Londoners, where would you live?

[SophoclesTheFox]

Not sure which section this should go in, but seems as good as any...

I've got a work contract that is going to need me to be London based for at least three months, probably more. I'll be most of the time either at Canary Wharf or the City.

So, where should I be looking for digs? I had been thinking Clapham, which I've spent some time in, and really like. Or possibly Greenwich. But I'm open to most suggestions - slight preference for south of the river, but feel free to put me straight on that if you like!

I'd like to cycle commute if possible, but might not be able to, so need good transport links anyway.

I like: not too too busy
large park or common nearby (if I'm there longer than three months, then husband will come too, and we have dogs)
gym nearby plus other sports options
easy access to Gatwick is a plus
nothing too "edgy"/not quite gentrified yet as I am coming from rural foreign parts and am easily startled by too much grittiness
preferably less than 45 minute commute (I know this is holy grail!)

Budget: up to about 850 pcm for a room (first option), then about 1800 for a 2 bed house. Can flex that.

What areas might suit me?

Greenwich definitely. Can almost walk to Canary Wharf through the foot tunnel (which also takes bikes). Has everything on your list. Blackheath slightly further out but also lovely.

Bexleyheath, Kent (it's in the London borough of Bexley). 45 minutes to Canary Wharf by trains. You'll get a lot more here for your money than Greenwich or Blackheath, although they are lovely areas and closer to Canary Wharf.

Abbey Wood - 30 minutes from Canary Wharf. You'll get a great place for your money, a top spec new build near the station or a nicely decorated Victorian 3 bed house for less than your top budget. There isn't a gym there, but you could maybe use a gym in Canary Wharf? Or a gym in a nearby town? It isn't gentrified yet, but you'd save so much money and can spend all you save on thoroughly enjoying London.

Aside from these areas, Greenwich or Blackheath - you'll get so much less for your money though. It depends what's more important to you - a gentrified area closer to work or not. If your like my DH, gentrified will win hands down, but I would rather just visit those areas and live elsewhere and have plenty more disposable cash.

Good luck!

Agree with Greenwich or Blackheath definitely. My dog loves it here and you can either walk to Canary Wharf or get there in about 5 minutes on the Dlr.

I grew up in Bexleyheath /Welling and I know Greenwich well. Depends how big a place you want to rent and what budget. Greenwich is very easy to commute from and has the Heath and Greenwich park but is expensive.

Welling is only about 4 miles from Blackheath , more affordable and if you go Shooters Hill end then you have Oxleas Wood.

You could also rent a lovely flat in Canary Wharf - it's great there, loads of green space/restaurants etc.

My niece is renting a one bed flat in Greenwich costing £1300 , just as a guide.

Welling /Bexleyheath also have Danson Park which is fab and Crook Log Sports Centre. 30 mins on train to London.

This is in the loveliest part of Greenwich near the park and it has a garden. It doesn't say on the listing about pets but I had to put down a massive deposit when I rented for a few months before I bought - £3k deposit for a dog

I live in Bexleyheath. I really like it, quick into central and love Danson Park and Hall Place for a bit of greenery

Hi to the other Bexleyheath MN-ers

Budget? Canada Water is just in between, Southwark Park and Russia dock woodlands on the door step as well as the river.

Oooh, this is all useful, thank you!

I want to be closer into the centre and I'm happy to make the tradeoff for less space. I think Bexleyheath might be too far out. Blackheath sounds promising.

Gentrified is definitely preferable - I've had a sheltered life

Victoria Park? Gentrified in an edgy way....

Though I'm not sure of rent costs....

We lived in limehouse 12 years ago and it was great....

That looks right up my street, laurie! I only need a room for the first few months, otherwise I'd be on that like a shot!

Budget: 800ish for a room in a shared house, 1800ish for flat/house in the medium term. It's two separate questions really, sorry - first three months is just me, so don't need much, then after that it will be me, husband, and two dogs. Would be great if it was the same area both times though, as then it's easier to get settled. I know I need to brace for a difficult search and a huge security deposit because of the mutts! They better be grateful.