Moving to Hanwell

[ARR89]

Hi all
We have a 9mo son and looking to move to the Hanwell area, having just moved back from overseas. We don't know the area at all and due to covid restrictions we've not been able to visit.

Our priorities are good schools, green areas nearby, good commute into London (Southwark area) for hubby (clothe crossrail is appealing), to be in NW London near family, and a good sense of community with coffee shops/restaurants/shops in walking distance.
Does anyone have any experiences of Hanwell, or suggestions on what areas are nice to live in in that area and within good school catchments?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated thank you

I grew up in Hanwell, so my knowledge of the schools is pretty out of date but Ealing generally has always been pretty good for schools and green areas. Absolute bitch of a commute to Southwark though, completely the wrong area for that.

I lived there years ago when I first moved to London and I honestly don’t recognise anything you have described so it must have changed a huge amount.
Given your Criteria have you considered Queen’s Park/Kensal Rise/ Willesden (some parts).

Thanks so much for your responses- will reconsider Hanwell I think!
We were keen on it because of the crossrail connections but I'll have a look into those other areas suggested. Thank you!

It has good secondary schools (both Drayton Manor and Elthorne Park) and lots of green space, some good primary schools and some average. I think it has a good sense of community and while the Uxbridge road isn't particularly glamorous it does have most of the shops you need.
The commute to Southwark is the downside as although Hanwell Station should soon have 4tph, Crossrail won't be running from Hanwell directly through London for a while yet (2022?).
Queen’s Park/Kensal Rise/Willesden is an odd comparison because they're much more central. Hanwell is further out and will have a longer commute (even with Crossrail) but has far more green space and is cheaper.

Here's a link to a previous discussion - most of which is still relevant:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/2785883-Information-on-Hanwell-please