Good place to live - outer London area

[CJ2010]

Hi all - would like to pick your brains about pleasant places to live that are a communtable distance into London.

Currently live on the SE London / Kent border and have had enough of it. Area is rapidly declining and the train service into London isn't great. We have a DD (1 year) and another DC on the way, so we plan to do our move in the next year or so, before we have to start worrying about schools etc.

Where we currently live, it feels like you are in the minority if you actually go to work, lots of layabouts round here. The job centre and the Whetherspoons are the busiest places here. I want to live amongst respectable working people. Where is this place???!!!

Things to consider:

1. We can afford to go up to 250k for a property.

1. Need a good train service into London - DP uses London Bridge station. Plus, no more than 1 hour commute each way.

1. Good schools

1. Pleasant environment, nice people, good selection of shops and cafes, parks & green space.

1. Hospital with A & e nearby, plus a number of good doctors sugeries and dentists.

I would be really grateful for suggestions, then I can begin to work on my escape plan!

have you looked at Sutton borough?
I think you can just about get a house for 250K here

not sure about cafes though lol

Crystal Palace has them - but I don't know anything about that area

How about Croydon borough (hear me out!!!). There are fantastic links to London. There are definitely areas to avoid, but Croydon is huge and without meaning to offend anyone I would definitely stick to south of the borough South Croydon, Purley, Shirley, Sanderstead.

As already said Sutton borough is also worth considering-v good schools, again areas to avoid like anywhere!