Teddington versus North Kingston

[Froghat]

Hi, does anyone have any views on Teddington versus North Kingston, in terms of amenities (leisure centre, swimming pool, shops), sense of community and transport (it’s the same train line into London I guess). Not bothered about schools as no kiddos. Any pointers gratefully received.

Also, am wondering why the houses in North Kingston seem to be a bit cheaper than Teddington (or is that a wrong impression?).

Does anyone know if there is subsidence in these areas? I don’t know if it’s the same “London clay” as you get closer in to London.

I've never lived in either but have visited both, so here are some thoughts and this will give you a a bump if nothing else!

I think it hugely depends where you are within each area... North Kingston at the town centre end is nice, and some streets close to Richmond Park are hugely desirable. If your up at the Ham end, transport links aren't great, it's a schlep to the station and the housing stock (in the main) is newer of a less desirable style. But that makes it more affordable and still very popular. I have friends there who love it, are happy with the schools. Neither use public transport regularly.

On the Teddington side it's a similar story, depends specifically where you are.

Both are nice. Kingston town centre is obviously bigger than Teddington.

I don't know about leisure centres.

You've got the river and Bushy or Richmond Park with both.

I don't think you can go hugely wrong with either but it will depend on the specific house and street.

We lived in Ham for 5 years not far from the footbridge across Teddington Lock,
6 years since we moved so it may have changed, but Teddington was a nice place to go for drinks, a nice meal at an independent restaurant, type of place visiting parents would be taken etc.
Kingston has a lot more amenities and was where we went for shopping, haircuts, supermarkets etc.
Great areas to live, parks galore but I do remember transport from Ham (and therefore the neighboring bit of North Kingston) being a bit of a pain for evening/nights out elsewhere in London and surprisingly hard to get an uber from with limited river crossings, depending on your lifestyle may be worth bearing in mind

Thanks both! Have ruled out Ham because of transport and am looking at the streets which are up to 12 minutes’ walk from Kingston or Norbiton stations. I had been fixated on Teddington but the affordable houses are either too small or not near Teddington centre but rather around Fullwell, which doesn’t feel like Teddington to me because it’s quite a walk to the high street.

Just in the last few weeks I have discovered North Kingston and there seem to be loads more houses in my budget (max 1050) that are big enough (115 square metres, not sure what that is in feet).

I like that I could potentially find something equidistant from Richmond Park and the station. In Teddington if I see something that ticks the boxes in size and price it may be okay for the station but it’s too far from the park (e.g. Arlington Road). Twice daily dog walks…. :)

You can't compare!
Teddington is lovely, community feel with easy access to beautiful Riverside and high street full of independent shops as well as useful chains.
North Kingston some roads are lovely but probably those ones comparable to Teddington prices, high street empty units and crap chains, full of sports and trainer shops, no independents but have large department stores. Riverside now overshadowed by high rise new builds.
Also I'd much rather Richmond Council than Kingston.
Kingston is now overdeveloped, dirty and basically one big traffic jam.

This is really helpful!

@Neednewstuff I suspect we will only find something close enough to the park in the “Royals” streets, which feels far from Teddington centre. Do you still say go for that over North Kingston? I’m guessing yes.

Also, Fulwell is a different line to get into London and not as good I hear. That said, we need to travel in two days a week so maybe that’s fine.

I'd look as far North as possible so you can access Teddington via the footbridge at Teddington Lock. If you can get a TW10 postcode ie Richmond even better. From say Dysart Avenue in Ham you'd be 20/25 min or short bus to Kingston Station if only 2 days a week. Its much greener and you'd have the river, and ham on teddington on your doorstep. Altho the properties might not be your sort of style.
If it was me I'd also consider Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Hampton/Hampton court and Shepperton, a bit further out but on the same line as Kingston and a beautiful Riverside lifestyle with lovely independent high street, butcher, Baker, etc.
If you can't get Teddington proper that is. But I'd be prepared to compromise on the house to get a good location, if you don't have kids. Teddington in a good location will increase more in value (consistently voted one of the best places in the UK to live) and your next move you can get the dream house?
Can you tell I wish I lived in teddington haha

Fulwell is on the same line as Teddington - I’m on it too (Hampton) not the best line but usually ok. I also have the option to get the R70 bus to Richmond then tube/train or 111 to Hounslow East then tube.

@trader21c oh I didn’t realise that! Need to study the train map. :) Thanks for that info.

Yup Twickenham is on a different line goes via Richmond up to Vauxhall/Waterloo

Fulwell/Teddington line comes from Sunbury/Shepperton