A tricky problem: who likes problem solving?

Hi guys!

Right so we have a problem. My boyfriend and I have just both got graduate jobs (so theres no way we are going to say no to an offer!), but have no idea where to live!

He will be based in Enfield, and I think Enfield Chase is the closest station to him. I will be based in Reading...

Because the trainlines all go into London, it looks like we will have to move into the city so that we can both get to work easily. We will only have about £700pcm to spend on an apartment/flat/etc, and houseshares are out of the question (been a student far too long now!)

What do you think? Is it possible to have a commute that are under an hour each, or are we resigned to somewhere like Hemel Hempstead, where the rent is cheaper but we both have to travel 1.5 hours?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Lostinlondon.

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My advice is for you to toss a coin and you both live at the winner's base. If it's Enfield, then Enfield Chase goes straight into Moorgate which is the heart of the city so you can easily jump on a train to Reading.

One of you getting up early for the greater good is the sort of sacrifice every loving relationship is crying out for.

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THink I may have to agree with Square, in the city - £700 rent for two of you? Not likely. Where I live in greater London you'd get a studio for that.

You could houseshare - 'grown up' house sharing isn't the same as student... apparantly.

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Thanks for the advice guys! :)

So far we are considering close to Enfield, as I may be travelling with my job more than he is, and so it's unfair for him to do an hour+ on the train everyday if I'm not even in Reading!

Our current plan of action is Finsbury Park for £800pcm (and then cutting down on other things like food and petrol), and although there isn't much in that price range, it looks like we may be able to avoid a studio or house sharing. We still have a few months to decide, so we are going to travel down and check out the commutes during rush hour.

Another option is somewhere like Watford, and then we both drive in. Its much cheaper than to go by train (by about £4000 a year including tax, insurance and petrol!), so we may be able to afford more on the rent side of things, and get a 2-bed.

Questions: Rush hour traffic on the M25? Nightmare or not so bad? This is in comparison to rush hour tube in London with changes at (probably) Kings Cross or Euston. Also any thoughts on Finsbury Park/Watford? Finchley also works, but makes his commute longer without changing mine by much.

I am really hoping that commuting for an hour or more a day isn't going to drive me insane...

I really appreciate your opinions/advice, as we are pretty stumped about what to do.

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I'm not familiar with those areas, someone else may know more. Though I'd say spending an hour or so commuting is normal for a lot people in London I think, and though not pleasant you'd get used to it. If I didn't ride my motorbike to work, public transport would take me about an hour.

At peak times, the M25 can be a shitter.

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Commuting for over an hour is nothing, so many people do it and I agree with the previous poster, you will get used to it. London Transport is very good in my opinion, it can obviously get very busy and squashy at peak times but you will not be late for work very often

If you drive on the M25 during peak times you will usually be late. Expect an accident 1 - 3 times a week (I don't mean you will be in an accident I mean somebody else will be and it will hold you up, sometimes for a long time or you will have to take a diversion).

London Transport will probably be cheaper too, not to mention safer and the wear and tear on your body will be minimal compared to the wear and tear on your car

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It's a lot more expensive, but I'm willing to pay for the convenience :)

Glad to hear that you guys don't think the commute is too long, we will kepp an eye in central London.

Any tips on areas to avoid? Or even a website (or link on this forum) that will give me the highs and lows? Of course we are going to be living cheap, so I'm not expecting to live right in the center, but it would be good to know where the really bad/good areas are?

:)

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