I've been looking further out of London (St Albans, Beaconsfield, Maidenhead etc) but have the impression it's not necessarily going to be a lot cheaper than living more centrally once travel is taken into account than living a bit further in? Not unless we want to go really far out. Also, with childcare to consider a shorter commute is appealing.
Does anyone know what areas within London we should look at to rent a largish 3 bed or 4 bed house/flat with a relatively short commute (25/30 mins) into Tottenham Court Road or thereabouts? I suppose we would go for a flat if that was all we could afford, if it had a private garden for the DCs but I am a bit hesitant having never lived in a flat with children before and am worried what the neighbours might be like especially with regards to our noise and theirs.
I'm not so bothered about a pretty neighbourhood, just a relatively safe neighbourhood and one with access to a lovely park or green space (which don't have too many dodgy types in them on a regular basis).Somewhere good for pushing a pushchair, baby groups etc. I've never lived in London or any major city so I probably have some ideas based on media impressions that might be a bit unfair! It would be nice if it felt like London, but was also a bit villagey and felt like it had a community. I would like to go see lots of area but with children in toe I need to narrow it down a bit!
I really liked Teddington and East Molesey when we visited Hampton Court Palace a few years ago but the planes and the commute are a bit off putting.
Is the pollution a noticeable problem living in london? Are some places better than others for that? 1 of the DCs and I have asthma.
We are renting initially and then looking to buy. £2300 is our maximum rent, probably about £850,000 to buy.
Schools are an issue although we could possibly do private secondary in a few years time. We have one due to start secondary and two who will start primary in a few years.