Have to find a home for the family. How's South Norwood?

[shropshireblue]

DP and I have rented in SE19 for a few years now and it really feels like home, but now as a family of 4 we need to find a home. We really can't afford to buy in the area as we can only really stretch to £210k. Also, with 2 toddlers we really can't even think of moving into a 2 bed flat so ideally need a house.

I would like to stay as close to the area as possible, we have no family here but I have made some great mum friends and found wonderful playgroups. DP also needs to get into the West End for work. We are considering South Norwood - it wouldn't usually be our first choice but the houses are cheap (in London terms). We have had a wander around South Norwood Country Park and love it, we've also gone to Norwood Lakes but that's more than we can afford.

Are there any MNetters in the area? If so, can you give me some advice? What's the area like for families with young children? As I said, the Country Park is lovely but I didn't notice anywhere I could sit and have a well needed coffee with the DCs, or even go for a walk when we just need to get out the house! If we did move, it would be nice to not always have to go to Crystal Palace, so are there any hidden gems? Is it realistic to think that with around £210k we could stretch to a family home that we wouldn't grow out of in a few years?

Where would be the best roads/ areas to move for good Primaries? I have a couple of years but time flies! Also, how easy is it to get back from the West End (or Crystal Palace) late at night? With two young children, I don't tend to get a night out but I can dream .

So many questions, I know, but it is such an important decision. DP thinks we should stay in SE19 but I know we just really can't...

Thanks all.

Ah, many questions indeed, but I will try to answer as much as I can.

You can guess from my username where I live ? in fact I live just nearby the Country park. I have 2 DC, one in a school and another in nursery. My DH and I commute into Central London every day ? it is a fast commute! I am not sure if you can get anywhere faster than those 12 mins to London Bridge. My friend commutes to Holborn, she takes 8:16 train to Lbridge, changes for Charring X then walks. She reaches at 9am.

As far as it concerns family life with small children, I am happy to live here. Good commute, I easily make the normal childcare hours 8-6pm, convenient shops, country park on the doorstep, Beckenham and Crystal Palace on a bus/tram ride if you fancy a night out. Lovely mums that I got to meet so far. As regards to the Country park itself, it has won around EUR 1.5m funds for regeneration, and one of the key points was a coffee shop for visitors, but obviously the regeneration has not started yet.

My DC1 goes to an excellent Catholic primary school, but there are several other good non-catholic primaries, PM me if you want details.
My only worry is secondary schools, although we still have few years ahead and many things can change in between.

By the way we have a lovely spacious Victorian 2 bed house which we are planning to market soon for a similar to your budget, PM if interested (I may seem very bias now :) ).

Other answers: there is a bus 410 that goes straight to Crystal Palace, I have taken this bus for a night out but have always come back by a cab except for once - the walk from the bus stop at night can be a bit lonely even though I was OK.

If you are bored with Country Park you can go to Crystal Palace park (10-15mins bus 197 ride) plus few minutes walk.
We also go to Apsley park playground, Tennison road playground, Addiscombe park playground and Croydon rd recreation park (past Elmers End). Although, admittedly, we spend lots of time in the Country park. Me and my mum friend now got used to carry a flask of coffee with us :)

Thanks Southnorwoodmum. I think for the next few weeks we will be busy visiting the places you've mentioned. I've sent you a PM.