Where to live- Family of 4

[OztoLdn]

Hi,
We may be moving from Sydney to London very soon, we are a family of 4, with two kids aged 10 and 7.
We would like to live in zone 2 or 3, in a family friendly area, with parks, good state schools and with a variety of shops, eateries at walking distance.
So far, I have identified the following areas, Ealing, Acton, Chiswick, Clapham South, Balham and Tooting Bec.
Are these good areas? Which one would you choose if you could?
We will be working near Moorgate/Liverpool St and St Paul Station.
I have been told that the Northern line is very busy, crowded and with no air con, is it that bad? (Commuting 2/3 days per week)
thanks!

I have heard that there are lots of transport strikes, are the strikes more common on the train or tube?
We have now narrowed or search to Herne Hill/North Dulwich, Balham and Ealing Broadway/Ealing North.

There have been lots of strikes recently, but by a lot, that means a block of a few days, every few months, not like every week.
So if you're only commuting twice a week, you may not even be affected.
They vary and are on both on the tube and train but the good thing about Peckham/Dulwich/Herne Hill etc is that they are very well served by buses, and it is pretty unusual that strikes are train and tube simultaneously so there is always a way around it, it just means it's a lot busier/more stressful.
But this would be the case anywhere in London... strikes would affect you anywhere unless you live within walking distance of your destination.

I always say, I'd rather be in South London where there may not be a tune station nearby, but there are lots of alternatives, rather than somewhere that relies on the one close tube station!

I honestly can't recommend Dulwich, Herne Hill etc enough. It feels like a town of its own, people are friendly, so many parks, it's foodie, outdoorsy, arty - all whilst being a 10 minute train to the Southbank where you find yourself opposite St Pauls.

I think generally the trains strike more than the tubes. I can’t remember the last time the tube actually shut down for strikes (usually they are called off at the last minute). Some places are well connected by buses but if you have an option to work from home most people do that on strike days.

I find the Overground is pretty immune to the strikes, certainly compared to the trains and tubes. I'm a big Overground convert. Particularly as it has air con and is less crowded.

Hi, someone recommended highgate, crouch end and Harringay, is it a safe, family friendly area?
I noticed that there a lots of private schools, and not many state schools, particularly high schools, are state schools good?

I did agree having lived there. Commuted to Kensington and the city and Euston in that time all under an hour. Only commute took longer was to Acton.

Highgate, Crouch End etc are lovely family areas too though I think more expensive than some areas of South East London. They are generally safe too. All of London has an element of edge - I was mugged on my street in the heart of Holland Park once.

Finsbury Park is very well connected travel wise & I have lots of friends with fanilies very happy and settled there - but personally I find it too busy and a bit transient.

I actually think the tubes are a lot less busy since covid.
I lived in both Balham and Clapham and loved it.

Highgate and Crouch End are lovely- safe (as far as anywhere is), leafy, lots of green space and set up for families.

Very good state primaries. Your problem would be getting a place as they are oversubscribed- would suggest looking into this wherever you choose tbh.

Secondaries- Highgate Wood is the obvious one, it’s much discussed on these boards so do a search. You could look at Fortismere, again much discussed. In both cases you’ll need to be fairly close.