[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by MFAFF

Open ended question there...


Places like Notting Hill are affordable... if you have a very large income... in London its all a mater of perspective.

Just as a snap shot; I live in Camden... have done for many years and got in when it was reasonably cheap. However from my work of 45 people there are three or four young co-workers, all girls between 24-28, who live within about 1/2 mile walk from me to the north. They all moved into the area because they could afford it (we pay a reasonable wage.. not stellar) and they found the balance of commuting distance/ time, cost and out of work activities the best around here. No they didn't move here to be near me! Is this a safe area? At normal hours is is as safe as most cities... at 0300 am then one needs to be more careful.. as is always the case.

I'd suggest that you and your daughters look closely at where they are likely to be working, take sometime to look at the Transport or London (TfL) website to see the transport links... train/ underground/ buses etc serve that area and how long they think they can tolerate a commute...and hour each way as a start is pretty widespread... it means about 1:15 in reality as there are frequently delays. Most tolerate about 35-45 mins door to door.

Also look at a website called Citymapper that gives good travel times based on time of day etc as well as walking times to and from stations/ stops and waiting times. I use this almost everyday.

Also be aware that cycling is now widespread as a means of commuting, most offices have secure bike parking and changing/ shower facilities. Yes it is a busy city with busy streets. There is however a developing cycle specific infrastructure with segregated bike lanes and sign posted routes along quieter streets. I cycle every day into town and have done for the last 15 years. It pays to be very attentive and and ride positively, however it is a very reasonable way to get around.

Also consider what they do want to do when they are not working....we moved to Camden because it was very close to work (office was 5 mins walk away) it was close to Regents Park.. a 10 min walk and easy to get away if we wanted a weekend trip. The parks are a great leisure resource and people do travel what I would consider large distance to get there.

Be happy to help further if you want....

(Oh and find a good coffee shop nearby.. wherever they go.. they are massively influential!...)

From a displaced Brit that is well written!