Nice / Strategic areas to live in London area

[Gentile]

Pimlico's fairly central. Like most of London, it's got posh bits right next to less-desirable areas (e.g. Dolphin Square sandwiched between two of the roughest council estates out). However, there were some affordable flats there for rent and for purchase when I was last looking (three years ago).

The employer I was engaged with at that time ultimately ended up finding me a house share in Streatham (South London). Again, posh bits next to not-so-salubrious areas.

Foxton's estate agents' website is quite a good resource for getting a feel for what's out there in London. They're a pain in the backside to deal with, though. Best just to use their site to get an idea of what's on the market, then approach sellers/landlords direct.

[farout117]

Pimlico's fairly central. Like most of London, it's got posh bits right next to less-desirable areas (e.g. Dolphin Square sandwiched between two of the roughest council estates out). However, there were some affordable flats there for rent and for purchase when I was last looking (three years ago).

The employer I was engaged with at that time ultimately ended up finding me a flat share in Streatham (South London). Again, posh bits next to not-so-salubrious areas.

Foxton's estate agents' website is quite a good resource for getting a feel for what's out there in London. They're a pain in the backside to deal with, though. Best just to use their site to get an idea of what's on the market, then approach sellers/landlords direct.

Thanks Gentile. I would say the best websites for finding a room, and getting an idea of the prices per area would be rightmove and spareroom right? Is Gumtree any good?

[Gentile]

Thanks Gentile. I would say the best websites for finding a room, and getting an idea of the prices per area would be rightmove and spareroom right? Is Gumtree any good?

I found Gumtree had a high percentage of total chancers. E.g., you'd stipulate you were only looking for a female flat mate, and you'd get 500 jack the lads telling you all about the attractions of their "spare room". Might be less of a concern for you. However, I'd still use a disposable e-mail address for any correspondence on there if I were you: Gumtree advertisers seem to feel free to contact you about anything, however irrelevant, once they have your details.

Rightmove's OK, but more for home buyers IIRC. Foxton's has a mix of rental and for-sale property.

[nomadd]

Is Gumtree any good?

No idea myself. Rightmove is also good for looking around at rentals.

[SimonMac]

Thanks Gentile. I would say the best websites for finding a room, and getting an idea of the prices per area would be rightmove and spareroom right? Is Gumtree any good?

I use SPARE ROOM for flatshare, house share, flat share & rooms for rent every time I have had to set up a house share, usually a week or two in hotels so I can vet places before commiting

[farout117]

I use SPARE ROOM for flatshare, house share, flat share & rooms for rent every time I have had to set up a house share, usually a week or two in hotels so I can vet places before commiting

Yes that's what I will do, 2 weeks B&B until I find something that I like. However I want to pick a few areas to look at before moving, especially in West London.

[Scrag Meister]

Where in London are you going to be working.

If you don't know that yet, then may be wise waiting til you do.

[doomage]

I will look at Hammersmith.

Any ideas on Ealing? Is it too far away from the centre? And does it have good connections?

I've been in Ealing last 10 years. About 1/2 hour to zone 1, 1 hour to everywhere else east or north/south of the dividing lines. We chose it because of the transport links (3 tube lines) both into London and out west towards maidenhead / reading (M4 / rail links). It's fairly green, good schools etc but pricey compared to say Acton / Southall / Brentford.

[doodab]

The employer I was engaged with at that time ultimately ended up finding me a house share in Streatham (South London). Again, posh bits next to not-so-salubrious areas.

You have a very strange idea of posh if you think Streatham has posh bits.

[farout117]

Where in London are you going to be working.

If you don't know that yet, then may be wise waiting til you do.

Since I will be contracting, I am planning to move there first, so that I can be available immediately. So that is why I was looking at a "strategic" place to live, somewhere which is quite central and commutable. My backup plan would be to get a perm if I do not find anything in say 1-2 months.

Another question, would the landlord of a flatshare be asking for work documents / place of work etc? Or is the deposit enough ?