Where to live in London for good primary schools and sense of community?

[Londonmamabychance]

Pls hit me with suggestions. DD have to start school Jan 2018. Also have DS 1 yer old. Currently living on Isle of Dogs, but not in catchment for schools we like. So would have to move anyway. Both I and DH work in central (Soho and Knightsbridge) and don't want too long a commute.

Can spend around £1700 max on renting and happy with a two bed. Would love a garden.

Used to live in Bethnal Green and since moving to Isle of Dogs, quite miss the vibrancy and community feeling there. Would love to find another place with a similar vibe, more shops and cafes and little green spaces etc, than what I find at Isle of Dogs. Not too bothered by what some people might find over population or immigrants (being one myself ;)).

Am thinking about Walthamstove, Leyton, Wanstead (but think it may be too expensive) or even Blackheath or Greenwich. Am open to all of London though, but think all of west answer North would be too expensive...any suggestions?

[Popkids]

Come down to Crystal Palace. CP has a great community spirit with lots of activities and community projects going on, really good schools and lots of green space.

[bettytaghetti]

I'm in Blackheath and there are 3 bed Span houses on the Cator Estate that are within your budget and in the catchment area for Brooklands Primary school. Lots of young families live in those houses/apartments and so there is a good family vibe. Here's an example
Good luck OP!

[peachypetite]

Chingford is near the areas you have mentioned and fits your bill.

[MummyInTheNecropolis]

Crystal Palace/Penge/Anerley fit your requirements, easy commute to central London, good schools, green spaces (Crystal Palace park is amazing.) You could get a 3 bed house for your budget: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-68987348.html

[BillyAndTheSillies]

Highly recommend Leytonstone, prefer it over Leyton and still on the central line before the split.

[Thesqueezermustghost]

Soho.

[Londonmamabychance]

Haha, Soho sounds ideal.

Yes was also cosidering Leytonstone.

Black Heath, cosdidered it before. It thought it was too expansive? Also, is it a bit more conservative? Hit me with all stereotypes, pls ; )

Anerly, is it nice? And Penge?

I haven't been in CP for over 6 years, last time I went it felt a bit sort of dead, has it changed? Just had this v v quiet feeling when I was there, v suburban, and thought the trains from there are quite infrequent?

[Puffthemagicdragongoestobed]

Forest Hill. Loads of outstanding and good primary schools, good community vibe, excellent connections via overground and trains, Horniman museum, loads of green spaces, nice housing stock...

[Lonelynessie]

Herne Hill is fab. Great schools, fab community spirit and loads to do with kids. I used to work in Soho and it took me no longer than 30mins door to door.

[soundsystem]

Another vote for Leytonstone. We just moved from Leyton, and prior to that we were in Bethnal Green. Good schools, decent shops/pubs/cafes, close to open spaces, Central line for getting into town.

[Ullupullu]

SW London eg Tooting