Commuting to London Bridge/City

[Zermatt]

We will shortly be relocating back to the UK after living abroad for the last 7 years. DH will be working in the city of London, we would like to find somewhere to live that he can commute easily enough from, maybe no more than 1.15 mins door to door. We have 2 very young children so would like somewhere good for a young family with plenty of activities/community that we can tap into. I think the problem we have is too much choice, anyone have somewhere they would recommend?

I know all of those areas op. You will get more house for your money in oxted than any of the others and the commute is ok from there. You won't get much house in Walton for 750k but it is great. Tonbridge has some fab schools and t wells too. Good choices!

Where in SE London are you looking Turquoise dress? Have you tried Bromley? Yes, zone 5 but the trains are and you still get a seat often enough. Cheaper than Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Greenwich, Beckenham.... good schools and community, shopping facilities, some 'villages' not far from the station...

I'm currently commuting to Bank from New Malden in Surrey, and have also done it from Esher. The trains into Waterloo are regular enough, although almost always delayed, but I would do almost anything to avoid the Waterloo and City Line. Currently get to work 45 minutes early just to avoid the rush (queuing for 15-20 minutes just to get to the platform, with people standing on your shoes and leaning on your back). Absolute hell.

Oh, and they're striking tomorrow! JOY! Personally, I'd go with any of the trains that come into Liverpool St/ Cannon St?

Currently planning a move as far away from London as possible.

Thanks so much for all the helpful comments. I think we're quite keen on Tunbridge Wells & Godalming. I'll try and remember to post back about where we ended up and why when we finally make it home.