Blackheath or Muswell Hill?

[Londonlondon6]

DH and I are looking to move to a new London area (we have young children) and we like both these neighbourhoods.

We don’t need to be in north London or south east London for any particular reason.

If you were choosing between the two, and you liked friendly communities, good schools, fun for young kids and when they become teens, and people likely to stick around (not overly transient for London), which would you choose?

Dulwich might be worth a look. I don't think it gets more charming than MH though. It has loads of independent shops. All parts of london will have the estate agents and chicken shops mixed in.

Would you consider out of london? Someplace like Marlow might fit the bill.

I like MH I wouldn’t say it’s not charming. If you want more charming than MH - like Hampstead or Chelsea - you’re going to have to pay £££££.

Barnes is very charming - village green + pond + independent shops.

This house overlooks the green, but you’re looking at 3.5 million.

Primrose Hill fits your description

Dulwich?
victoria Park?

Some good options here - we do like Victoria Park!

I’ve never even been to Dulwich village in 18 years+ of London living! I will take a look.

I know Muswell Hill very well, I do like it, but…I don’t know, it feels quite disconnected from the rest of London. I prefer Crouch End.
I don’t live in Dulwich (I live in East London), but it could tick the boxes for you. Or Herne Hill way.

What's your budget?

I love living in Muswell Hill. Great independent cafes and food options, everything is so easy. Close to the woods, Kenwood, ally pally. I'm very happy here. Maybe you saw it on a bad day? Re transport it takes me 4 mins on the bus to get to Highgate tube or a 15 min walk... I don't consider that a big pain.

@SD25 what odd things to say about Blackheath, that there is not much going on for children and that it's remote! Blackheath is only remote if you live a long way from it. It is obviously not remote if you live in Greenwich, Dulwich, Brockley.... and any number of other places. Also, there is plenty going on for children because it's very much a family area.

I grew up in Blackheath and lived there until the age of 25. I now live in Muswell Hill! Neither are great for public transport but both are lovely family areas. Blackheath has good state primary schools but far fewer options for secondary. Muswell Hill is good for secondaries. That is partly why we moved.

OP I know you have now gone off the idea of Blackheath and Muswell Hill but I am surprised you don't think they have much character. Blackheath village is extremely characterful and the surrounding areas eg. the Cator Estate and the Heath and Greenwich have to be among the prettiest in London. Have you really had a good walk around? Muswell Hill is very attractive and leafy too. I think you'd have to be very wealthy to afford to live anywhere much nicer.