relocating to Ealing -- what would you suggest

[emali]

we are currently in the process of a potential relocation to London, as DH's job locates in Ealing, which is likely to be our future home if it goes through. it's a big decision and i have only been in transit through heathrow airport, so London to me has great appeal but i really know nothing about everyday life there and it's a bit overwhelming to say the least.

we have 2 DDs, 3 years and 1 year old. we want to make this move suitable to their lives or not too disturbing. if you have any recommendations on dos or dons, please let me know.

what area(s) would you think it's suitable for bringing up a family? the plan is to be there for at least 3 years, so DD1 would start reception and primary school. i'd like to be close the to park, playground, playgroups, libraries, community center, pool, etc.. for them to have an active life and make friends. initially i would stay home to look after them to help with the transition but i would need to work later so nurseries need to be in consideration as well..

thanks in advance for your valuable input and please just let me know anything you think is useful to a new comer.. or things you enjoy doing in Ealing as a family, i know when you are familiar with an area, it's not always obvious what might be "unknown" to others.

are there areas near Ealing that you'd suggest as well?

thanks for your replies!
hls, congratulations and you are so well prepared as you are already reading the mumsnet when are you expecting?
Yingers74, thanks for sharing info on Acton. we've looked a bit all around but are still quite confused. probably will have to wait and see. i like what you mentioned about acton though. being close to public facilities are very important.
Beth, north ealing sounds very nice we will definitely check it out. thanks for mentioning about the school.

DH wants to rent instead of buying now as it's quite confusing but the search still needs to go on. thanks everyone!

oo so glad I have found this thread - we are moving to Pitshanger on the 1st Jan, very excited!

Hanwell is fab- green, lots of parks, buses to ealing often and easy to use. Close to hospital, close to A Big tescos, big waitrose too, Mums groups on every day and they are all walkable. Lots of good schools- St Marks got an ofsted excellent. Very friendly and lots of mums to hang out with it- I'm back at work and have a 19 month year old but can't wait to be off iwth the next one to hang out again.

Singing on Mon in Little Art room
Singing on Tues Little Art Room
wed Hullabaloo and playgroup at Hanwall Baptist
Thurs- Baby swimming at local gym
Fri- Singing at hanwell churhc
Sat- Odds farm 20 min drive away, bunny park ten mins walk

3 really nice child friendly cafes
Great fish and chips
Good curry house
Brilliant Doctors at Elthorne surgery
Free parking
Good transport links- overland and tube.

Only down side is that shopping isn't great- Ealing has lots of shops closing cause of westfield BUT westfield isn't far and kew retail is nearby and Richmond easy to reach on bus.

Come to Hanwell!!!

great to read all this info on living in ealing with little ones. have lived in ealing 15 years then moved out of london 2 years ago to try out of london life - but hasn't really worked so we're coming back in the autumn to pitshanger with our 3yr old dd - would love anyone's thoughts on the preschool options there - i know north ealing and montpelier are both good primary schools but need to sort the year before!
thanks! x

northfields is a lovely area and close to lamas park which is absolutely fabulous. there are some brilliant childrenscentres too in the brentford area. when researching look under both ealing and hounslow because tw7 area has some great playgroups

we are looking at relocating to Ealing as desperate to move somewhere that has lots of parks. Currently debating between Northfields and Hanwell..Northfields because of Fielding school and nearness to parks\tubes; Hanwell because you can get more for your money! I have a 2 year old son and currently trying for number two, so really want somewhere that has an active mummy group. Would love to hear peoples thoughts, as well as any recommendations on nurseries in the area?

We are in Hanwell. Lots of open space. Cuckoo park just got new play equipment too. Hobbayne and Mayfield and Brentside all good schools. Transport - Greenford-Paddington line, Reading-Paddington line, buses to Ealing broadway and Northfields, so not the end of the world. We like it.

Hi! First time posting on MN....possibly moving back to ealing soon....been abroad far too long...can anyone recommend good primary schools in the area for 4 & 9 yr olds? Thank you

Hi.. we are currently in the process in relocating to London. We were there during this summer vacation and were putting up
In South Hall area. Need help to know certain things before I move there. Heard about good schools in Greenford. Is Ealing a good place to move with my two young daughters. Any idea what would be the cost of a rental 2 Bhk. Which are the good catholic schools ..that have the primary and high school. What about NI registration. Quick help please. Thanks a ton

The catholic school in Greenford is Our lady of the visitation on Greenford Road - www.visitation.ealing.sch.uk/page/default.asp?title=Home&pid=1 - rates good by ofsted is next to the catholic high school Cardinal Wiseman

Both good schools but the catchment / acceptance area is tiny - very over subscribed every year and you Will need proof of attendance from your current parish

Feel free to ask more questions although am in Hanwell

Sorry meant to say Ealing is a big place and great to raise a family - where you love to will be budget driven. Southall or Northolt is probably the cheapest part of Ealing if that helps

Thank you so much for info very helpful with school.
The fact is we are in UAE and was wondering any specific requirements while applying for schools. Are there any parks in Southall for kids.

Yes to parka - have a look at Hanwell friends Facebook group - there might be one for Southall not sure. Don't know much about Southall to be honest in terms of schools etc

Sorry also meant to say all the school information is on the council website www.ealing.gov.uk

That’s great will take a look at that. Thanks again

does any one know much about Montague Road inHanwell? Is this a busy through road to avoid?