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Original poster

Anyone else having a rethink on area after this?

35 replies

cerealmilk · 27/03/2020 08:52

I’m sure my local community is pulling together somewhere but, on the London street I live in, everyone is perfectly nice but there is no community spirit. Also there are needles and rubbish pretty much outside my front door right now.

Now thinking when all this is over, I want to live somewhere really villagey.

Any parts of London with that vibe that you recommend? Or even further afield?

Somewhere liberal and arty, but without a dangerous edge Grin

OP posts:
Makeitgoaway · 27/03/2020 08:53

I've been hankering after a house on the edge of a wood for years. Really want it now!

Original poster
cerealmilk · 27/03/2020 08:55

Yes same makeitgoaway. I would absolutely love that, too!

A wood next to my house would be heaven.

OP posts:
GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 27/03/2020 09:09

I am assuming that property prices are going to crash so severely after this that we'll end up in negative equity and have to give up on any hope of ever moving to somewhere bigger.

But it could be worse. My street really has come together as a community in this crises. The DC have a room each, even if they're box rooms. We extended slightly last year so at least now have a second loo if not a second bathroom. We have (a tiny) outdoor space. We are walking distance to town and the train station and a couple of parks. My DC are at a great primary, and the secondaries we have near us are very good.

So as I say it could be worse. This was only ever meant to be a starter home, but at least we will be able (hopefully) to continue to manage the mortgage. Small mercies.

Eeyoresstickhouse · 27/03/2020 09:11

We will be moving as soon as possible. I would put the place on the market now if possible to get possible buyers lined up to view.

I hate living here, we have a new neighbour from hell, and I need a garden. Never an issue before, now it is vital.

CendrillonSings · 27/03/2020 09:14

I’m thinking a Scottish castle, with high battlements and a moat...

Original poster
cerealmilk · 27/03/2020 15:23

Ha sounds good! A huge garden definitely on my criteria list Grin and a really warm community.

OP posts:
missfliss · 27/03/2020 18:52

I'm sorry to those of you thinking about your area. This whole episode has made me appreciate mine all the more.
Small coastal town with river and beach and hills ( Downs) all within walking distance. So possible to go on nice daily exercise quickly and easily.
Decent enough and useful shops within walking distance, lovely cafes and pubs ( when open) and good schools.
My road has set up a Facebook group and leafleted each house too to assist in this current crisis.

Only complaint with my town is that traffic on high street is really atrocious in normal rush hour

Fi1982 · 27/03/2020 19:19

North Chingford and Highams Park in NE London are very villagey for London and surrounded by Epping Forest, as in many residential roads back straight on to the forest.

No needles on the ground either... the odd legal high canister though 🙄

Reginabambina · 27/03/2020 19:21

I was just thanking myself today for moving somewhere nice as it meant we were able to take a lovely walk this afternoon which wouldn’t have been possible where we lived before (I.e. a complete shithole).

TheWooisStrong · 27/03/2020 19:21

We’ve got a lovely community, town centre and countryside both walking distance away, loads of parks. Just a shame our house is really a bit too small for us.
No way we are going to be moving anytime soon now though.

MotorwayDiva · 27/03/2020 19:22

We used to live London, moved to semi rural area a few years ago, right now I am so glad we did.

Pipandmum · 27/03/2020 19:28

I'm moving to London in a year. There are always people who need to move (divorce, death, job, too small, too big and for me education for my child)
, and all the sales and plans that have been put on hold for now will generally start up again. So I don't think peices will crash as much as some people may think.
I love Fulham, Putney, Wimbledon, Kingston. The further out the more affordable (I mean I'd live in chelsea if I could). All are family friendly, lots of green space (and the river for all but Wimbledon) and can have a neighbourly feel. I've lived in all bar Kingston.

francienolan · 27/03/2020 20:06

We bought the cheapest house in the nicest village for a reason, and it has turned out to be great as we have moved here from our city centre flat just before having to stay in a lot. It's been great walking out into the country when it's the only time we're allowed out each day.

