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Original poster

Nice places to live within an hour commute of London

82 replies

Jadey16 · 27/08/2019 14:47

Hi everyone

My dh Has been offered a job in Central London, we currently live in the south west and own a 4 bed semi detached house with lots of off road parking, in London a similar house is worth 500k if not more. I’ve looked on rightmove at so many areas and they are all so expensive. Personally I don’t think we can afford to do it, is there anywhere within an hour commute of London that has houses around 280k or less in a nice area? Happy to downsize to a 3 bed with off road parking, safe and decent schools.The new job isn’t paid that well for the first couple of years, but after that he will earn well and it comes with great future prospects so we really want to go for it, but I can’t see how it would be possible. Any one want to prove me wrong?

Thanks

OP posts:
sleepismysuperpower1 · 27/08/2019 17:00

this house here is based in Luton, in a nice area and near challney boys and girls high school, with ferrars primary (rated good by ofsted) close also. its 1 hour commute by train to london and is within budget x

MoaningMinnie1 · 27/08/2019 17:17

Bromley and Sidcup have some very nice areas with property at decent prices.

bananacakerox · 29/08/2019 06:33

What's the nearest tube/main line station to job location?

BendingSpoons · 29/08/2019 06:40

If you want a door-to-door commute of an hour I think you will struggle in that budget, unless his office is right near a rail station. Where will he be based?

sunshinesandwaves · 29/08/2019 06:43

You'll find something in Bedford. Fast train into St Pancras takes 40 mins

Herocomplex · 29/08/2019 07:02

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of the commute.

Would you consider him being up in town during the week, travelling up Monday morning, back on Friday evening? Or would that be miserable?

Loopytiles · 29/08/2019 07:08

That budget sounds too low for a 60 min (door to door?) commute.

A key thing is the location of his work, is good to be going into a mainline London station within walking distance. Tube is v unpleasant and crowded.

Then school catchments and space, especially if your DC are moving outside the reception or year 7 intake - popular schools will v likely be oversubscribed.

Another option would be for DH to lodge in London Mon to Thurs nights, or fewer if his role allows a day a week homeworking. I have several colleagues doing this.

flumpybear · 29/08/2019 07:10

If you like a bit more rural, try Sevenoaks, Riverhead, Keston, ... pets Wood chistlehurst are quite nice, and biggin Hill but it's not well connected to train stations

There's a few other places near west malling area that are more rural and nice - but check house prices and schools on rightmove

Orangedaisy · 29/08/2019 07:13

Second everyone else saying it massively depends on where the job is. I have a train ride of 26 minutes but my commute is an hour once I have walked to the station and then to the office the other end.

Orangedaisy · 29/08/2019 07:14

And I’m afraid your budget wouldn’t get what you want near me (and it’s not at all fancy here!).

flumpybear · 29/08/2019 07:18

Sorry I read budget was £500 k - you may struggle

How about further out on a fast commuter train Newark /Grantham I think have a fast train to London - fares would be high though unless that's a perk of his job? Some London based companies have schemes

LadyGAgain · 29/08/2019 07:20

Petersfield. 1 hr to Waterloo. Has everything though you'll struggle for £280k.

georgialondon · 29/08/2019 07:21

It really depends which part of London the job will be in. Otherwise a one hr commute to reach London can very easily become a 2 hr commute it you live on the opposite side of London

WingBingo · 29/08/2019 07:22

A friend has just moved to Petersfield. It’s really nice but as someone else said you may struggle on that budget.

inboxmayhem · 29/08/2019 07:26

You'll struggle on that budget. Berkshire, 1.15mins from Waterloo (can walk to station) or Paddington (quicker but more expensive commute)

You can't get a 2x Bed Flat for £280k.

SquirmOfEels · 29/08/2019 07:29

When you say an hours commute, do you mean an hour on the train, or an hour door to door? If so, which bit of central London do you need to reach?

user1480880826 · 29/08/2019 07:30

I REALLY wouldn’t move from the south west to London unless you’re young, single and child free. Your quality of life won’t be as good. Property is considerably more expensive (not sure where you got £500k from but that would not buy a house in London!), child care is much more expensive, commutes are longer.

Your kids won’t see much of their dad, your husband won’t see much of his kids.

What’s making you consider this move?

icecreamsundae32 · 29/08/2019 07:47

Try Orpington, sidcup, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend - also has fast train and loads of new houses being built. West Malling is lovely but def a longer commute than an hour and the only direct trains are really early/late!

squee123 · 29/08/2019 07:54

£280k isn't going to buy you a three bed house in many (if any) of the places listed. On fact I'd be suprised if you can find anywhere within an hour commute (assuming you mean door to door) for that. If you're prepared to go for a 3 bed flat you might just manage it

EdithWeston · 29/08/2019 08:00

It's slightly over an hour on the train from Grantham (and about £10k pa) into Kings Cross, and then you'll need to add your door-to-door time at each end. But schools are good and the town is OK, and there are loads of houses ithun your budget.

You'll need to look that far out, in any direction, I think to find any choice within your budget. No closer than Peterborough really if you want to be on that rail line (worth a look as there are more services that stop there)

extremity1 · 29/08/2019 08:06

Farnborough,Hampshire. 37 mins direct to london Waterloo 5 trains an hour. ( doing the commute as we speak) about £4500 travel costs per year. mixed area, choose your neighbourhood carefully. Have lived in London and moved out here due to affordability.

Bought a 2 bed house (currently extending) for £ 295k

Think you will be pushed to get what you're looking for.

Muminthewoods19 · 29/08/2019 08:06

Posters above have suggested Orpington, Bromley, Sevenoaks but I live in that area and 289 won't even get you a 2 bed flat anymore, the house prices are so high for the london commute. A friend if mine ended up moving to Woking, you also have Redding, High Wycombe, around 1.5 hours away

Pinkflipflop85 · 29/08/2019 08:11

Lots of places being suggested where the OPs budget will barely stretch to a 1 bed flat. 280k won't even get you a decent place in Dartford and the place is a shithole!

bumblingalonghappily · 29/08/2019 08:16

I'm afraid that budget will be a serious struggle. We are an hours commute to central London door to door and you would need at least 400 for a 3 bed terrace with no driveway etc. The schools round us are excellent which does push prices up, but if you want somewhere that's a commuter town with good schools I do think you may have to consider a serious downsize. I would love for you to prove me wrong though- do let me know where you've found if you do!

cheesewitheverything · 29/08/2019 08:24

I second the suggestion of Bedford - very good train line and good choice of property for under £300.000.