Commutable area for young family in London

[pizzanoodle]

Hi guys, we're a young couple looking to start a family in London. My work is in Victoria and his is in Oxford Circus and we prefer somewhere within half an hour's commute to our offices. Looking to buy a 1 bed / small 2 bed flat that is in a nice, safe and baby and toddler-friendly area.

Currently our options are Battersea / Clapham: either between the commons, nightingale triangle area or Abbeville village. Or we can find something in Victoria / St. James Park / Westminster, it's really convenient for my work but might not be a place for a young family. Would love to be proven wrong!

Would love to hear what you guys think - is Battersea / Clapham better than Victoria? Are there other areas that we could consider?

If you can afford it, Pimlico is nice and seems quite family friendly for somewhere so central

Between the Commons in Clapham is a truly lovely place to bring up children (which is why it's called Nappy Valley - that area has the highest birth rate in Europe!). Also some great primary schools, but be careful if you buy there, there are dead zones because the catchment areas are so small for Honeywell and Belleville.

Victoria has always seemed like a built up hell hole to me, but I've only ever gone through it to somewhere else so I admit I don't know it well.

Also look around Earlsfield, one stop down from Clapham.

If you want to be more central the Vauxhall/Oval/Kennington area is great. It's really well connected. Despite being central most of it feels calm and nice green spaces. There is a lovely family focused community. There's also lots of good primary schools without the catchment issues of areas like Clapham.

You'd need a two-bed surely? Unless you're planning on moving again before the baby is 1. What's your budget?

I’d look at lewisham- brockley/catford and out to crystal place.

Depends on your budget, obviously. But you are more likely to get a family sized flat if you plan on more than one child.

Sooo much depends on budget. Those are great areas if you can afford them. Clapham probably has more day to day young child things going on but you are so central in Victoria you could get all over the place and there are still good schools etc. We are a bit further out for a house / garden / space for kid clutter but sounds like you want a more central lifestyle.

Herne Hill is lovely. You would get a bit more flat/house for your money, the parks are wonderful and it's very friendly. 10 mins on train to Victoria or walk to Brixton for the tube.

Victoria / St. James Park / Westminster is a great place to bring up young children. Lots of green space and playgrounds. Some very very good primary schools. (If they are baptised St Peters Eaton Sq is usually the favourite.) Plus it is so nice not to have a commute. Every minute not spent commuting is another minute you experience of their childhoods.

Herne Hill: be sure about catchment Rosendale is good.

Streatham Hill the so called ABCD roads. Good community. Choice of good primaries (Hitherfield, Dunraven, Streatham Wells) and outstanding secondary. Walk to Tulse Hill for Thameslink or other lines, Streatham Hill to Victoria or bus down the hill for the Victoria Line.

Sydenham / Sydenham Hill?