Working at Southwark Bridge, Where should we live?

[virago]

Hubby is considering a job with HSE based at Southwark Bridge, London. Will be earning around 28k.Presume there's no hope of buying on that salary,what are rentals like?I'm sahm with 2 preschoolers.Where might we live?, reasonable travelling distance,tidy neighbourhood etc. We currently live in South Wales and have no knowledge/experience of London at all and don't know where to start!!

Its hard to make a suggestion really because Southwark Bridge is accessible from all sorts of areas in London and into North Kent. I live in southeast London, borders of Sydenham and Beckenham. Its approx 18minutes travel into London Bridge Station on the overland train. I like it -its leafy and spacious and 2 of my children are at a decent local state primary the third at a lovely Montessori.

Not sure what rents are like but would imagine around the £1000 mark for a 2/3 bedroom place - cheaper as you move out of the centre and away from the centre.

A recent study showed that living in travel zones 3-4 (see transport for London website)offered the best balance of housing costs/travel times/quality of life, so you may want to take that into consideration.

I used to work at Southwark Bridge and I loved it (but I was young and single then). I commuted into Liverpool Street from Essex everyday which made it a long day and my fares were expensive. I would check how much it will cost to travel and take that into consideration too. And also check what the London allowance is if that is not included in the £28k. Is London the only option? The HSE have an office in Cardiff and other locations which may be cheaper and less hassle than working in central London.

I used to work at London Bridge and lived in Bexley, Kent. About a 30 min train journey, direct and regular service.
There are a lot of areas that have direct access into London Bridge station which would be good for you.
If you are intending on staying in the area then be aware that some areas of Kent (eg Bexley London Borough) still have a selective senior school system with children taking the 11+ in Year 6.
There are some lovely primary schools in the area.

I live in Forest Hill, zone 3 about 10mins into London Bridge, lots of good primary schools, nurserys, parks and play groups.

House prices not too bad.

Good access to the South Coast and Kent for day trips, bit more difficult to get onto the M$ for headingback werst but we love it here