MysteryFrog · 27/03/2020 20:44

I’ve had the opposite, was planning to move away in a couple of years but so amazed by how brilliant our community here has been through this so far that I’m thinking about staying!

romatheroamer · 28/03/2020 06:23

Pipandmum your message really cheered me up. That's just what I want to do although priced myself out of most of those areas after idiotic move to the country. Suspended marketing yesterday because there seemed no point no viewers but just looking forward to when things can pick up again. This too shall pass.

Pinkdelight3 · 28/03/2020 11:37

Lots of woods and liberal arty community warmth around Crystal Palace, Sydenham, that neck of the, um, woods. Dangerous edge-wise, well, we'll have to see what it's like when everyone's out the other side of this!

Davros · 28/03/2020 12:12

cerealmilk you've described where I live, Belsize Park in NW3. Very community orientated, beautiful, liberal, cultured. Hampstead Heath is nearby and 20 mins to central london but doesn't feel at all urban. DH was born here and we've lived in this house for 25 years, not sure we could afford it now

Original poster
cerealmilk · 28/03/2020 18:59

davros Hampstead is definitely my favourite part of london!

We can’t afford it, but maybe (just) some cheaper, neighbouring bit...

OP posts:
Bloomburger · 28/03/2020 19:01

We've got a few things going on. A WhatsApp group covering 3 villages (they're picking up prescriptions, helping older people have telephone contact so they're not so isolated etc ) and our little street of 9 houses are all getting bits for each other and emailing each day to make sure everyone is ok.

It's heartwarming how everyone is pulling together.

Northernsoullover · 28/03/2020 19:04

I rent but I was thinking of buying a flat. I am never going to buy a flat having been through this. Even if it means saving for a few more years.

Parakeet88 · 28/03/2020 20:53

Petts Wood. So much lovely open green space, woods, fields and parks, and I've been so heartened by the community spirit here in the last few weeks. Every single road has been leaflets and volunteer groups set up to help. My road also now has a WhatsApp group.

It's still within easy reach of London too.

DavetheCat2001 · 29/03/2020 19:33

Our part of SE London has always had a fantastic community spirit, and that continues in these difficult times.

I don't think moving to the countryside necessarily guarantees you a nice community spirit..there are arseholes everywhere.

HundredMilesAnHour · 29/03/2020 19:48

I agree that living in the countryside or 'naice' areas in towns/cities doesn't necessarily mean there's a community feel. It's not guaranteed.

By contrast, I live in London in Tower Hamlets in a development of approx 100 flats and we have an incredible community here. The Residents Committee hosts a summer party and BBQ for everyone each year. People actually speak to each other. I must admit that it messed with my head at first (this is London, I thought we're supposed to ignore each other?!) but I've grown to really like it.

Now we're all on lockdown, the community has really come into it's own. One of my neighbours was giving away buffalo mozzarella yesterday to any resident who popped by (socially distanced obviously) because their restaurant had to close down. Multiple neighbours were giving out yeast to other neighbours who wanted it but couldn't find it in the shops. Someone was doing printing for someone who needed it (now the local library is closed). One of the residents is a pharmacist and has told everyone to let her know if they need meds but can't get them. We have a group looking after anyone who needs help with shopping or is self-isolating etc. I live alone and it makes me nervous that I might get the virus and have no-one to help me (my family are 250 miles away) but I know have a ton of neighbours who will jump into action straight away. It's actually rather nice.

Canyoutellilikrchocolate · 29/03/2020 19:55

We moved out of London about 7 years ago.
Still in commuting distance though.

We had a flat in London, now have a large(ish) house, big garden, direct access to countryside.

I’ve never regretted leaving London (we are country types and even before lockdown enjoyed gardening, walking, cycling) but I can honestly say over the last few weeks I’ve been so so grateful for where we live. My heart goes out to anyone without a garden.

Davros · 29/03/2020 20:48

cerealmilk Belsize Park is better than Hampstead imo - less well known, less congested, big wide pavements, excellent franchised Budgens, equi distant to Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill, direct bus to Waterloo and beyond - but don't tell anyone!