FAO Londoners - advice on where to live?
Discussion
As there's a large number of members here, I'm hoping to hear from people who either live or have lived in London on areas of London to consider.
The Partner and I have taken jobs in Chelsea and SW1 (By Waterloo) and are looking at places to live. We have an upper budget of around £1500pcm for a two bedroom place - it'd be great to get under that, but we wouldn't dismiss going a little higher for the perfect place.
So far we have a sort of shortlist that looks like;
West Hampstead,
Chiswick,
Wimbledon,
Twickenham,
Richmond,
Stratford,
Bow,
West London locations were likely chosen with idea of perhaps being a bit safer and nicer, although I wonder if this is still true these days?
East London appeals because of travel links, but we are slightly put off by the reputation of East London.
Any input on the short-list we have? Any we've missed, or any that we should dismiss?
The Partner and I have taken jobs in Chelsea and SW1 (By Waterloo) and are looking at places to live. We have an upper budget of around £1500pcm for a two bedroom place - it'd be great to get under that, but we wouldn't dismiss going a little higher for the perfect place.
So far we have a sort of shortlist that looks like;
West Hampstead,
Chiswick,
Wimbledon,
Twickenham,
Richmond,
Stratford,
Bow,
West London locations were likely chosen with idea of perhaps being a bit safer and nicer, although I wonder if this is still true these days?
East London appeals because of travel links, but we are slightly put off by the reputation of East London.
Any input on the short-list we have? Any we've missed, or any that we should dismiss?
mwstewart said:
Is this a short term proposition hence wanting to rent? For £1.5k PCM you could both afford the Mortgage for a reasonable house.
Bow is really OK, in fact if you can get around Tredegar Square it's really rather nice. West Hampstead is lovely and a lot closer to where you both will be based with your jobs.
Thanks,Bow is really OK, in fact if you can get around Tredegar Square it's really rather nice. West Hampstead is lovely and a lot closer to where you both will be based with your jobs.
It's a medium-term thing, but we're not buying simply because we're not in a position to do so in terms of deposit.
Hi Josh, I did think it may be you.
No driving required for work - fixed place of work in Central (actually SE1, not SW1 as I mentioned earlier!)
What we want? I don't really know - a change primarily.
We quite like the brand new flats in Stratford that come with underground parking and a concierge, some with a Gym, and the transport links from Stratford are awesome. The Olympic park, Westfield and having friends in Bow are all bonuses.
But similarly, the suburban places like Twickenham/Richmond really appeal, too.
The more we think about it, I think we're leaning towards something a little cheaper. So without sacrificing, I think that means going a little further out.
Finding places with private landlords are a big thing for us at the moment. The difference can be nearly £2k "start up" if we can find somewhere that asks for 4 weeks deposit.
No driving required for work - fixed place of work in Central (actually SE1, not SW1 as I mentioned earlier!)
What we want? I don't really know - a change primarily.
We quite like the brand new flats in Stratford that come with underground parking and a concierge, some with a Gym, and the transport links from Stratford are awesome. The Olympic park, Westfield and having friends in Bow are all bonuses.
But similarly, the suburban places like Twickenham/Richmond really appeal, too.
The more we think about it, I think we're leaning towards something a little cheaper. So without sacrificing, I think that means going a little further out.
Finding places with private landlords are a big thing for us at the moment. The difference can be nearly £2k "start up" if we can find somewhere that asks for 4 weeks deposit.
Well, We've applied for a place on Stratford High Street - right off the A12 so means fairly easy access in and out of London M11/20.
Pudding Mill Lane station is right behind, Stratford and Bromley by Bow stations less than a mile walk if we're feeling spritely.
It was the travel links from Stratford, secure underground car parking and the views from a 10th floor flat that got us, though. Plus it helps having friends just around the corner.
30 Minutes drive to Brands, too!!
Pudding Mill Lane station is right behind, Stratford and Bromley by Bow stations less than a mile walk if we're feeling spritely.
It was the travel links from Stratford, secure underground car parking and the views from a 10th floor flat that got us, though. Plus it helps having friends just around the corner.
30 Minutes drive to Brands, too!!
It's simply a case of we didn't find many places in Richmond that we liked and were in budget.
We are going in blind - the difference in areas may be obvious to a seasoned Londoner, but we are new to it. Plus there are elements where we wanted the quiet, leafy lifestyle we have now, and other elements that made us want the more city, busy, modern lifestyle.
We have the next 6 months to get a grip on the end game of where we want to live.
We are going in blind - the difference in areas may be obvious to a seasoned Londoner, but we are new to it. Plus there are elements where we wanted the quiet, leafy lifestyle we have now, and other elements that made us want the more city, busy, modern lifestyle.
We have the next 6 months to get a grip on the end game of where we want to live.
AOK said:
Could you sacrifice a bedroom?
If you can cut the tube out of your commute you'll also save about £60-80 per month... which can go towards a better area!
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/33587782
That looks lovely and I kind of regret not looking closer to work.If you can cut the tube out of your commute you'll also save about £60-80 per month... which can go towards a better area!
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/33587782
The thought of living that central seems like a pain, though? From what I've heard, the central areas can be a bit dodgy late at night and driving out of the city on a Friday afternoon would be a nightmare.
On my first night here, I actually met a friend at The New Globe in Mile End who was there with his Hockey Club.
Friendly pub, not too expensive and I felt perfectly safe (as a new Londoner) walking to the bus stop and getting on the night bus at around 1AM.
We are happy with where we live - 10 floors up and with a glass wall looking South West, we have a great view of Canary Wharf, Central London and the Olympic Park - I find myself constantly distracted by the view!
Friendly pub, not too expensive and I felt perfectly safe (as a new Londoner) walking to the bus stop and getting on the night bus at around 1AM.
We are happy with where we live - 10 floors up and with a glass wall looking South West, we have a great view of Canary Wharf, Central London and the Olympic Park - I find myself constantly distracted by the view!
Edited by mikehiow on Monday 18th August 20:32
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