Where to move near London as single mum?

[Swedishsinglemum]

Looking for advice, please! I’m getting divorced up north, and looking to move with my 3yo daughter somewhere commutable to my workplace on the Strand in London. I don’t know anyone in London, so I’m especially keen to move somewhere where I can find a new community, especially among mums with kids a similar age. I’m afraid that central London won’t be a place where I can find community as well as good state schools. I’d welcome anyone sharing their experience/advice.

Ideally, I’d like to be somewhere with less than 50 minutes commute by train to Charring cross, Waterloo station, or City Thameslink, or somewhere within a half an hour bike ride from Aldwych. I’ve got maybe £600k to spend on a house/flat. I’m looking for somewhere I’ll get to know people, build a network, and want to stay for the long term, so I’m looking at both primary and secondary schools and have been seeking out grammar schools. On my list of possibilities so far are Tunbridge wells and Sevenoaks, maybe Tonbridge, Richmond, Twickenham, possibly Fulham, or Guildford further West. I would have loved to move to Brighton, but think the commute is just too long.

I appreciate thoughts on where I might go, and how to start building my new community and network of friends.

Thank you!

@Swedishsinglemum going by your user name only, are you aware that in the UK the parent that moves generally has to do the travelling to allow the child to maintain a relationship with their other parent? It may not be an issue for you but something worth considering if you did not know.

Thank you. I didn’t know, but my daughter’s dad moved away already. He’s in Leeds, and won’t be seeing her much.

That’s a very good point. Thank you. Maybe I should put more effort into looking at more central spots where I can bike to work.

@AuntieSoap , thank you for flagging that up! I’m new to mum’s net, so I’m figuring out how all this works.

When I lived in London it was much easier when I had a backup method of travel. Eg both Thameslink and mainline train. Or train and tube. So that if one line goes down it’s not a catastrophe.

Hither Green (Zone 3) has Outstanding primary schools and 20 minutes to Charing Cross. Lovely community feel (although definitely has some downsides like fly tipping). 5 parks nearby. Lee is the next stop along and also has Outstanding primaries and a good secondary.

Beckenham, Hitchin, St Alban's, Leigh on sea, Linslade/Leighton Buzzard...

I would recommend somewhere with a few transport options too - the trains are OK when they're running but when there's an issue (which happens often!) then it can be a real nightmare. With your budget I would consider Lewisham/Brockley in SE London too.

I agree you want to he somewhere where there a few options and not relying on one train line.
I was going to suggest SE London,
You have several different train lines, overground options and plenty of buses. I'd explore Honour Oak, Forest Hill, East Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Telegraph Hill. Lots of good schools, leafy, and you can be on the Southbank within 20 mins from some of them!
Also definitely worth looking at Beckenham, a bit further out but leafy and an very friendly and you'd get more for your money.

I'd go out east on the Central Line, then you can tube to Holborn for work. If you go for Woodford/South Woodford/Buckhurst Hill there's an excellent girls' grammar and you'll get a house in budget. Right by Epping forest for some greenery but easy access to London.

Anywhere in Bromley has good schools and is quite leafy. Beckenham is good but West Wickham and Hayes are a little cheaper, also Orpington. These are all zone 4 or 5.
Remember when choosing train lines that South eastern trains all now go into either Charing Cross or Cannon Street - they used to all go to both. The Hayes line is Charing Cross.

Charlton SE7, Blackheath Standard SE3, Sidcup DA14, Shooters Hill SE18, Hither Green SE13. All great areas for commuting in (quick overground trains), good schools, green space, lots going on.

On these threads I always suggest Hanwell

If you are set on a grammar area, what is your plan if your daughter doesn't get in to one? Worth considering for schooling.

houses in Chislehurst and Orpington are good for schools, green spaces and travel to London from either Chislehurst or Orpington mainline stations..

Both Orpington and Chislehurst fall under London Borough of Bromley which is a grammar area.

Definitely the Trainline out from Charing x through London Bridge then out SE. Blackheath is pricey but you could afford a flat. Or Hither Green. Amazing primary schools and many parents send their DC to Bromley grammars . Green spaces and community are excellent.

Go to Sutton, good schools & you should get a house for 600k

go to the west side of Sutton or New Malden then you aren't too far from Richmond or z guildford

Southfields. Lots of flats there within your budget. Easy Tube direct to Embankment, just by The Strand. Lots of community. Local schools good. Big park.

literally no downsides.

Loads of people leave there as lack of state secondaries

I l

I live out in village near brookwood station (40 mins and 30 min fast trains to Waterloo).

£600k would get you a lot and it's a nice community

We love SE18. It's a fabulous place to live. Loads of green space and great primary schools. Grammar catchment for secondaries. There is definitely community in London!

I have pm’ed you re SW London

Hello OP, I am in an almost identical situation to you albeit I need proximity to the City. Where did you decide to move?