Nice areas to buy a house near London

[Mhp88]

Hi all,
My partner works in Croydon and I work in London Bridge, we currenly live in Wimbledon and we love it there. We would like to buy a 2 bedroom flat/house (I prefer 3 bedroom if budget permits) in a good catchment area for schools and easy commute for both workplaces and not too far from London within our budget of 400K. We have thought of Raynes Park, Surbiton, Crystal Palace and even East/West Molesley (his parents lived there years ago). I'm a city girl, so I need to be near shops and lively area. Any ideas? Thanks all!!!

Crystal Palace is lovely

Kingston if you want a choice of really good schools and a range of shops very close by. Although, not sure if your budget would stretch to a large enough property in Kingston. Could try Ham.

.... or New Malden.

Sutton?

Reigate and surrounds, one chance to redhill for trains on the Brighton main line to Croydon and LB. lots of good schools and nice villiages.

You could have a look at East Grinstead - less than an hour to London Bridge by direct train, East Croydon is about 40 mins I think.

Tunbridge Wells is another possibility, schools are good and again trains directly to London Bridge, though you'd have to change for East Croydon I think.

Tadworth? Epsom? Ewell?

Beckenham? Tram goes there for Croydon, and good train links. Or anerley way.

Sanderstead? Great schools for both primary and secondary, very easy commuting distance for both of you, decent high street, plus just down the road from Croydon which has plenty going on plus good shopping - set to be improved further by Westfield.

Hither green

Thanks all for your messages!!! Now it's time to visit all the different places and see which ones we like! [smile}

You will love Hither Green. It's a lovely little community with trains to London Bridge in 16 mins, and a direct bus to Croydon

Yes I would go the other side of Croydon as lots of people have mentioned or back towards Sutton - direct half hour train to LB and 10 mins to Croydon. Very good schools and lower cost housing. Downsides much scruffier than Wimbledon town/village obvs but not as scruffy as South Wimbledon/Morden.

You are too young to live in New Malden or Raynes Park