Lost in the maze - how to go about finding right area of London

I have a potential opportunity to relocate from US to London with my current co. I have teenagers that want to go to American School in St Johns Wood, have two Collies and a spouse who hasn't embraced the idea of driving on the left side of the road and while I have read many posts here I can't seem to sort out which areas in London might be suitable. Oh, by the way we have a drum set and electric guitars too so I am guessing detached is the only way to go.... Suggestions welcome as I need to see what the job might need to pay for us to be happy there.

I think the first place to start is to see where your company is located, where the school is in relation to that, and to decide how far you are willing to commute. That should narrow your choices down a bit. Do you know where you will be working?

If you're planning on bringing the dogs, you might want to read the threads regarding DEFRA and the PETS scheme, as it takes a while to get the animals through the process.

How much you will need to be happy is very subjective. If your company really wants you there, they might be willing to make you a generous offer.

Best of luck and welcome to UKY!

For a detached house in London, whether renting or buying, you are going to be paying through the nose no matter what area, that's if you can find one ...

I think the first place to start is to see where your company is located, where the school is in relation to that, and to decide how far you are willing to commute. That should narrow your choices down a bit. Do you know where you will be working?

If you're planning on bringing the dogs, you might want to read the threads regarding DEFRA and the PETS scheme, as it takes a while to get the animals through the process.

How much you will need to be happy is very subjective. If your company really wants you there, they might be willing to make you a generous offer.

Best of luck and welcome to UKY!

Let's assume I can stand a longer commute more than my kids so what is within half an hour's commute from St Johns Wood that might work area wise? Appreciate the value of the experience the board has to offer

I work there...most families live in the following areas: St Johns Wood, West Hampstead, Hampstead, Kensington, Primrose Hill/Regent Park area, Marylebone, Golders Green & Maida Vale.  They are all quite expensive areas, but I would suggest going to www.rightmove.co.uk & putting in those parts of London to see what the prices are per month (if they list per week then multiply it by 4.3 to get the monthly sum).