Where to move to that is within commuting distance of central london

[Mumtoprem]

We currently live in West London in a 2 bed flat and are considering a move out of London. Something we never thought we would do as we are both from London! We would like to get a slightly bigger place and would like to have a garden if possible. Daughter aged 6 has not had an easy ride at school over the past year - she has SEN - and they haven't managed her support well. On top of that the Headteacher has been off sick for over a year and no sign of him coming back, a lot of staff have either left or been sacked so think there is a huge morale issue.

Looking to move somewhere not too far from London and where the train fares are not too expensive. The nearest mainline stations to my work are Charing Cross/Waterloo/Victoria.

So any ideas of areas we can look into?

We moving to dunstable

So what about hitchin or houghton Regis that sort of thing

The problem I am finding is the rail fares are so expensive it would actually cost more to move out of London then stay here!

Does anyone know any nice areas within an hours commute of London where the rail fares are around £200-£300 max a month?

Surbiton. 17 mins to waterloo. Season ticket 2k.

Have you looked at Mottingham/New Eltham? Not sure what your budget is, but it is competitively priced and means you keep the London postcode (SE9) and transport network. Z1-4 Travelcard £1800.

This site lets you plug your work and friends' postcodes in and find houses you can afford within a reasonable commute (I am not affiliated with them):

www.findproperly.co.uk

Coulsdon -25 mins to London Bridge -£200 per month travelling, still in Greater London but houses are cheaper and countryside too

Bromley - Shortlands is lovely
Beckenham
Penge (though it sounds grim, it isn't)
Catford and surrounds (ignore the reputation, it's good, especially around Ladywell and Blythe Hill)

Eltham is fine and has lovely green spaces
New Eltham / Mottingham much less so
Lee has got v pricey lately as iy borders v v expensive Hither Green

Generally SE London is well connected to Waterloo, London Bridge and Charing Cross.

Orpington/petts wood is 25/30 mins from London bridge/charing cross with waterloo east in the middle (two minute walk to waterloo across the bridge from there)

Farnborough? 35 mins on the train to Waterloo and about just under £300 pm for rail fares.

3 bed semi would be £250k +

Town centre isn't that nice but it has some great housing and if you want to go shopping (and you can't go when you are in London) you go to Camberley which is a couple of miles up the road or Guildford about 20 minutes away.

I'd start with the schools on the education boards, then focus on location.

We have lovely green spaces in Mottingham/New Eltham inconceivableme! The park by Mottingham railway station has some good swings and open space, plus the bird sanctuary.
The playground at Eltham palace (closer to Mottingham station than Eltham station) is also fabulous. Big park and library right behind New Eltham station.

That's good to hear Trapper! :) But knowing both Mottingham / New Eltham, and Eltham, I prefer the latter. Just my opinion though! I'm a big fan of SE London in general btw. A much maligned area and unfairly so. I'd encourage the OP to check out all three!

West Byfleet, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, Hersham.

I read a post like this once before, and someone made a point when considering somewhere outside of London to live, about needing to consider what you would do if there was a problem with your child at school and you were far away at work in London especially if there was a tube strike.
You have probably already thought about all of that, so apologies for my post if you have.

Hitchin is fab. Great schools, friendly town and fast commute into Kings Cross.

Hitchin is indeed lovely. But the season ticket is pricey and as the OP works near Charing Cross / Waterloo, there are other places with transport links that run direct into those terminals that would be far more convenient I think?