SE London Move Help!

[absolutelyknackered100]

Hello!
Just looking for some advice on a potential move back to London. We moved out of a 2 bed flat in Brockley 2 years ago when our second DS was born. We moved to Hastings for more space, to be closer to family and have loved it but sadly both mine and DH's jobs are mandating 3/4 days back in the office which means a move back is very much on the cards next year.
We absolutely loved SE London and have friends in the Brockley/peckham areas. We won't be able to afford to buy around there so was hoping for advice on areas with good schools (esp secondaries) for two boys and a community vibe. Max budget would be about £850k for a 3 bed. Slightly worried about stories of knife crime, gang culture in South London. We never experienced/saw anything when we lived there, but thinking ahead to when the boys are teens I just want to be sure we are in the safest area possible. Thanks in advance for any advice!

You could buy in forest hill, Sydenham, honor oak. I think 700-850 would get 3 bed house that's not huge but doable for 2 boys. Good schools, safe as safe can be.

£850K is an okay budget for a 3-bed in South East London. Obviously, the further out you are prepared to move, the bigger space and more choice you will get. The issue is partly that there isn't a lot on the market right now so in areas that have fewer houses over flats you might struggle to find things to view. I have friends who have boys who are also worried about knife crime and gangs and are considering moving out. Equally, I have friends who have brought up boys in the area without issue. It's hard to say if the perception of this issue is worse than the reality. I don't have boys so can't really say.

You don't say if you actually want to move back. Could moving job instead be a viable answer? I'm always a bit cautious about moving to be near a job. Many jobs these days are quite volatile and redundancy is common throughout a career. If you didn't have the job you have now, would you still move back to London to get one or would you explore more local or remote options?

Hither Green would fit that budget

Bromley?

Purley? Riddledown is an excellent secondary.

Lewisham. Blackheath/Greenwich borders or the Ladywell end

Streatham would work.

This house, for example, would give you access to a choice of really good primaries (Streatham Wells, Hitherfield or Dunraven) , a popular secondary and other possibilities nearby. The small local park is lovely, good community atmosphere. trains from Tulse Hill for Thameslink or London Bridge, Streatham Hill for Victoria, or a bus down to Brixton for the tube.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/157094705#/?channel=RES_BUY

You would get a LOT of bang for your buck on that budget in Chartlon, East Greenwich, North Greenwich area or Woolwich.

You can get a good 3 bed for £850k in Honor Oak. There’s a 3 bed listed for £650k on right move at the moment, needs a refurb but IMO do-able at that price.

Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to reply, I really appreciate it! Also, some really helpful points. I think it's so hard not to worry about future unknowns with kids, especially when it comes to schools and safety.
I will have a look at those areas. Hadn't even considered Streatham!
Such a shame that we have to think about knife crime but hey ho, that's the world we live in these days.
Sadly we are both in quite niche jobs that aren't too easy to find new openings so will have to stick with it atm. We also love Hastings but are keen for the kids to grow up in a more diverse community