We're currently rent a flat I love in Zone 1 but our place is very open plan (no doors at all) and not so child-friendly and we're right on the edge of a good school's catchment, so we're planning on moving before Reception admissions.
Current options are: move to a 2-bed in Victoria Park or move to either Crouch End or Brighton for a nice big 3 bed. I feel like maybe CE is far enough out that in a way it'd be better to live centrally in Brighton? I can't imagine going into central London all that often with two small children. Haven't actually checked out the housing options in the flesh in either place, but from Rightmove I'd say we could probably get something nicer in Brighton, but not hugely nicer. With either move, we'd plan it so we'd be in a good school catchment. We're renting with no particular interest in buying, so that's out of the equation.
So, just wondering what the better choice is. Commutingwise hopefully I won't be, DH may be either for stretches at a time or intermittently into London, probably the City. We'd try to minimise that, but it might happen. Wherever I live, I really want to be able to walk outside my flat and have a nice, characterful high street with shops, restaurants, etc. as well as a park very close by. I love all the cultural amenities of London and worry that after awhile Brighton would feel small. Also, we're both from overseas and I really appreciate the international flavour of London.
Help me think this through!