Single Mum New in London

[newmum1292]

Hey all! I've just moved to London with my 3yo daughter and I have no idea where to live. My daughter was born in October so we have another academic year of nursery after which I will enroll her in a state primary school. I don't know much about London/suburbs/nearby cities and have received so much conflicting advice. I go into the office 2/3 times a week (near Farringdon/Barbican) so will enrol her in a nursery near where we live (not near where I work). Would love somewhere with nice parks, a community feel & activities for kids. We currently live in Zone 1 and are very lonely.

Any advice?

Are you looking to buy or rent? What is your budget? How many bedrooms do you need? Garden?

I’m looking to rent. It’s just her & I but would prefer a 2-bedroom because I want to stay in it for a long time. Don’t care about a garden & don’t think my budget will allow for it. Haha Would prefer to pay around £1500 rent ideally but willing to go up to £1800. I’m brand new to the country so I don’t even know where to start with research. I would ideally like to be somewhere where I can settle long term that has good state schools and a friendly community feel.

Hello. I’m in Wanstead which is an area I would recommend. It is zone four and is on the central line so I find it very quick into central London. It goes to St. Paul’s / Chancery Lane near your work, or you can swap onto the Elizabeth line at Stratford very easily for Farringdon.

It’s definitely a family area - the high street is always full of families. Plenty to do. Good primary schools and good nurseries. Nurseries do get fully subscribed quickly though. I’m not familiar with secondary Schools.

Open spaces - epping forest.

You could definitly rent for the prices you suggested.

Possibly worth you and your Dc going for a visit on a Saturday? It may be further out than you were hoping, but I do find it’s very quick into central London so best of both worlds!

Hi OP!

I live in Abbey Wood with my 3-year-old and commute into Farringdon via Crossrail - my door to door commute is 30 minutes which I found really helpful for nursery pick ups etc.

Anything south of the station towards Bexley Village/Bexleyheath from Abbey Wood is great - wonderful community events and markets in Lesnes Abbey/Danson House, great soft play and roleplay centres etc.