Moving out of London to have kids!

[JudyPink]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so I thought I would introduce myself. I live with my fiance in Central London (N1) at the minute and we both work within a ten minute cycle ride of our apartment; therefore the rent reflects this. We're both 25 and have been together for 7 years.

We really want to start a family so have decided to move out of London to a more family-friendly location. Just wanted to ask for some advice on where we should look to move. We would be happy to commute for a maximum of an hour - Liverpool Street station is probably the closest to both our works. We're originally from up North so have no idea where to begin with locations outside of London.

House preferences would be minimum of 2 bedrooms, we'd happily go for an apartment or house and depending on the cost of a season rail ticket we would have a renting budget of around £800pm.

Can anyone recommend locations for us to start looking at please? We'd really appreciate any help!

Thank you!

Chelmsford
Romford
Tonbridge
Sevenoaks
Maidstone
Kings Hill

HTH

I think a double commute plus children is a nightmare lifestyle scenario. Are you sure you want to do this?

We moved out of London when DS was 3. Before that, London was a fantastic place to have a baby. Given that you're renting, I would stay where you are until you know it's not the lifestyle you want.

I was born and bought up in London quite succesfully. Why does everyone want to move out of London when they have children?

If you're both from "Up North" (us too!) would you prefer to live north of the Capital so you have easier access to the M1/A1 etc for visiting family back home? We've lived in Hertford for 10 years & love it. DH works at Liverpool Street & catches the train from Hertford North to Moorgate & it takes 45 minutes. You can also commute from Hertford East direct into Liverpool Street but there are fewer trains per hour. Good luck with your search :)

Hello all,

Thank you so much for all the replies. We've been looking today and it seems that staying put would probably be wise...those rail fares are a fortune for starters!! We're now thinking of heading further North of N1, somewhere much more residential - but staying within a cycle distance of work.

We thought moving out of London would give us more space and more money - it looks like it's going to cost around the same. By staying put I guess we'll have that precious extra time in bed before getting up for work too!

Just been reading through some other forum posts and Mumsnet looks like it's going to be the most useful tool for obtaining (honest!) advice and information, so thank you so much again fir your suggestions - we look forward to getting involved more.

Hi Judy - I think you've made the right decision. Most family friendly commuter towns are just as dear as London with none of the advantages. I live in Archway and it is very baby friendly despite the rather unlovely area round the tube / A1 junction. Lots of baby activities, nice cafes, great parks and playgrounds.

We have been thinking of moving into London, because commuting will take up so much precious time.
Notwithstanding the time spent on the train, you have to drive to the station (unless you live near it, which will cost more,) pay for parking, then the train, then the tube.

I live ruraly, and it's not that great for children tbh.
No ammenities.
If the car breaks down you're stuffed.
Crazy drivers make the roads unsafe.
Judgy locals.
No public transport.
High rents

You get the picture.

Agree with others - stay in London - just move a little bit further out as N1 is pretty expensive - N5, N7, etc. a bit cheaper.

Rent is expensive in London but everything else can be quite cheap and everything is so close.

Move to Bethnal Green/Hackney- Victoria park is fab and loads to do; also close to Liverpool st.

I agree - don't rush to move out. We had our first baby in a flat in N1 and it was fab having our friends and so many things to do close by. We are still in London 8 years later and showing no signs of wanting to move out- there are disadvantages, obviously but I think London is a great place to grow up, and there are relatively affordable bits to move to if/when you need more space.