Where to move to in London with young kids

[undereyebags]

I know this has probably been done to death sorry!
Have 1m max max max budget. Would want to do work - not quite a proper renovation but more than happy to do kitchen, extension etc over time. Want a garden and prefer not to be 1930s suburb as they give me the shudders - though this is from past bad experience so perhaps if area is lively I could be persuaded.
2 pre schoolers so need to be in catchment for good state primary.
In an area with some community feel and a bit of soul - villagey if that is a word? And near green for children. Obviously needs to be safe area. Not asking much am I?!
Don't want to move out of London. We've thought about it and not ready. Plus both work so don't want commute to be too long - max hour door to door. Work near Bank/Barbican way. Happy to cycle/run to work too.
Currently looking at:
Crystal Palace
Alexandra Palace
Twickenham

Any other good areas you can recommend and why?

Thanks!!!

I can't quite accept South of the river as actual London. It's a pleasant provincial town that happens to share a river with the proper city. (Buys biscuit tin).

Haha...I think on the basis of this thread we should have an HG meet up. But then, we might well know each other anyway, which would be funny...

Albert you want to try going to Bromley...

Limelight, what's wrong with Bromley?

I agree with you about East Dulwich becoming a Hoxton/Shoreditch type themepark Limelight . Hence our desire to move, after 20 happy years here.

I live a ten minute walk from twickenham station and it usually took me 1 hour 10 mins to get to work near Barbican (old street side though so a bit further up than you). Waterloo and city line was fine at about 8.50am but appreciate you may want to travel in earlier.

It's a pleasant provincial town which shares a river with a real city. One step removed. It's like full on 1970s sitcom suburbia and a bit frightening. Apologies to those living there - it's got great schools I believe...

Bibbity come to Lewisham! It's like ED 20 years ago

I have to say I really HATE Lewisham town centre. I am one of those HGites who prefers to wander to Blackheath and Greenwich for a naice coffee and chat. Or You Don't Bring Me Flowers. Or Archibalds. I think if I had come to see SE London and got off at Lewisham station I would have run away screaming. But then, I like ED....

Lime light - that's the ED I remember

I used to live a stone's throw from Lewisham, unless it's REALLY changed in the last ten years then I wouldn't move there, can't imagine it being anything like ED!

Depends on where you are in Lewisham I guess. The centre is pretty rubbish but it does have Rolls and Rems! I don't often go there though. We tend to gravitate towards Catford if I'm honest.

Oh how I miss Rolls and Rems I was only saying to a friend the other day about his great it is.

I met my dh in Catford

My London hating mother concedes that Rolls and Rems is the best haberdashery in the world! One small success in a sea of 'why would you want to live in that awful city?'

I met my DH in East Dulwich

I never go to Catford or Lewisham Shopping I go to John Lewis on Oxford Street

I''m surprised people have suggested East Dulwich, can you really get houses for under a million there these days?

One thing to consider when choosing an ears is where your extended family live outside London and how easy it is to drive to them for a weekend/them to come to you. If they are north, then se London is a total pain and could add at least an hour to the journey. DH family are south so being just off the south circular is really helpful plus they can get the coach or train to us and be with us in 20 mins. Not to be underestimated.

Same thing witht airports that you think you will use frequently with small children. We use Gatwick out of preference but stansted is hellish for the transfer time

We could absolutely do a local meet up. In fact I could resurrect the one on the hither green and ladywell mn local page if people want? I just got a bit busy and distracted but we used to have a good few regulars.

I love rolls and rems. I don't think I know anyone else who shops there yet

To be fair to Lewisham it does have model market (street food place ) and Polpo is coming soon

brockleycentral.blogspot.com/2015/09/lewishams-polpotential-realised.html?m=1

www.streetfeastlondon.com/where/model-market

And Gennaros is nice (Italian deli)

That is an excellent point FBB.

We live equidistant from both sets of grandparents. Still takes well over two hours to drive to either of them, the first hour just getting to the M25.

29redshoes
Yes, of course you can get a house for under a million in East Dulwich! Maybe not a large 4 bed with large garden near the station in the catchment for The Charter School. But otherwise you certainly can.

2 young dcs ? Why on earth would you want to live in London when you could live in beautiful rural East Sussex /Kent borders and be at London Bridge in under 40 minutes. ? Your 1m would buy an unbelievably lovely home with land. They could have ponies, cats, dogs... Huge choice of nurseries from Montessori to Steiner via playgroups and independent pre prep. Then on to outstanding state primaries or outstanding prep schools. Followed by a choice of 3 girls grammars, 3 boys grammars and an outstanding mixed sex comp. (or countless first class independents) but best, and above all else... Clean air to breathe !

Because then you'd be in Kent?

No. I'd be in East Sussex.