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Original poster

Where in London?

97 replies

Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 10:36

DH has been asked by his company to set up an IT team in London (Shepherds Bush) in the spring. I've also just secured a project manager post in Hammersmith. We currently live in greater Manchester with our 2 kids, 3&5.

We plan to live in London for around 5 years. We've never lived in London or been for more than a long weekend. My 2 biggest concerns are commute and schools. Is Shepherds Bush a nice place for families? How are in schools there (primary/ prep).

During the pandemic we've both been working from home and have loved the increased time at home due to lack of commute do we're prepared to pay to live closer to work to keep this lifestyle. Initially my job will be from home, but it's been made clear I'll be expected in my office 3 of the 4 days I'll be working. DH will need to be physically present most days.

Ideally we want 4 beds (or 3 and an office for 2 desks) and some outdoor space, but that could be a park across the road. Currently in a house, and we've never lived in a flat but would be happy to as I imagine lots of families live very well in flats!

Other suggestions welcome. A door to door commute of under half an hour is preferable.

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Suzi7979 · 03/01/2022 15:13

Ealing is nice, got lots of green space and good excellent schools.

BigSandyBalls2015 · 03/01/2022 15:27

I’m also thinking it might be better to rent rather than buy if you’re sure it’s only going to be 5 years.

Heronwatcher · 03/01/2022 15:53

I was also coming on to suggest Southfields/ Wimbledon Park. Full of nice 4 bed houses with small gardens but lovely communities and the commute would be fine. Many of the local primaries have spaces now I have heard as so many people have moved out and there are some decent state secondaries too. Nice places to live with a family.

Callmejudith · 03/01/2022 16:10

Definitely north of the river, Hammersmith bridge closure is a massive pain. Chiswick is lovely and loads for kids, good private schools. Ealing especially around Northfields is great and lots of little prep schools but not sure what they’re like. Acton poet’s corner is gorgeous and you have good state options but not amazing private but you could easily get to Chiswick or Ealing schools. All easy commute to Hammersmith and SB

Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 16:18

@BigSandyBalls2015

I’m also thinking it might be better to rent rather than buy if you’re sure it’s only going to be 5 years.
That's the thing, we think we'll move back before the eldest goes to secondary BUT if we actually put roots down and like it in London we may well stay. We should have a good income even for inner London so should be able to make a good life for ourselves. We have family spread out so we actually don't have anything to move back for other than our current friends and it being closer to my family (but they're too far from Manchester to be of practical help).

I thought people would laugh when I suggested 4 beds for our budget, but it appears it's not unrealistic.

Both companies are offering excellent relocation packages, DHs more so because he was initially reluctant to go at all so they've massively sweetened the deal. I then got quite excited at the prospect, I think it could be a great opportunity as a family.

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Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 16:20

If the state options are good we can increase our budget because we won't be paying fees.

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MojoMoon · 03/01/2022 16:43

Chiswick (north of the A4 only) . Or Hammersmith.
Nice areas, good public transport, cycling increasing viable as a commuting option thanks to some road improvement.

They are less "post war suburban" than Ealing - Victorian properties with smaller gardens rather than later suburban villas with larger gardens in Ealing. The suburban vibe in Ealing means it's a traffic horror show as well.

All state primary schools are fine. There are lots of private prep options if you want but really, almost all the state schools are decent so it's definitely not necessary.

Don't move south of the river. Hammersmith Bridge was closed even to pedestrians and cyclists for a while - you can now walk or cycle over it now but no guarantees it wouldn't close again. Kew bridge also rubbish, congested and horrible to cycle over.

HannibalHeyes · 03/01/2022 16:59

Stay well away from Barnes and Mortlake while Hammersmith Bridge is shut.

Heronwatcher · 03/01/2022 16:59

I think from the responses above I’d have a serious think about commute. If you’d like to walk, cycle or drive then the other posters are correct that the closure of Hammersmith bridge is a problem if you go south of the river. But if you’re both prepared to do a half hour commute on public transport (tube/ train) then many more areas will be open to you (plus it’s really not that bad most of the time- don’t believe the horror stories!). Some of the best areas for young families are on the district line which is easy for both Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush.

MumMMX1 · 03/01/2022 17:10

Rent first. London is a mindset and not just a place, especially if you have a young family. You may not recoup your investment once stamp duty is paid, particularly if you’re hanging onto your Manchester home.

If you’re both going to be working in Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith it makes sense to live between the two, and walk to work. Brackenbury or Ravenscourt Park areas are both great.

The school with the big reputation here is St Stephen’s, but there are lots of others, all exceptionally good.

