If I want to move out of London and commute in....where should I go?!

[AgathaPinchBottom]

Hello, I currently live in South London with DH and DS. Our flat is lovely but I can't help of dreaming of more space, another bedroom, possibly even a house! And somewhere where we could live a quieter life, somewhere which had a good school. Village perhaps (!) Currently have a two bed flat (tiny second bedroom) and considering trying for DC2 so more space could become a necessity. Can anyone suggest somewhere nice we could move to?
Need to access the barbican area in east london (sometimes coming home late at night), but family based in Wales so out Oxford way might be good too; so we don't completely cut ourselves from seeing them. Open to all suggestions...have already considered Reading, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Folkestone, St Leonard's - any thoughts on these locations? Tho cost of commute has pretty much scared us off Gloucestershire, though loved the feel of it. Any other suggestions? We work in the arts so don't have much leeway with mortgage - probably looking at £350 absolute max. Any thoughts much appreciated.

Well, am biased obv, but Hove where we live is ace, this is a neighbour's house
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35748646.html

Both DP and I commute to London, annual travelcard is £4k (this year...) don't know if that puts you off. But we have a lovely park right nearby, Hove park (big) within walking distance, the sea, the great town that is Brighton, the South Downs less than 10 mins drive away.

But I realise I have ignored some of the things in your post

Check this site out: www.commutefrom.com/

Essentially what it allows you to do is select a train station you need to commute to and the time you want your journey to be and it highlights all the stations across London that are commutable in that time frame to your destination. This way you will have possibilities to research further.

Thank you Zoidberg and LilMissSunshine.

Zoidberg - looks lovely! going to get on right move right away!

LilMiss - I will take your advice! Thank you for that....

Much appreciated!

When we moved out of London, because we were still commuting in, we drew points from the middle of London to towns that were an hour's distance on good trains and turned that into a good old bullseye to start looking in. Had some very nice days out in all sorts of places - was great fun Good luck!

Thanks Mrs Kwazii! sounds like a good plan

You could buy this in m.rightmove.co.uk/quickPage.html;jsessionid=87BB87359C104403E4150E1724FF79A4?page=8&cc=html5%2Fhomepage.html%3Fgoto%3DHOMEPAGE#detailsEwell - it's inside zone 6 so commute not too bad. Also worth looking at Epsom, Ashtead, Stoneleigh, Worcester Park and Cheam.

Thanks Lady Stark.. Will get googling...

I was justlooking at a property in Chatham somebody put on here for everyone to gawp at and I was amazed at the price and quality! Don't know how long the journey is but I googled and five years ago Chatham was voted best fcommutertown by estate agents.

Chatham is awful but if you don't believe me pay a visit. Cheap areas within reasonable commute of London always hhave a major drawback ime

Please help with suggestions for a Family Move. Currently living in the Marlyebone (London) area which has a village feel. Close to all amenities and no car needed. Looking for areas on the Tube line that are commutable to Canary Wharf or Victoria. Looking for a similar way of life and feel with amenities, option of car (preferable not from the start) and safe family environment. I have a 2yr and expecting in April. All suggestion appreciated. Currently looking at the Putney and Wimbledon areas. A lot to ask but thank you.

Nrao. You could look at Blackheath. Very commutable. 20mins to central London. And you could walk to Greenwich for DLR for Canary wharf. Or walk under the tunnel to Island gardens.

Blackheath is villagey and has many shops similarl to marylebone.
But you need to be in the right part of Blackheath otherwise it's not great. It's expensive.

If you are willing to go further out, there is the very commutable Weybridge. Quite villagey. Nice good schools etc etc.

Chatham and folkestone- really run down deprived areas, do not even bother going to see! Sevenoaks is quite a popular commuter town, very leafy!

Oops old thread! No advice for you Nrao don't know the area.

Meopham, Borough Green and Longfield in Kent worth a look.

Skandi1, thank you...any suggestions are helpful.

What's your budget?