Where would you move?

[Wherewouldyoumove]

This is my situation! And I can’t seem to find anywhere that feels quite right to move to. Budget is £900k and I currently live in Hackney, London.

Have been in this neighbourhood for more than 15 years and it suits us well for lots of reasons - great community, like-minded people, excellent schools.

But we want something bigger and a tiny bit safer and good for teens (although dc is only early primary now).

The cheaper options of London that our friends have gone to (Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Finsbury Park etc) aren’t quite right.

We considered “naice” areas of north london (crouch end etc) and living in a smaller space or extending our mortgage and spending more, but they seem “naice” and dull at the same time (sorry!).

I have no idea where to go! I want to live somewhere a bit less urban, but with a great community. I love a place with a bit of charm about it, and independent shops, etc. But where is that?! Help!

We’re also not tied to London. We work here, but have portable jobs.

Find a village near to mainline? Outside of Oxford is good for that, also areas near to Woking / Guildford

Sounds like you're not really ready to leave the urban, London life? How about somewhere like Wanstead or Greenwich/Deptford? Both trendy, green spaces, good communities, safer than Hackney for teens, good schools.

Or further out of you do t have to commute much - Brighton and Hove?

We're in Ally Pally. Good transport links from Ally Pally station into Moorgate, lots of parks, good schools. I'm not a parent but I understand Rhodes Ave Primary and Alexandra Park School (secondary) have good reputations.

Close to Muswell Hill and Crouch End for independent shops, pubs and restaurants, though I'm well aware some of these may not survive the pandemic.

A lot of the area has an N22 postcode, so officially Wood Green, which is, shall we say, rough round the edges, but the advantage being an N22 address is cheaper than an N10 (Muswell Hill) one, though may only be a couple of streets away.

We've been her 25 years and like it. I work in Hackney and although I have a fondness for the area, would rather live here.

Yes I feel very mixed about it, lightsabre! But I don’t love the cheaper areas that friends are moving to as much as Hackney, but equally don’t feel like I belong in the very wealthy and more expensive areas like Crouch End - so I think that means it might be time to make the leap!

But I will look at Wanstead.

I haven’t ever been to Brighton and Hove, but it always sounded like somewhere I’d like!

I love charming places. Hampstead is my favourite place in London (somewhere I am definitely not wealthy enough to belong ) - it’s the winding charm I like. I think I’d like to replicate that somewhere. Pretty streets, lovely architecture, and somewhere friendly with a liberal community.

I’m stuck!

My DH suggested we take a look at Ally Pally the other day, Spidey66. I have been to Alexandra Palace - as in, inside the venue - but never really the neighbourhood. I will take a look!

@Wherewouldyoumove

Yes I feel very mixed about it, lightsabre! But I don’t love the cheaper areas that friends are moving to as much as Hackney, but equally don’t feel like I belong in the very wealthy and more expensive areas like Crouch End - so I think that means it might be time to make the leap!

But I will look at Wanstead.

I haven’t ever been to Brighton and Hove, but it always sounded like somewhere I’d like!

I love charming places. Hampstead is my favourite place in London (somewhere I am definitely not wealthy enough to belong ) - it’s the winding charm I like. I think I’d like to replicate that somewhere. Pretty streets, lovely architecture, and somewhere friendly with a liberal community.

I’m stuck!

Definitely Greenwich then with the added bonus of the river!

I’ll definitely check out Greenwich, thank you!

I'm surprised you didn't like the Walthamstow village conservation area!

Greenwich sounds right, unless you want somewhere much quieter than London generally (but Hampstead is busy too on the HIgh St).

Bath or Clifton Village in Bristol (also a charming harbourside there). Bristol is liberal and foodie too, Clifton upmarket but there are other slightly edgier areas not far away, for variety. Architecture is fab!

the problem with Walthamstow, the villagey bit is very small - and then it's surrounded by unattractive office blocks and busy fumey roads.

Sorry but imo Wanstead is a dull suburb - naice but dull, as you put it OP.

We were in a similar-ish position, but with a smaller budget and we're in Notting Hill; we're moving to Hastings. The Old Town and West Hill (where we're moving to) are super charming, there are galleries and cinemas and theatres, it's an hour twenty from Kings Cross - but most importantly, there's the sea. And the South Downs.

@Pepperkins

I'm surprised you didn't like the Walthamstow village conservation area!

I did for sure - but it’s very small and reminds me of where I already am. I wasn’t sure it was any better for teens than where I already am either.

Perhaps I’m overthinking it all!!

@CatAndHisKit

Greenwich sounds right, unless you want somewhere much quieter than London generally (but Hampstead is busy too on the HIgh St).

Bath or Clifton Village in Bristol (also a charming harbourside there). Bristol is liberal and foodie too, Clifton upmarket but there are other slightly edgier areas not far away, for variety. Architecture is fab!

Ooh that sounds great! I will definitely check it out there! I keep hearing good things about Bristol.

@CatAndHisKit

the problem with Walthamstow, the villagey bit is very small - and then it's surrounded by unattractive office blocks and busy fumey roads.

Ha yes - that’s exactly what I thought!

@Puffykins

We were in a similar-ish position, but with a smaller budget and we're in Notting Hill; we're moving to Hastings. The Old Town and West Hill (where we're moving to) are super charming, there are galleries and cinemas and theatres, it's an hour twenty from Kings Cross - but most importantly, there's the sea. And the South Downs.

I was reading about Hastings on another blog and will definitely check it out! Sounds lovely - sea plus green.

From Notting Hill to Hastings??? Please don't do this to yourself :/

I’d definitely look at Brighton or Bristol.

I would try Greenwich, Maze Hill (almost Greenwich), Hither Green and Charlton, though I think these are not dissimilar to Hackney in some ways. A friend really rates Highams Park though I don’t know it. Or for a real change Felixstowe or Whitstable.

@wellahair why not?? I haven't actually exchanged yet. I could still pull out. But I genuinely think Hastings is great - I've been there on several research trips - and the houses are beautiful! But then occasionally I hear awful things about Hastings and I don't entirely understand why.....

The Greenwich / blackheath suggestions are great - we used to live there and if I had your budget I’d go back - but as a wild card how about Edinburgh? Winding streets, Amazing architecture, so easy to access beautiful beaches, mountains, etc - great community feel. Area around Bruntsfield or Stockbridge would fit the bill

Essex? Leigh-on-Sea/Chalkwell is nice and there are good schools (further down the line towards Southend less so)

Still close enough to maintain a social life in London.

Herne Hill, Dulwich, Bath or Frome (smaller villagey vibes) for outside London with amazing weather and independents.

Cheltenham also a potential, but as with anywhere there are some ropier spots.

How mobile are you original poster? I love Hampstead, Primrose Hill and Holland Park but presumably that is quite a fair bit above budget.

Outside London but within the UK have you considered Cambridge, Oxford, Poole, York, Chester or my favourite Edinburgh?

There are many fine places outside London and a totally different value proposition to say core prime London let alone Hackney.