City of London or a quieter place?

[Violina]

We are a family of 3 (1.5 years old child) looking for the place to move. We love music and dance (still dancing) but don’t go out now as we had a little child (never had a babysitter).
Anyway, we can’t decide where would be the best place in London for us.
I love nature, parks and quiet places so Muswell Hill would be perfect. On the other hand I can’t get used to the weather and I’m super cold when it’s cold so maybe living in the city near all the museums would be better? I am a SAHM.

How is living near museums going to make cold weather more bearable?

Kensington (which I guess you had in mind if you want to be right next to museums) is a darn sight more expensive than Muswell Hill.

If you’re not on the doorstep of things, anywhere in London will let you access both parks and great indoor stuff.

So you need far more concrete criteria. Most importantly budget, but also think about schools and commuting.

museums in central london are very busy and will only entertain your toddler for a limited amount of time. there are very few families in City of London and the area is pretty dead at weekends

if you are looking to pick a place to live in London, you need to consider
(a) budge , (b) commuting time / which train line do you need to be on, (c) schools (state / private / any particular ethos) (d) community - do you have any friends / family to be near, any particular community you want to be part of?

give some info on those points and I'm sure people can make lots of useful suggestions.

Do you need to travel for work? Do you have a budget? Do you have friends and a social life you want to be close to?

I think if you’re affected badly by cold, I’d focus more on the type of property than the area of London. You’re probably better suited to a well-built modern apartment than a draughty period property.

If you have a young child you should look at the more "nappy valley" areas like Dulwich, Clapham, Blackheath, Chiswick, Kew etc. There's more of a family-focused community with lots of things to do focused on children. Even if it's Tumble Tots in a village hall, it's better than what you can find in the City.

Not sure you mean " the City of London" at all.
This doesn't mean the whole area of London it's very specific.

I was in central London this morning, I can assure you it was cold! It's often chilly by the river too

I meant I would not have to be outside with the child 😉 Sorry I wasn’t very specific

Do you live / have you ever lived in London?

What's your budget, Muswell Hill is not the artic, living a bit nearer in would be more expensive but not warmer, you'd still need to go out but just wrap up warm, buses and tubes are warm. There are museums, indoor play centres, theatre groups, dance centres, toddler groups, libraries all over London. Does your partner need to commute.

I live in central London with a toddler and I like being central as it's easy to get to indoor tourist attractions and venues. In wet and cold weather we have no problem going out as it's a 5 min walk to the tube where we can get anywhere within 30 mins. If you can afford it, it's good to be central. Muswell Hill has no tube so I'd never consider it. We have Regent's Park nearby so plenty of green space.

My preference would be Fulham. Loads of families, some green space, good tube and bus routes.
Tell us your budget for better answers. For a three/four bed family terrace you'd be looking close to £2m and up (way up).

OP
What is your budget?

We both work from home (I do part time and my husband full time).
But you are absolutely right.

Exactly what I meant, easily going somewhere indoor.
Do you complain about the noise sometimes? Do you feel safe?

I'm a Londoner. I'm confused about your messages about whether it's cold and whether it's safe. Where are you moving from?

Yes, me too. London is in Northern Europe. it's got a climate to match. At the moment it's rainy and about 12 degrees, normal for the time of year. People are wearing waterproof coats and some have umbrellas. If you have a young child you get a cover for your pushchair and put them in wellies. Also, as Peppa Pig says, splashing in muddy puddles is fun! You don't stop going out because of the weather!

As for safety, well, some crime has gone up (according to statistics) but day to day I don't feel it. It's as safe as any European city in my opinion. If you find yourself in a pickle, Londoners are usually very good at helping you.

I think you need to look for a modern apartment. We live in London in a very draughty old house, I don’t think that would be for you!! Most places in London are easily accessible so pick somewhere near a tube station. I would look for places popular with young families as they have a lot of activities, many indoor. Places like Walthamstow, Wanstead, Crouch End, Dulwich, Acton, etc.

Do you mean the actual City of London? I.e. Bank of England, Gherkin, St Paul’s etc? I live in one of the Barbican towers and love it, I’m in my 40’s with no kids but there are a number of families around. Public transport is obviously excellent to get you to all the museums & sights but during the week the area is packed with city workers. Not quite pre covid levels but busy so not sure how much fun it would be with a toddler.

I don't think she actually means " the City" tbh