Looking to move 15-20 minutes from Canary Wharf?

[Aegon]

Hi, we are wondering if anyone can help? We have been looking to move for ages and have finally decided to take the plunge - just not sure where to actually move to!

We need to be within 15-20 minutes drive from Canary Wharf on the north side of the Thames. We are looking to move to a nice, residential with good primary schools area where we can start a family. Wanstead / South Woodford look ideal but just outside our budget of 600K-650K.

In the absence of an alternative (and budget constraints) I think we will settle on South Woodford / Woodford. Are there any other areas that might fit the bill?

Thank you in advance! :)

does it have to be north of,the river?

I don’t think it would be a 20 minute drive at rush hour, which is when I assume you would be going to CW? The commute on the tube is pretty good though, regardless.

If you are intent on driving then maybe look the other side of Epping Forest too? Highams Park/ Chingford etc. Aldersbrook is also very family friendly.

15-20 mins by car? That's really going to limit your options with that budget. Crossrail will open up a lot more out east

Ah -;had been going to,suggest SE-eg Canada Water - one tube stop and Rotherhithe tunnel (not Blackwall Tunnel)

I was going to say Canada Water too.

I grew up in Wanstead/Aldersbrook and have just moved to Woodford. Couldn't afford South Woodford or the "nice" part of Woodford (didn't even dare to consider Wanstead!) so we have bought in Woodford bridge/Chigwell. I know it's considered not as nice but we've found it to be very friendly, good nursery and schools nearby and it takes no time to get to tube/into town. Lots of nice pubs and restaurants within walking distance and I can get back to Wanstead and South Woodford easily. You do tend to get a lot more bang for your buck too. Hate to sound like I'm trying to brag, but the house we bought has got three large bedrooms, room to extend (out and up) and a 100ft garden. To us it was worth having the extra space and even if it meant being that little bit further. If not you might find some places in Buckhurst Hill, Roding valley and Loughton.

On the "drive" front, I have found we are now using a taxi account more when dealing with "mother" emergencies. I had origionally set it up to my mother had mobility when she first stopped driving, but as she is less able to walk any distance we are finding it easier to use public transport to get to her, and then use a taxi. There is no parking near her dentist, the hospital car park is huge and its easier than having her sit at the GPs whilst I dash off to get a ticket. Carers can use the account and so can DB and other family members.

I would recommend ensuring public transport links are good as well.

Thanks so much for your replies

Sorry I should have given a few more details:

• Main reason for 15-20 minutes drive time is that my elderly ML live minutes from Canary Wharf so my DH wants to be close. We also both work in Canary Wharf. Journey to/from work would be by tube while family visits would be done by car on evenings & weekends - so driving through rush hour won’t be an issue most of the time.

• Yes must be north of the river as my elderly sick father lives in North west London so would use the A406 to get to him in emergencies

• Wanstead/ Aldersbrook seems lovely and within catchment of good schools, but houses tend to be 700K+ from what I’ve seen on rightmove - so just out of our budget

• There are some nice houses in Woodford just within budget and within catchment of good schools. Woodford is a 20-25 minute drive (outside of rush hour). South Woodford would be ideal too but the houses tend to be much smaller at our price range.

We can’t really go much further than 20 minutes drive away without my DH being able to rush over in an emergency. So really I was just wondering if there were any areas other than South Woodford that ticks all our boxes. I realise I’m probably asking for a LOT but I’d really value your suggestions!

700 is within 10% of your budget, and London property is not rising at the moment- so I'd say it's worth looking at that level, even up to 725 or thereabouts. It's worth a try anyway!

Wanstead if you can get something for your budget.

Leytonstone isn’t as nice but is cheaper.

We've just bought in South Woodford and the property market (I've known this area well for years) seems to be quite slow here at the moment with lots of properties going for less than asking price - may be a good chance to negotiate:)

Poplar? It's right next door