Dulwich or Greenwich

[Fifikittykat]

Would really love some advice on where to move to, the pros and cons of each from your perspective. I know both well as a young single, but no idea what they are like as family areas. My situation is as follows:

• DP and I both work in canary wharf
• Looking to start TTC in 2020 and will be mid 30s
• Budget of 850 - 975, would ideally like somewhere with 4 beds, would love a project
• Want somewhere we can stay for the next 15 years

woolwich or charlton?
both family friendly with great transport links to canary wharf or the city.

Dulwich is more village, good school Dulwich college. Near Crystal palace for sports, good transport into London, Greenwich is nice around the market area and you've got the park and the river and it's minutes on the boat to canary wharf. Dulwich Village would be my preference.

Greenwich is lovely but absolutely crammed with narrow streets etc - you'd get more space over the park in Blackheath/Hither Green/Lee. All 3 stations have direct line to Lewisham for DLR.

I did look at Charlton as it has some beautiful houses, but it felt a bit too far from Central London. Also felt that it didn't have much going on within the community.

Dulwich Village is lovely, but too expensive and a bit too genteel for me. I do love East and West Dulwich however

I looked at Lee as it seemed quite affordable. Yes, agree that Greenwich is a bit crammed and the gardens are super small. But I do love the atmosphere and being close to the river.

You would be pushed to get a 4 bed for your budget in Dulwich Village itself I think. Are you thinking of state or independent schools?

Dulwich over Greenwich if you can get what you want for your budget

Greenwich gets packed, there's only the centre around the cutty Sark and the market that has the village feel, have you been there during the week when there's not much happening. East Dulwich, sydenham hill, West Dulwich are all nice places, Dulwich has got the park.

Journey from Dulwich would be more difficult and school catchments are small but it is a lovely area (a bit too Barbour and Boden for me though). Greenwich has it all I think - as safe as London gets, green, museums, the river, great market, cycle to Canary Wharf or a couple of stops on the DLR. 10 minute train ride to London Bridge from either Westcombe Park or Maze Hill stations. Primary schools are very good, especially around Halstow/Millennium. Lots going on for babies/young children. Secondaries more problematic though - a lot of people send their kids to the grammars in the neighbouring boroughs or go private.

What about blackheath? Lovely village feel

Definitely Blackheath. I live there and it's perfect for families.

Thinking independent for school, but would depend on whether we both continue working full-time.

Where in Blackheath is good? I had a look near westcombe park but not much going on....

Blackheath is very quiet and doesn't have much going on in the evenings. If you want somewhere a bit more lively then East Dulwich would suit you, near Lordship Lane.

Yes I definitely need something lively a short walk away.

I just looked at the Blackheath royal standard area on right move, there are some very nice semis at the 1m mark which sounds reasonable

My brother lives in Greenwich and until recently I lived very near to East Dulwich. I would go for Greenwich for a variety of reasons but mainly the commute.

Blackheath Standard is ok but not as nice as Greenwich. And it's practically Charlton.

I live in the Royal Standard. Found it difficult at first with how quiet it is but it does feel very safe and decent transport links. Has everything you need and good for children.

East Dulwich is great . Lots of families, nice shops along Lordship Lane, little cinema, parks nearby, mix of some good state schools, lots of independent schools, classes for kids (dance, drama etc) The commute from East Dulwich train station is okay one change onto the DLR. NOt far to Central London. There is an East Dulwich Forum discussion board www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1977663 might find it useful.

Thanks all, this is very useful. So I think I can discount Blackheath royal standard on the basis of too quiet. Blackheath village and Dulwich Village discounted on price and being too genteel.

So that leaves Greenwich and East or West Dulwich.

Costacoffeecup, what are your reasons?

What about Brockley? Overground to Canada Water so one change to Canary Wharf. Nice period properties, very family friendly plus decent bars and restaurants. Or Honor oak one stop further. Ladywell is also nice, a bit quieter but also a bit cheaper.

I did look at honor oak, we discounted it on the basis that it appears to just have one small street of bars/restaurants by the sainsburys. Didn't feel like it had enough variety.z

Brockley we quite liked, but seemed to not have many large houses available?

Mrs Patmore, much as I like Greenwich and Blackheath, I would disagree with you on crime. The stats show much higher crime stats there ( including violence and robbery aka mugging) than Dulwich Village.

East dulwich is great and plenty of activities etc for families however transport isn't so good and property is likely to be out of your price range for a 4bed house

Greenwich, you'd be looking at east Greenwich for that sort of budget and most of the house there are pretty small (even if they've been extended to be technically 4 bed). Again great for family activities etc, schools (as anywhere in London) are very dependent on exact location though.

Agree with PP's suggestion of Brockley, property is a bit cheaper, good transport connections and up and coming, great parks nearby. Better choice of larger properties than East Greenwich definitely, for example here are a couple of options for 'projects' and within 5-10mins of the station:

Cranfield Road Brockley SE4
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-56492868.html

Dalrymple Road, Brockley, London, SE4
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-63584233.html

Parts of Greenwich will get you into the current catchments of some of the four Bexley Grammars - if you choose not to go the independent route and save a fortune. This may not seem so important to you right now but if you are planning to stay put for 15 years and TTC in a couple of years, this will become hugely important. This comes from someone who is now moving in year 6 as didn't plan ahead...