Where to move

[Fifita]

Hi there,
Im moving down south and been looking for a 2 bed glad for me and my 2 girls (14) and (5 ) and i was wondering around areas in Greater London or around as all my friends live there. I just want a. Safe area with good primary and secondary schools. Please help !!! Thanks

What kind of budget?

From one side of Greater London to the other is up to an hour and half travel time so where do your friends live?

You need to be more specific regarding where your friends are, job/school location and budget.

Sorry if I was vague, I know how big is london I used to live and work in central, my friends are all scatter so it doesn’t really matter which area as long as it’s safe and with good schools. My job is ending this month so I’ll be looking for a new Job don’t know exactly what yet.
I’m in Leeds atm and my youngest was having a bit of a hard time at school as she was the only white girl, everyone else was Asian and she kept saying she felt ugly and didn’t like her face, I’m
All for diversity but she was literally the only one I’m
Hoping that won’t happen again tho. It’s hard not to fit in. Thanks for all the tips

I think you need to specific your budget. Because where I live in greater west London, it is very Asian but the schools are very mixed but I would say more Asian than white .

I mean my daughter is half afghan so it's not an issue for me but you no matter what especially in a city like London most places will be predominantly minorities!

What areas do your friends live in?

Well as I said I love diversity but I don’t want her to be a minority or in her current case the only one so she feels like the odd one out.
My budget is £1500 max. A month.
My friends live in Hampstead gardens, muswell hills , Bromley, Clapham , Richmond etc.

You will struggle to afford more than a studio/1 bed in most of those areas.

Interesting. You have listed places your friends live, which I assume Is of interest. But these are one of the most expensive parts of London. I am not sure you will get a studio for £1,500. For a 2 bed you need atleast £3,500. For that budget I recommend Greater London and not inner London.

I'd start by looking at where you will need to commute to (so you can look at areas that are easy to get to)

Then where you can get something the size you need for £1500 - which will be tight.

Then go and visit those areas and see if you like the vibe.

PP's are correct that your budget doesn't sound like it'd work. I live in Clapham, and the going rate for 3-bed flat is £2,200ish, going up to £3,200 for a three bed house.

Of the areas you list Bromley is likely to be cheapest.

I rent a house in whitton (near Richmond) for £1200 and its two beds with a garden but it is near Hounslow etc so rents will be less.

I'm looking on rightmove now and tbh it is getting more expensive. But for £1500 should get you a nice two bed apartment in Hounslow/ealing/harlington&hayes even Harrow, west Drayton.

I only listed them because I was asked I do not need to live there I’m
Looking for outer london I do not want to live in central at all, I’ll visit or they will visit us but that’s not my main priority.
I saw some nice flat in my budget in Pinner, Finchley , Reigate and some near Richmond but if any one has some
Tips I would really appreciate it as it really depends on even what part of an area you live for it to be rough or safe.

Reigate is not outer London nor easily accessible to any of your friends' areas. What type of work would you be looking for?

Pinner/ Eastcote/Ruislip might suit.
Good schools and transport links but we are very diverse here. I considered this a good thing as my kids have been exposed to a wide variety of cultures and religions.
If you want to be in the white majority, then I think you'll find what you are looking for in SW London or just outside the M25 .

I appreciate all the tips, thanks.
I also need a place that would have job opportunities, anything admin although I would love a creative job or a research job, but I have to take into account the kids so I would not be able to do 40 hours a week. Any advice on that I would be thankful and look into.

Try Roehampton

St Margarets or Kew?

Very safe and lovely!

Better schools in St Margarets I think but Kew has the tube. Though the train into London from St Margarets is very fast.

These buildings are very well cared for:
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/78244416#/

If you don't mind a bit of train noise this is central Richmond and I think the schools are all outstanding:

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/109948835#/

St Margarets:
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/74176151#/

Omg how absolutely lovey of you to even have a look and send me some link, I have seen them and they are lovey unfortunately unfurnished but I’ll have a look in that area it sounds really good. Thanks so much 😊😊😊

Furnished will put up the cost further.

If you have no job to move to how will you pass affordability and credit checks, pay deposit etc.

I have enough to pay 6 months up front so it’s not a problem ! 😊

Also have perfect references and excellent credit score

@MyNameForToday1980

PP's are correct that your budget doesn't sound like it'd work. I live in Clapham, and the going rate for 3-bed flat is £2,200ish, going up to £3,200 for a three bed house.

Of the areas you list Bromley is likely to be cheapest.

Depends where. Areas such as Chislehurst, Bickley and Keston are in the borough of Bromley and are very pricey . Bromley the area is also expensive.

You could always try freecycle for furniture. People give away loads of lovely things especially in the fancy areas of London. You can post asking for things too.

www.freecycle.org/

That’s such I good tip I had no idea ! Thanks so much.