Where to move to the seaside ... not too far from London!

[RooTwo]

We are very keen to move out of London and to somewhere near the sea, but that has decent ish trains back into London so that DH and I can commute a few days a week. We have a budget of up to 600 (very top) for a house and need at least 3 bedrooms, good primaries for kids (years 3 and 1). Would like to be somewhere a bit buzzy and friendly ... looking at Whistable, Hove at the mo (Brighton somewhat does my head in for some reason). Would like to be in Sussex/Kent really so can be near family in South London. Any other suggestions or ideas for places - and does anyone know what Hove is like? I've never actually been but heard nice things, vaguely ...

That I agree with fapl, financially it`ll work for us but one thing Margate could do is to drop the price of the rail tickets its ridiculously high and yes as a PS teacher in SE London a lot of families couldnt afford to go to the beach for the day which is a massive shame.

I spent my first 22 years in Hove and although it has changed much it still is a lovely town. When our dcs were little we thought about moving back there (from Herts) but decided against it firstly because the partially selective comps in SW Herts are so good. We were also put off by the school lottery system but that may have been abolished now. There are some very good private schools in the Brighton area though. Our second reason for not moving back was location - Brighton and Hove are well connected by train but if you rely on M25 or M1 for driving to work then it could be an issue.

Chalkwell in Essex.

arundel in lovely, about 10/15 minutes drive to nearest beach, good countryside around and pleasant train ride into London Victoria.

Crikey thanks all for tips! I love it when everyone starts posting right move links to fabulous houses

Worthing sounds promising but is a bit too far on the train I think ... 1.5 hours too long on the train. Still rather drawn to Hove because it seems like it wouldn't be too much of a culture shock after London; but a bit worried about the over-subscribed school problem.

West Worthing is fantastic. We live one street in from the sea front and its bliss.
It takes 1hr 20 I think to Victoria? Lots of activities and events organised year round. Great library, all the usual kiddies groups. Only 20 mins from west wittering and a lovely sandy beach.

Plus I can recommend an amazing nanny!

Shoreham

Doesn't meet your South London criteria but Leigh-on-Sea might be worth a look, e.g. this house which is close to station, in catchment for a very well thought of school and you have sea glimpses!

Blimey, those Sussex trains fare are horrific! A peak day ticket is under £20 on the C2C line out of Fenchurch Street to Leigh/Chalkwell.

I live in Deal in Kent, miles of lovely beach, pebbles which keeps the hordes away! Honestly for that budget you would get something stunning right on the beach and would be able to see France on a clear day! Also we have the fast train into London, either from Deal or Dover, takes 50 mins from Dover to St Pancras Excellent local schools and lovely individual shops :)

4 bedroom Open Plan Bungalow in Margate 5 mins from Botany Bay and 10 mins from Viking Bay in Broadstairs:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-29911716.html