idea on Facebook groups.
Not much noise.

Lots of arrogant afrikaans people (white) around the area. house prices very high. the average sw19 resident has little sense of community, and is very pompous.

Tingle eh?

I've never encountered those pompous South Africans. We must move in different circles.

Tingle???

That's not the case. I had that impression but it was not the case when we moved there.

We loved living in Wimbledon and wished we had moved their sooner. Great parks, the common, Dundonald, South Park Gardens, Morden Hall Park. Ballet, tap, swimming, gymnastics. As said before.

V rarely under flight path. Sirens no worse then anywhere else in London.

Property prices are v high. Rental v hard to find, prices high and houses go v quickly.

Wimbledon town fine for eating out with children and v informally. For such an affluent area I was always amazed at the lack of decent restaurants and bars.

Lovely community spirit.

You're a charmer, Tingle1, and a racist. You have no idea about the area; I've lived here all my life and there is a great community spirit and lots going on.

EversoSW13 (where is that? My son is obsessed with postcodes and never sure where SW13 is???), I think Wimbledon and its environs is a fantastic area!

Tere is plenty to do with young children (my eldest was only 10 months old when we first moved but is now almost a teen) and older ones too.

There are lots of Mums and Tots groups, the libraries all run very active rhyme-time (and similar) sessions which seem to be packed out with Mummies and little ones, there are several soft-play areas (including Eddie Catz and The Whacky Warehouse), many privately run baby music sessions, the YMCA runs several toddler-focused activities, there are a lot of nice parks aside from Wimbledon Common (Wimbledon Park is superb and has a lovely cafe in the grounds!), Mordern Hall Park (National Trust), the Polka Theatre (a children's theatre) and much more besides!

It is not entirely easy to answer the best schools question. Are you talking state or private? The Wimbledon ones, particularly Bishop Gilpin CofE), Wimbledon Chase, Merton Park, Dundonald, Wimbledon Park and Holy Trinity (also CofE) are all very highly regarded. Singlegate Primary School in Colliers Wood has also risen in desirability and in parental rankings (as well as its Ofsted reports) in recent years. However, I'm sure you will find many other parents who are equally satisfied with the schools their children attend.

What I do know is that if you are intending to move you do need to do your homework about catchments and distances from school very, very carefully indeed. Schools such as Dundonald, Singlegate and Pelham (also another good one in Wimbledon) have miniscule catchments - 250 metres in some cases!

I think Wimbledon and Merton Park always have been and will continue to be affluent, chichi parts of SW London. The rest of the Borough of Merton is a bit mixed but the parts on the Northern Line (Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon and Morden) I'm sure will hold their own if not increase in desirability as house prices further into London continue to escalate beyond many families' incomes

Thanks, Willem. Lots of great info to digest. Can the majority of groups, libraries, etc that you mentioned be reached by foot or bus? (We don't have a car and are trying to avoid getting one for as long as possible!)

We're looking at non-religious state schools for now, and I know how important location can be. It's astonishing how small some catchment areas are in actuality. And availability of properties (buy or let) in sought-after areas can be depressingly limited.

As for postcodes, we're in W13 now, which covers Ealing (Northfields, Pitshanger, much of the area west of the Broadway). SW13 is Barnes, I think. :)

Hi EversoW13, yes I would say most are accessible without a car - on foot or by bus. We are a car-free household too and I walk to most places unless they're on the other side of the Borough - such as Wimbledon Park or Raynes Park (my feet wouldn't thank me for walking that far!). If you are based more towards the middle of the Borough, around Merton Park/South Wimbledon or the Battles area of Wimbledon most parts are walkable!