I'm quite new in London (and the UK) and I'm looking for some advise on where to live. We have lived in Woolwich (and the UK) for almost a year now and it's time to move in March, since the rental agreement ends then.
We are looking for an area which is "children friendly", safe, not just concrete and with good state primary schools (community ones, without too much religious influence). My kids are 3,5 and 2 years old.
Our budget for the rent is around 1200 a month and we are mainly looking for 2 beds, but we can squeeze in to a big one bedroom as well if the area is just right.
Other criteria:
- Good health care. Both kids visit the hospital and health centre very frequently and we love the health care here. I don't want to switch to some crappy hospital, where nobody cares. This is the thing that scares me the most with moving somewhere else.
- Max. 30 mins to Shoreditch, where my husband works. Right now it's just over 1 hour, sometimes even more and this is the main reason for us to move.
- Since the eldest child is in nursery here in Woolwich and in the middle of learning English, we would like him to continue until he starts reception in September. Good connection to Woolwich is therefor quite important. I don't mind commuting with the kids for a few hours daily for a few months, but it would be easier if the connection clicked.
--
Right now we are looking at Greenwich, which I like and which feels like the most easy choice since we would probably be able to keep our current hospital. The downside is that the commuting time might be a problem.
We are also looking at places closer to Shoreditch - Bow for example. This honestly scares the crap out of me, since I don't know anything about that area, especially the health care (see what I mean, I'm terrified!)
That's why I'm turning to you, more experienced parents. I don't want to miss out on a good area just because of my own fears and ignorance. Can someone help me?
