If we like Tooting where else would we like?

[Tootootoot]

We're looking for a flat in London and based on our research (basically reading lots of mumsnet threads) we've visited Blackheath and Tooting so far. We didn't think Blackheath was right for us (seemed too suburban and a little dull) but we really liked Tooting. The diversity of the people, the market, the common and once it's open the lido were all great. Also the fact it's got good transport options for getting into central London.

Budget is £500k for a 2 bedroom flat. Is there anywhere else we should visit before we make a decision please? We don't live in London currently so need to make the most of our time when visiting. Thanks in advance.

I moved a mile from Tooting to Colliers Wood. If that's gone up too much in price, the next Tube stop is Merton - where you can definitely get more sqm for your buck. Both have parks, the river, nature reserves, diversity and all the expected urban facilities. Plus you can get to Tooting in a quarter of an hour.

Walthamstow? It would be within your budget although it’s north east rather than south. Great transport links, community feel & very diverse.

I was coming to recommend this! I'd also suggest Finsbury Park though you'd need to be in Harringay or South Tottenham now to get a two bed for that budget.

I was going to suggest Colliers Wood too - a friend just sold her 2 bed maisonette, in immaculate condition & newly refurbished for less than 400k

Look South east - Brockley, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Crystal Palace or Penge?
much better VFM there

Clapham Junction? It’s maybe a bit pricier that some areas but definitely feels Urban and there is a reasonable section around £500k - try off St John’s Hill like this one: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131147060#/?channel=RES_BUY

Or Hammersmith, Acton, Shepherd's Bush, White City?

Thanks very much, lots of places to read up on. I quite like the look of Brockley so far. On the plus side it looks very arty however doesn't look less expensive than Tooting and no Lido.

Herne Hill, West Norwood, Crystal Palace, Penge, Brockley, Forest Hill?

Peckham / Nunhead if you can afford it?

Streatham or Peckham have similar vibes. Brixton is also cool but pricey. Clapham is but posher as is the palace but they have good cafe cultures.

Streatham looks brilliant - a bit cheaper than Tooting but also convenient for the Lido, and it has a cinema. Thanks again!

Colliers Wood or Streatham. The traffic in Tooting can be soul destroying, especially in rush hour. Colliers Wood has a lovely villagey feel to it, it's a really nice community - don't be deceived by how it looks.

West Norwood

A great Picturehouse cinema, walking distance to Brockwell Lido (or 3 mins on the bus) 2 good pubs, a monthly farmers / craft / vintage market.

Norbury: great Indian restaurants, easy access to places with amenities, and you could buy a 2 bed house.

Can you seriously not buy a 2 bed in Tooting for half a mill now?!

Walthamstow is supposedly getting a Lido at Low Hall but I wouldn't hold my breath.

West Norwood or Streatham.

I can't get over someone liking Tooting!

Why, what don't you like about it @roarfeckingroarr ?

@Tootootoot
I'm about 2 miles north, by the river in Wandsworth Town. I just find Tooting a bit dirty, too busy, lots of betting shops etc and dominated by the main road. I prefer WT, Northcote Rd, Balham, Southfields.

Thanks yes that's true, we did notice lots of traffic and betting shops - just felt the markets, common, and especially the lido made up for it. I think we're probably priced out of the areas you mentioned though it's really good to hear your opinion as I need to be sure I'm not looking at any area through rose-tinted glasses.

Agree with pp, Colliers Wood or Streatham. CW is such an easy walk / cycle to Tooting. We are on the other side of the CW border in Mitcham and often go up to both CW, Tooting and Streatham.

Definitely look look at Mitcham, it's zone 3 and great transport links. A stones throw from Tooting but you'll get more for your money.

@roarfeckingroarr same! I live around these areas and I cannot understand why people are recommending them as nice places to live. If you have family nearby, or a really tight budget then fair enough, but it seems like neither applies to OP?

@Tootootoot you say you like the Tooting vibe, where are you from? Do you drive, do you have kids, where do you need to commute to? Any requirements for the flat - do you want a conversion, or a more modern block etc.
I can’t comment on Tooting but might be able to recommend you something similar to check out.

Personally if I had £500k for a flat I’d be looking in Beckenham or near Bromley town centre, but you might find these a bit too suburban. However you could easily find nice 2 beds there, some might be well under budget too.

Thanks @BlessedKingfisher no children, I've lived jn several big cities including Paris but not London (in Paris I lived near Pigalle so "gritty"). I do drive but won't drive in London. Need to commute to the West End. In terms of flat I'm not bothered.

Streatham Hill?

Or maybe Clapham, but might be out of budget