New Job In Central London But Where To Live?

[sam100]

I've just been offered a job in central London and I will be relocating from Bristol. I realise that living in the city can be costly and that many people choose to live in the home counties and commute in.

Not knowing the area well I wanted to ask your opinion on where would be a suitable area to start my search.

I'm a 30 year old lady looking to live somewhere with a train station that serves the London area, has lots of nice trendy, bars and restaurants for those evenings when I don't want to spend it in the capital. Ideally no more than an 45 minute train ride from London.

Any advice gratefully received.

[tamborine]

Uxbridge tube goes into cntral London. 1b sc are reasonable. Busy nightlife tho not pretentious.

http://www.gumtree.com/flats-houses

[jno]

I've put in £1000 a month on Zoopla and got quite a wide geographical spread, including some close to transport, though not so close to "trendy".

http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/property/1-bedroom/london/?include_shared_accommodation=true&price_frequency=per_month&;price_max=1000&q=London&radius=0&results_sort=newest_listings&search_source=refine

[catsrcool]

Its your life and your choice but have you any idea how bad commuting in the rush hour can be? I did it for over 20 years on and off and it is cramped expensive and altogether soul destroying I took voluntary demotion and a big drop in salary to maintain my sanity.

[catsrcool]

You could consider Croydon. It has a whole host of restaurants that cater for just about any cuisine you can think off. There are clubs and pubs galore. East Croydon to Victoria station is a 20 minute or so ride with a very frequent service.

[catsrcool]

You could afford these:
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/property/1-bedroom/croydon-london-borough/?include_shared_accommodation=true&;price_frequency=per_month&price_max=1000&;q=Croydon%20%28London%20Borough%29%2C%20London&radius=0&results_sort=newest_listings&search_source=refine

[catsrcool]

You might find this usefull:

[catsrcool]

sorry this:
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/seasonticket/tickets

[sam100]

Thanks for all the help so far folks. Many have questioned why i'm moving from the Westcountry to London and I can understand that but if I were to stay here then my career progression is very limited and I figue I have to at least give it a shot for a few years...

[catsrcool]

Good luck for the future.

[black_cat51]

as has been suggested, perhaps a flat share/house share might be more doable?

[Maydup]

You'll have the time of your life Sam. I did when I was younger and then i moved on. I agree its expensive, but £1k a month will buy you a nice place to call your own, and the travelling and congestion is all part of London living. When you're done with that, like me you'll go elsewhere.

I say, stay as close to the river as you can. Go a way out if necessary, but the closer you are to the river, the more pleasant life is for bars and walks and a breathe of fresher air.

[ladybirder]

I think a flat share, at least initially would be your best bet. And then you can take your time looking around and getting to know London and surrounds before choosing a permanent location in which to buy. Obviously where in London you will be working will have an impact on where you choose to live as it can take an age to get across London. Oh and there is a book you can buy tells you all about the different London post code areas and also one about places within commuting distance where you get house prices and rail fares to London to help you make a decision. Don't know if they are still publishing them. I'll see if I can find mine and I can give you the author etc. I just loved getting to know London and I hope you enjoy it.

[ethandron]

I agree with those who've said about a flat/house share in London.
Both my sons did that when they first got jobs there. One has stayed in central London and bought his own place, and loves all the capital has to offer in terms of theatres, bars, restaurants, etc. The other one loved it for the first two years and then decided it wasn't for him so bought a place half an hours train ride away.
Hope the job and move all goes well for you, whichever way you decide to do it.

[e.crespo]

Just seen your question, you could try Whitton, near Twickenham, Richmond and Kingston and still reasonable, the flat I'm linkng to is just 2 minutes from the station: http://www.primelocation.com/to-rent/details/32464462?search_identifier=cb0693078b4501ff8fa9c273fd5cfdfc