Relocating to the UK

[Busyworkingma]

Dear Moms,
This is probably a very broad questions, but here it goes. We are relocating to the UK, and deciding between London (W8/ Holland Park) and Sevenoaks (Kent). I have lived in big cities all my life, and I just can't seem to make a definite decision. We have 3 kids, 18, 15 and 7. The middle kid is in a school near Sevenoaks, currently boarding, so he is very pro Sevenoaks. 18 year old will be starting uni, so he does not mind where we are, although he does prefer London. 7 year old would probably benefit from the country side. What are the pluses and minuses of living in both places? I will be working full-time in London but not required to be in the office every day (probably 3 days/ week at most). Things that I worry about are access to good quality healthcare, one kid has a serious health issue that requires easy access to a GP and specialists, proximity to (grocery) shops and facilities (swimming pool, gym, etc.), availability of extra curriculum activities for the little one (she does piano and ballroom dancing at the moment). Are there working moms that manage London commute from Sevenoaks while keeping their household together? The other thing that worries me is safety as the older kids are teenagers. I would really appreciate your insights and experiences. It is a huge move from us after almost 20 years abroad. Many thanks in advance!

I would say Sevenoaks would be preferable based on what you've said above, but it'll come down to the exact commute time, your working hours, school wrap around care, etc as to whether you can make it work. Where in London is your office?

Thank you so much for your response. I will be in Waterloo, 2 minutes walk from the station really.

My family is from Sevenoaks and it is perfect for kids, especially teenagers as they can have lots of freedom, it is very safe.

The commute is easy, and if you work within walking distance from London Bridge, Waterloo East, Charing Cross or Blackfriars then I'd say it was actually better than trying to get the tube around the city.

Some very good GPs in Sevenoaks. A small local hospital and then the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley and Pembury Hospital are both excellent in my experience.

Lots of kids stuff in sevenoaks as it is majority families with children.

It is obviously not a city vibe, but it is a lively little town with lots to do in and around it once you know.

I personally wouldn't want to raise teens in London these days, but I know many do and it's fine.

Thank you so much! This is such great information, thank you for pointing the hospitals too, I really appreciate it!