Childcare, housing and education for poor people? :)

[Jennlx]

My DH works in Wandsworth and I work in the City (once I go back from mat leave) and we're really wracking our brains as to where to move to for childcare, education and housing purposes. We have DS, 2, and DD, 5 months. We haven't bought yet, but our mortgage budget is £200k, which rules out pretty much everywhere - I really would like a 3 bed and garden, even tiny garden. I am very education focussed and want my kids to go to the best schools we can find for them. I am also a massive snob. OK, so I'm not going to get everything I want, but has anyone any suggestions for somewhere nice to live (budget for rental £950), where I can get childcare for less than £10 per hour (for both) and great schools with more than 0.2 km catchment? I know, it's hopeless, I have spent the past six months looking...

Try here...

Wow, good luck! If you find anywhere, let me know!

Sorry I can't offer any advice, other than not to forget to consider commuting costs if you're looking to move to the 'burbs.

not sure if many snobs live here and how far each property is from primary school

Carshalton - you'd need to look a the shools & maps

near few good schools

maybe within Bandon Hill School

not sure if you can get much better than that in this area

but nothing posh for 200K in Sutton borough (well apart from flats)

Does you £200k include solictors fees, estate agents fees, removals, stamp duty etc etc?

I work at East Croydon and that has very good rail links to Clapham Junction for Wandsworth and London Bridge, Blackfriars etc. £200k might get you a 2 bed house or flat. There are some good local schools but I assume childminders for childcare would be your only option.

Uhm, my DH earns more than I do. Anyway, we're both working for various reasons which are frankly too dull to get into...

Yes, commuting costs is a right pain. We had visions of settling in Tunbridge Wells, but with £650 of travel a month, it's not to be. (I know - house budget unrealistic there, small catchment areas, commute to Wandsworth terrible yadda yadda yadda...)

I know, I know...we're dreamers. I'll keep buying my lottery tickets...:)

Crazy as... - we have deposit saved, all this is what we're saving for this next year. God help us.

Being fluffy/happy Avocado - well, we're in the right area already then! We're in Wallington presently. I'm not far from Bandon Hill - but we've had 3 murders/manslaughters within a mile radius in the past 18 months, live in a street where there are constantly blazing rows and have a local contingent of alcoholics who congregate outside the corner shop...not really what I'm looking for (snob). I've tried South Wallington, but it's too pricey for us (but is looooooovely!). Carshalton is miles better, I'll look into properly - I just wanted to fleeeeee but maybe being a bit rash.

where were those murders?
I have been living in Wallington for the past 14 years...

1. Man stabbed on Roundshaw at weekend
2. Woman mauled by dog on Demense Rd
3. Boxer killed by hit and run on South Sandy Lane

Ok, maybe not murders MURDERS but more crime than I'm used to...

Try this:
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-33712498.html
In Purley and next to Christchurch school (outstanding). Good transport links into London Bridge and Clapham Junction (for DH). Purley - the 'better' side of Croydon.

I haven't heard about the 1
3 - was an accident - this guy was killed by a white van driver - do you think that doesn't happen elsewhere - hit&run???? I doubt it's not happening elsewhere too

2 - I agree - I felt very sorry for that lady, I didn't have my own dog then so can't comment if I ever seen that particular dog in the area

My kids walk to and from school from beginning of y6 each as the yare Autumn kids, every day and they never felt threatened or unsafe

anyway - good luck with your search, I think we have very good primary schools in the area, my kids are in Grammar schools so I can't complain - it worked for us

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-33712498.html

that property in Purley - I know how Cubbitt7West work
they would not accept offer below 210K, but in fact encourage vendor to only go for the top price

I dealt with C&W in Wallington and they explained to me their pricing policy :)

You need to commute. Milton Keynes?

No, I agree, fab schools in Wallington. I really like Wallington, honest! :) Just looking at options if we have any. TBH, I was kind of hoping to get out of London, but those darn commute costs....

I guess MK to London is as expensive as from RTW

Have you looked as Bromley?

Bloody hell you could get 3 3 beds where I live for that

or we could buy this plot, build house each and have roof terrace each ;)

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-22892160.html

Jennix - if you want out of outer london but still good transport links, what about Whyteleafe or Caterham? Has good primary schools and cheaper than Purley.

Bromley, sounds nice, but childcare looked pricey...(but then, is everywhere). TBH, think we're going to look 'round there as Kent does seem to have more affordable housing than Surrey.

LST - Ooh, where do you live??

H.A - Ha! Deal!

I think if you look around Kent - you may be lucky
I think they have right balance of Grammar education and decent Comp schools - unlike London :(

Keep looking at Bromley, you have no chain - you may be lucky in getting something decent there

I live in south Wales and barely get childcare for our 2 for £10/hour so best of luck with that

Newcastle Under Lyme. I love it here