Ealing vs Chiswick

[dlng64]

We’ve been living in Chiswick for a few years now, bought a small 2 bed flat in 2018 and now looking to upsize (our DS is now 1 and a half). There are two options which we are finally coming to (same price), after half a year searching. Would be great to know what would you pick?

1. 4 bed house in Chiswick. It’s not large (1500sqft) but fully done up. 12 mins walk to Turnham Green which has always been our commute to the city (before wfh). The neighborhood is very nice. Good options for school (Orchard/CBPP although both are going through some big changes). Average sized garden with okay green space around the area. Overall, more space without a huge change to our current situation.

2. 5 bed house between West Ealing and Northfields. Even more space >2000sqft but need to update interior, bathrooms etc. Similar commute to work via District line at Ealing Broadway (or crossrail whenever that’s done 😆). Also good options for school (Durston House / Clifton Lodge). Garden is not large but we really like Walpole park which is within 10 mins walk. Overall, a lot more space, but totally new neighbourhood for us.

We are in our early 30s, both working professionals, and our next plan after the house is a second baby (fingers crossed). Looking forward to hearing your opinion/ advice in case there’s something else we should also take into consideration. Thanks so much!

I would definitely stay in Chiswick, particularly if you can afford to be in the Turnham Green area, which is lovely.

You can find nicer spots in Ealing than the area you mention, it is one of the least park rich bits. A bit further west towards Hanwell there is a wealth of green space on the doorstep, or go further into Ealing proper for better access to amenities.
Will you definitely be going private for school? There are many excellent schools, especially primary, in Ealing/Hanwell too.
Can't speak to Chiswick...

I love Chiswick. Seems vibrant and pretty green to me. I've never lived there but like spending time there. Ealing just seems so much further out into suburbia, though I've never lived there either! How's the shops, cafes, restaurants? What do you like to do other than go to the park?
1500sq ft is fine for two kids, might feel a squeeze with three even with four beds (it's downstairs space that counts even more in my opinion).
I think you need to soend more time in the Ealing neighbourhoods to get a better feel for them.

Ealing is lovely but you should drop down more in to Northfields or between Northfields and South Eaing if you can. Lovely parks and some great coffee places (Pulp, Munsons, Tiramisu for example). Some great state schools as well if you end up going that route.
I do like Chiswick too, the shopping is better (apart from the amazing Waitrose at west Ealing). We picked Ealing over Chiswick because of the house size and I’m not a fan of standing on the district line - much easier to get the Piccadilly, even if you then change at Acton Town to the district where you will get a seat.

Turnham Green all the way in your position. 1500 sq feet is not tiny by any means. My one caveat is that I would want to stay north of the A4, which I assume it is if easily walkable to the tube.

Definitely Chiswick if it were me. I agree 1,500 sq ft is not small.

Stay in Chiswick. 4 bedrooms should be enough and 1500 sq ft too.

Would say definitely stay Chiswick.

It isnt really 4 beds though if it has loft extension...it is a natural 3 bedder.

Northfields is a wonderful area. Near Lammas Park, Piccadilly line, Gunnersbury Park, Edwardian and thirties houses, some terraces. You will settle in nicely and never want to leave.
Im Ealing borders nearer Chiswick.and tbh I wish dh had let us make the move to Northfields 10 years ago when the kids moved to secondaries near there. But he wanted to stay nearer W12 and tbh we have a five bedder with 60ft garden.
Dont underestimate the boxiness of Chiswick, it is also a vast area and before you know it you will find your network extends to Strand on the Green and.Acton borders which arent really Turnham Green at all.
The E3 bus route is a good tour of options goes Edensor to West Ealing taking in Northfields and area behind Gunnersbury Park along the way. Lived here 23 years now!

I’ve lived in Chiswick and Ealing. Of the two I prefer Chiswick though you get more house for the money in Ealing. The preps you mention are all good but if you want state secondaries Ealing probably is the best bet.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/76482690#/

This is a smallish Northfields house opposite Park and Tesco to give you idea of potential and prices

Thank you guys for your thoughts/ sharing experience on this, much appreciated!

By Chiswick, I mean just a bit north of Turnham Green, slightly outside of Bedford Park but definitely still W4.

For us, if we have to move south of the A4 or towards W3 / nearer to Acton then we would rather go with Ealing / Northfields.

But yeah, kind of leaning towards staying at Chiswick atm. I’m trying to future proof us a bit with a 5 bed (each time we move there goes 100k+ in SDLT so want to avoid that). But thinking about it again, it’s true that the open plan / living room area is more important I guess. We should be okay with 4 bed + good open plan area for 2 kids + occasional visits from their grandparents.