Favourite part of London to live in?

[Newnamenewnaame]

We’re about to go up for sale... but don’t know where to move next we want more space and can get a bigger mortgage. But... that’s it! That’s all we know!

What’s your favourite part of London to live in? (With a family.)

(South London is a bit tricky because it’s further from friends or family, but up for hearing anything!)

What’s important to me is that there’s a friendly crowd and a villagey vibe. Of course excellent schools too, but London has excellent schools everywhere, it seems!

Village-y

People knowing each other in the streets, shops etc., and having time for a chat.

Oute burbs are great for that. Everyone stops and chats. My street even has a WhataApp group and residents take turns to invite everyone over.

My street in Clapham/Balham has an annual summer party, email group, carol signing event etc it depends on the road I think. My mums road a short walk away has an annual xmas party that moves house each yr.

@JoJoSM2 you don't think Blackheath is near anywhere stabby 😂 it's right next to Eltham. I'm slightly further along the train line and there are some pretty rough areas although Blackheath Village is lovely.

Defo Wanstead. Our road has an annual street party and there is a fringe festival on in September. Ginger pig butchers, fishmongers, loads of nice restaurants. You could get a nice garden with 1.2m for sure

@OneForTheRoadThen

oh dear! Not Blackheath then. Shame as it’s super cute!

@JoJoSM2 yes the village is lovely! It's the surrounding bits!

OP, I've just had a brainwave. The area in North London that gets called villagey and lovely and has sought after state schools is Muswell Hill (I've never been so can't comment). Btw, I had a look at the stats for Crouch End and the state schooling look average on paper.

Thanks, JoJoSM2! That’s going on the list! I might go and visit Muswell hill tomorrow on my day off while I’m in Crouch End (found a toddler class to go to as it was mentioned a few times on here! Think toddler classes might be a good way to see what the other adults are like?!?)

These suggestions have been so helpful! And opening me up to areas of London I don’t know all that well! Seems like most people are advocating for south London so far? Planning to see Dulwich and surrounds next weekend.

Think toddler classes might be a good way to see what the other adults are like?

What sort of vibe/professional groups are you hoping for? Posters might be able to advice as some areas are defo popular with more particular groups. If you go too fancy/affluent you'll mostly run into nannies

Hmm that’s true - I guess something a bit similar to us, so work in a fairly creative field, pretty open-minded and liberal.

But actually, what matters most is that people are friendly and nice. I love the idea of street Christmas parties and - like a PP said before - a street WhatsApp group!

Out of outer London, Carshalton Village would be the top pick. Politically, it's been a Lib Dem stronghold for decades. There are too many teachers and IT consultants there but I do know a good number of people in more creative jobs (music producer, graphic designers, architects, fashion buyers, photographers) + Carshalton Artists' Open Houses is held every year. It's also hosted the environmental fair for almost 30 years (save the word initiatives, vegan food sort of stuff). Very strong, friendly community. In addition to friendly neighbours, there are larger community initiatives like a community run pub, a community farm (you can volunteer or order your organic veg box). The current project on the go is the building of a community kitchen at the ecology centre. Down-to-earth and unsnazzy compared to the other places here.

Closer into London, I'm not sure Dulwich Village will be the best fit. East Dulwich might be your vibe but... I do have my strong views on schools as above + while I had my dinner on Lordship Lane a few weeks ago, in the space of one dinner several people walked passed blatantly smoking weed, which personally I wouldn't love for a family area.

I think Crystal Palace has a creative vibe + it's on the overground. It's not been up-and-come for that long so the prices aren't too crazy.

I think it’s coincidence you’ve ended up with so many S London recommendation, there are lovely villagey places in N London too! Inc Muswell Hill, Crouch End, W Hampstead.

One good place to look is Hampstead, there are lots of outdoor spaces e.g Hampstead Heath and Regents Park.

There are lots of good places for families so I would suggest viewing lots of different areas possibly even staying over in areas you want to get to know more. This will help you get a vibe of the area and see if it suits you and your family

I absolutely love Hampstead, indy, but definitely can’t afford it! But that would be my dream spot.

Good idea about staying over places!

Gospel Oak and South End Green are both by Hampstead Heath but cheaper than Hampstead.

Have you considered West Hampstead? Cheaper than Hampstead proper but a lovely feel to the area. Muswell Hill, Highgate, Greenwich, are also great places. You might want to give a tool like SearchSmartly a go - it's really good at answering these sort of questions - if you put a high priority on green space and good schools, put in your budget and commute, and let the tool work its magic, you might find some very interesting/unexpected property matches!

I live in Richmond, it's beautiful, villagey but got the district line right into central and further!