“Naice” yummy mummy/ Gail’s area london

[Xenaaa]

Hi

I would really appreciate any help!

I’m expecting my second child at the moment and we are having to upsize to a house. I’m really looking for a villagey london urban area that’s “naice”.

Think yummy mummies, coffee shops, Gail’s, Waitrose… bookshops, speciality shops, boutiques etc … basically I’m painting a picture of Richmond/Chiswick. But unfortunately they are out of our price range.

I came across "Askew village” in Shepherd’s Bush- it’s more within our price range- not far from Chiswick…Hammersmith is in close range for independent schools for secondary.

what do you think? Is it up and coming? Or am I being delusional and it’s actually not what I’m expecting.

any advice welcome!

Thank you.

I guess you’re not a Londoner. You need to make an offer asap or someone will snap it up!

When I was there there were a few “chicken shops” etc so I couldn’t really see that it’s “naice”. I’m just concerned that it’s grotty- as I never thought of “Shepherd’s Bush” as a “naice” area. But I’m not sure if I’m being led by the estate agent…

we are putting our life savings into this house, and really want to make a good decision for the children and live in a good area. I don’t want to be stuck in a grotty area that I’ve been misled into believing is “up and coming”

Ok what road is it?

Remind me never to move to Askew Village 😂

No one can guarantee how the area will be in the future. Neither the estate agent or anyone on this thread. It’s really a call you need to make.

i do find your repeated use of “naice” a bit grating though. This is a normal area of London where lots of people like you will live. It kind of comes off you think you are too good for it.

Does it have to be London or would you consider areas outside with quick trains into London eg Hertfordshire? St Albans and Berkhamsted definitely fit your description, good schools in both, and you might get a bit more for your money.

Balham, Blackheath, Herne Hill, Beckenham.

What’s your budget?

As general rule OP if you buy in a central area of London near good transport, good schools and good shops - the property is always going to be a good investment.

The area is populated with young professionals like yourselves who can’t afford Chiswick or Brook Green.

Oh wasn’t meaning to be condescending- im
just so nervous because I want my children to be safe to walk to school etc.

It will be fine OP. It’s a perfectly nice area.

In the current state of the UK economy I doubt a lot of neighbourhoods are going to be upping and coming any time soon.

When I was there there were a few “chicken shops” etc so I couldn’t really see that it’s “naice

Where I live ticks all the boxes but I wont tell you where it is as you sound a bit of a racist snob.

Unfortunately transport is not ideal- no tube stations close by. But both DH and I work from
home- and I have the hope the children could walk to school in Hammersmith

The thing with London is that the 'naice' areas are only ever a stones throw from the 'not naice' areas. So you could well be on a nice road in Shepherd's Bush, but that won't stop the awful people from the not nice areas drifting into Gail's with their chicken takeaway.

You're not going to find an area that is entirely 'naice'.

@Xenaaa we live here! It’s great location. Askew road is quite ‘villagey’ in urban sense (ginger pig, gails, lots of independent cafes, clothes shops etc), close to Chiswick and Parks, but not nearly as expensive. It’s still near Shepherd’s Bush proper for the full urban grittiness. Schools nearby great too.

Lol there's a Gail's and a Waitrose in Bromley but I wouldn't call that a "naice" area 😂

gosh you’re irritating, OP.

@HipHipWhoRay oh amazing! So glad to hear! Is it safe? Please could you tell me of which schools are good? I saw the Shepherd’s Bush Market area which seems very busy and bustling and felt a bit unsafe…is askew completely different?

🙄

Hang on, your kids aren’t of school age yet - pressure-much on them for the forseeable to achieve your dreams, not theirs? Think you need to back right up and slow down with regards to that.
The majority of areas in London are safer than you’d imagine. Do you not think all the other families around London have the same concern for their children.

Spend some time there and get a feel for the area. Visit late at night too. Only you can decide if it suits you and the lifestyle you want.
the village thing is estate agent speak like brackenbury village nearby. It’s Shepherd’s Bush/Hammersmith some of its grotty and some has upped and come. If you don’t have an unlimited budget in London you will have to compromise and only you can choose what to compromise on.

Check the crime map.

Askew road is nothing like Chiswick high road or Barnes or Richmond which is your vibe, but it's not far.

Cheaper places with this kind of vibe are are- sheen, ham, Thames ditton, Teddington, earlsfield

I think 'Askew Village' is a made up bit of estate agent speak. It's fine, without being especially exciting. As pp have said, 'nice' bits of London are always close to less nice bits, and W12 is no exception.