Pimlico in London for a family?

[Juniperjonie]

We’re looking to move into a bigger house as a growing family currently and have found one we quite like in Pimlico, however, I’m not very familiar with the area. We would like to stay fairly central in London but obviously most areas will be fairly expensive, although it appears that Pimlico is a more affordable area for a nice sized townhouse, etc.
We have also looked at a place in Bayswater/Notting Hill that was around the same size but more towards the top of our budget and a place in South Ken/Chelsea that was smaller but affordable, although not quite ideal for how it was situated. We have also considered areas slightly further out including Hampstead, Fulham/Hammersmith, Clapham/Wandsworth, but keep coming back to wanting something more central!
I really like the size and location of what we’ve found in Pimlico but have heard it can be a transient area (although arguably this could be applied to all areas in central London) and worried that it may not be very family friendly. I also know nothing about the local primary schools, but we’d also consider prep/private schools nearby but not completely sure which ones we should be researching. We have young children at the moment so it’s a big consideration.
Would this be an area you would live in as a family or should we really be looking elsewhere further out? (Ex, don’t know much about Clapham/Wandsworth but have heard it’s popular with families, good schools)

If Pimlico is in budget I can think of far worse places to live in London. Good transport links to the 'city city' but still retains some lovely streets and once you move in you'd probably get to know some neighbours. No idea about schools but as a Londoner who has passed through on the bus it looks nice.

I would get this thread moved to property/DIY.

Thank you, I will try to get this moved.

We really enjoy being central because of the close transport links and short commute times, so hesitant to move further out. I think we’re just trying to decide if we want to stay central with a shorter commute or more of a community feeling as the central areas do tend to be more international or touristy.

Its a nice area with a mix of families in houses/large flats and more transient residents in smaller flats. Its also quite popular with the large house out of town smaller property in town brigade.

Great area for bringing up DC as you can walk to the Tate for children's activities at the weekends and holidays and there's a brilliant boating base at the bottom of St George's square when they are a little older that offers sailing and kayaking for next to nothing. St Peter's Eaton Square is a popular primary with creative types from just across the river so being in Pimlico means you'd stand a decent chance of getting in. Pimlico Academy is a popular secondary with the same group of parents although if you have bright DC there is also Greycoat for girls.

If the house is on a square there might well be a residents' association which would help you meet the community.

Meant to add - If you want good transport and more of a community feel then the Georgian squares in Kennington and Stockwell might be a compromise - money goes a lot further south of the river but the downside is there are few good state schools. Local communities have very active residents associations that are always getting together to organise things.

There's a lot of gang activity on the big estates in Pimlico and you would want to be well away from that. I have spent time in the Churchill Garden Estate wouldn't feel like that walking around there at night.
There are some beautiful houses and some nicer areas though.

Pimlico is, imo, a perfect place to raise a family in Central London. It is clean, safe, friendly with a lot of families living there. DS lives there and adores it. Great local food shops and markets, good supermarket, beautiful park.

If you are looking for value, Kennington is great. Fantastic family homes and transport is good. Don’t know about schools but no doubt independent ones are within reach!

@londonmummy1966 Thank you, that’s very helpful, especially about the schools and the schools types of families. Hadn’t thought of Kennington but saw @TizerorFizz also mentioned it so I think we’ll go and have a look.

@HelpMebeok Thats interesting, I know they have the council estates there and we’re looking at a home further up around Warwick Square and Ecclestone park so am hoping it won’t be a big issue? I heard things have been better than they have in the past with less crime supposedly, but I know lots of areas in central London have bad parts and good parts right next to each other so not sure what to make of it entirely.
@OwlWeiwei Good to know it’s popular with families and that your son thinks it’s safe as a PP said they would worry about the council estates nearby, I would hope it is not an issue for him at all?
We are also looking at some nearby prep schools if anyone knows about them? Garden House (although they seem to have very wealthy Chelsea families), Francis Holland (Juniors), Eaton Square Prep, Newton Prep, and Thomas Battersea which I hear has a bus to Pimlico. Will have to decide if want the local state schools or not but want to look at all options.

I grew up in Pimlico a long time ago. Lovely area and well connected to everything

I had a quick look as if there are properties on sale in the nice bits of Stockwell they are really worth a look and better value both space and community wise than Kennington. None at the moment but the areas to look for are in the Durand Gardens, Lansdowne Gardens, Albert Square and Stockwell Park conservation areas. They have their own whats app for pre schooler parent meet ups and an email group for parents generally that puts lots of parents in touch with each other plus very active residents associations that oranise lots of thins Albert Square and Stockwell Park being the most active -think Shakespeare al fresco, revolving diner parties and summer festivals etc

Stockwell also has a go carting track. Quite loud and noisy.

Cleaver Square in Kennington has a pub in the corner where you can borrow a boules set and have a game in the square with your pint. Kennington is also nearer to central London - walkable. As is Pimlico. Many areas have hidden gems and Kennington Park has many activities too.