Where to move good state schools and canary wharf 1 hour commute

[thedebutant]

Hi! We are looking to move later in the year - currently renting in SW London. Main reason is primary school for DS (just turned 3) - so priority is a good catchment, but also a reasonable commute to Canary Wharf - currently its just under an hour door to door and could handle probably up to just over an hour. Would like to rent first then maybe buy? Budget

Upminster - easy commute on the c2c line to Limehouse and on the DLR. I used to be door to door in 35 mins when I lived near the station. District line tube as back up. In zone 6 so can use Oyster card/cheap fares into zone 2.
Nice area with good schools and parks. Highly recommended!

When I say door to door, I meant into Canary Wharf.

I would look down the Lewisham line (Southeastern trains); Orpington, Chislehurst, Sevenoaks. Fast train to Lewisham then straight into the DLR for a stop or two.Great primary schools, Grammars for secondary. Leafy, safe (but nowhere near as cosmopolitan as SW London). Bromley area also possible. I don't think you'll find a nice house nearer in for under 500K but plenty around that mark further out.

I grew up in Zone 4 East London, about 40 mins to Canary Wharf and surrounded by Epping Forest. Think Central Line South Woodford, Woodford, or further out to Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Epping if you don’t mind an extra 10 min commute. All have very nice high streets with a mix of chain and independent shops and restaurants, plus brilliant state and grammar schools. £500k should just about get you a 3 bed, or a very nice 2 bed. Good luck!

Sidcup/New Eltham is a consideration. Just far enough out for cheaper prices with a train line to Lewisham then DLR or buses to North Greenwich for Jubilee Line. Under an hour commute.