London:should I stay or should I go? (with kids)

[Annie456]

Hi folks,
Hoping you can give me a bit of perspective on my current dilemma...
Currently living in a terraced house in SE London. Have enjoyed living here until crime became an issue and since having a baby I want more space! So trying to find a compromise either in or just out of London. The general plan is to do state primary schools and the private secondary so need to be near a good primary.

I love being a "Londoner" but the grit and crime is starting to get me down. I don't want to feel so crammed in. If I can put up with it for a couple of years then our housing budget becomes pretty good but not sure I can hang on that long so as it stands we have around £550k.

So what are my area options on that budget for a 3 bed near a decent primary school with a nice safe community (I'm a SAHM) and good links for DH to get to the city? Ideally his door to door commute wouldnt be much more than 45 mins as he often works late.

Suggestions for areas very welcome!
Annie

We moved from South London to East Sussex last year. We have 2 young children, they go to a lovely village school, we are part of a friendly community that's neither 'too posh' or 'too intense/nosey'. I commute to London and the train to London Bridge/Cannon Street/Charing Cross takes about 90 minutes. It's a good service, clean trains, never anyone standing. It did take me years to find the right combination of: schools (primary and secondary), village with shop,pub and school, bus service to amenities (cinema/youth clubs/shopping) for when DC are older and want a bit of independence, accessible footpaths in woods and open country without having to walk on road/get in car, reasonable distance from nearest station (5 miles), nearest supermarket is 10miles away but takes 10 minutes. We love it here and although I still commute at the weekend we can be t the beach in 15 minutes. It's lovely.