Where should I move to?

[Proactivity]

When I moved to my trendy bachelor pad in Hackney, I could put up with the area's reputation. Now I have a girlfriend and baby daughter, and it's time to go back to suburbia. But where?

I'm looking for suitable areas in London, or maybe just outside, probably somewhere middle-class family orientated suburban. Maybe a semi-detached with a garden and parking, good local nursury and schools, and I'll most likely be renting as I'm the only earner. I've already ruled out Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Newham.

Other things that might bias the decision are easy access to central London and Loughton Essex (car/train).

Any ideas? Do you live somewhere like this, or know someone who does?

Thanks!

[aseymour]

It might be worth looking into the areas surrounding London i.e kent with good transport liks to london.
we live an hour away from the city on the train and the house prices are so much cheaper than london....

Even if you were to consider erith, dartford way, only 20 mins from victoria but fairly suburban.

[aseymour]

Also, the whole area from London to say, Margate is being developed as the 'thames gateway' New developements are springing up everywhere, and as i said before, where we live is only an hour away from victoria on the train. Crime rates are low, depending on the area and house prices are pretty much half what you would expect to pay in the city centre

[pingping]

west essex is a good bet (that is snaresbrook, south woodford, woodford etc) there are a lot of 3 bed family homes all of which are a short walk to a central line train station. prices are still vaguely affordable (you can pick up a 3 bed for about �250,00), but get in quick as east london / west essex is being developed for the olympics and prices will sky-rocket.