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!

Whereabouts are you at the moment? I live near the SE London / Kent border and I love it

We moved from Kent / SE London further out. We are on the Tunbridge Wells line, but outside of Tunbridge Wells into East Sussex, so train goes into London Bridge and from where we are it takes an hour and a quarter.

On your list, I would say

1. How big do you need? You could get 3 beds for this here I think.

1. See above - you'd need to be slightly further in than we are.

1. Yes.

1. Definitely yes.

1. yes. A&E is 10 - 15 minutes. Surgery in village is ok Have managed to register for nice NHS dentist!!

I'd look around and see what you think. The villages around here are all nice and the people have been very friendly.

We also live in SE London / Kent border - moved last year and love it. Areas can really vary though. If you want max 1 hour commute you can go as far as Maidstone, I have family there who are very happy. Good schools, including grammars, lots to do, lovely countryside nearby etc