The District Line stops at Turnham Green only at rush hour.

MojoMoon · 03/01/2022 17:16

The District Line stops at Turnham Green all the time. It is the Piccadilly line that only stops there in certain hours.

MumMMX1 · 03/01/2022 17:21

Thanks @MojoMoon, I always get confused between the two!

Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 17:55

I'm either looking at the wrong Ealing, or there's nothing for sale! And those SSTC seem fairly cheap for a nice bit of London!

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Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 18:12

Sorry that last message sounded a bit twatty, I meant I was surprised to find several houses for under £1m.

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SollaSollew · 03/01/2022 18:46

Kew is lovely and in your budget. Good state school and private options. Richmond has nice shops and bars/restaurants plus the river and Richmond Park, again good school options though your commute would be just over half an hour on the tube from there.

Something like this?

LivesinLondon2000 · 03/01/2022 18:50

Ealing is a bit cheaper than say Chiswick for sure. But I’ve got a few friends living there near Northfields station and they love it - great schools and community (and yes I think they did pay under £1 million for their houses!)
Chiswick, Brook Green, Fulham will all obviously be more expensive - and you will get a smaller house and garden for the same money than you would in Ealing. But that might be fine if you really love the area. I would definitely advise visiting the areas you might be interested in to get a feel for them and maybe consider renting for a while first.
For me I prefer south of the river as it’s greener with Richmond Park close by and generally feels much less urban but it’s such a personable thing - some people don’t like that at all and want to feel like they’re in a bustling city with a tube stop nearby etc

Itsnotdeep · 03/01/2022 18:57

I wouldn't live in Ealing. Would go for Chiswick if you can afford it. Otherwise I think Southfields. Or what about Queens Park?

People I know in those areas have gone either private or catholic for Secondary school so I don't know what the state system is like.

choosername1234 · 03/01/2022 19:00

I live in Hammersmith & I think it's great (grew up in Ealing). Shepherd's Bush is in the north of the borough & can be rough in places although like everywhere some bits better than others. South of the borough (Fulham) is posh & expensive although lovely. The schools are actually often undersubscribed due to the changing population (people moving out for cheaper housing), although the religious schools tend to be most popular and can be over subscribed.

Happy to answer any questions if you send me a DM

LivesinLondon2000 · 03/01/2022 19:12

Shepherd’s Bush and around there can be a bit mixed - though that’s like nearly everywhere in London - but it has some really lovely streets with gorgeous town houses. Ben Fogle has lived there for a while (it was North Kensington but that’s v close). Also Dominic West used to live there before moving out to the country - it was a gorgeous house, I remember seeing the pics in a magazine

Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 20:29

Mixed I'm ok with. We live about half a mile from what was the biggest council estate Europe, in a lovely and diverse area. What I want is family feel, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, good schools and a short commute! Basically what we have here but in London Wink

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FurierTransform · 03/01/2022 20:39

£1.5M is a very healthy budget - I'm sure you can get something nice in Chiswick for that.

Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 20:49

@FurierTransform

£1.5M is a very healthy budget - I'm sure you can get something nice in Chiswick for that.
Yes, I'm know it's more than most people could dream of really, I'm just aware that to reduce our commute means increasing our budget.

I'm reluctant to sell the Manchester house because I suspect property prices in Manchester will skyrocket in the next few years and we'll struggle to move back to the same area. We've got a friend returning from overseas for a few years in the summer who would rent it off us.

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Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 20:50

@LivesinLondon2000

Shepherd’s Bush and around there can be a bit mixed - though that’s like nearly everywhere in London - but it has some really lovely streets with gorgeous town houses. Ben Fogle has lived there for a while (it was North Kensington but that’s v close). Also Dominic West used to live there before moving out to the country - it was a gorgeous house, I remember seeing the pics in a magazine
I'm not keen on Ben Fogle, but Dominic West sells it to me!
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Original poster
Idontknowlondon · 03/01/2022 20:59

Critique these, if you can be arsed! I really do appreciate the help, and those who have DM'd me. Makes me really feel that London might be friendlier than often suggested!

I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/78078579

I'm guessing this'll be noisy with the depo near by?

I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/113642861

Also noisy? But I like the equality of bedroom size. DC3 is absolutely off the table, but a decent study is a major plus.

I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/118053047

The move in condition of this appeals. We've done our share of renovation projects! I think I'm done with them, particularly with no contacts in the area.

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PattyPritel · 03/01/2022 21:07

Bedford Park area near Turnham Green Station would be perfect for you. Absolutely stunning houses (read the history of Bedford park) the bus goes from there to SB in 10mins and there is a prep school in Bedford Park too.