possible new job and move to...KENT county

Steve is looking around and might have a new job in Orpington, Kent.

I would love to know the good neighborhoods, the price to expect for renting a 2 bdrm flat and maybe a 3 bdrm house. I have looked at places online and they vary widely. I suspect that may be due to the different areas. We would be willing to be as far as 45min away from Orpington. 

Hopefully someone on here has experience in that area of the UK or already lives there!  Either way, your input is appreciated.

 Orpington is actually part of the London Borough of Bromley which is next to Kent but generally referred as Kent. Orpington has a decent high street and an American like shopping mall can be found in Bromley. It is conveniently conected by train to London. There are lots of different areas generally very good.

Orpington is on the boarder of london and kent. if you want the city life, bars etc then you can easily commute from London but properties are  more expensive. If you prefer country life you may want to consider areas like Sevenoaks  in Kent. It is a nice area.

This sites will help you too
www.rightmove.co.uk [nofollow]
www.upmystreet.co.uk [nofollow]

How much would you be willing to spent a month?

anywhere from 700 to 1100 a month. I saw a great house for 1100, so I don't want to limit my options. We're looking for something near some nightlife and shopping - do we have to go to London for that or is orpington more like a suburb?

thanks!

Hi there, I'm not too far from Orpington.  Here's some info about the town, if it helps:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orpington.  The SE is quite nice, but reportedly one of the more expensive areas of the UK in which to live.

Oh! Oh! That's near Pratt's Bottom! Wouldn't you rather live there? Then when anybody asks where you live, you can proudly say, "I live in Pratt's Bottom!"

No? Oh, well. I have this conversation every time we drive past the turnoff to PB.

We're looking in Kent, but more down along the South coast. Very expensive, and not a lot available that we've been interested in. Really beautiful and quaint, though. Why couldn't I have had a rich old auntie who left me everything...?

Stoatula - you are too funny!!! I'll see how far PB is from orpington.

Since it's for Steve's job, we don't want to live too far away for his commute, but I'm looking forward to it and hope it does work out!!! It is still in the initial stages, so we won't know for a few weeks yet.

I'd love to meet you MrsStuz!! Esp. since we've chatted before.

anywhere from 700 to 1100 a month. I saw a great house for 1100, so I don't want to limit my options. We're looking for something near some nightlife and shopping - do we have to go to London for that or is orpington more like a suburb?

thanks!

I'd say that's reasonable here.

What do you mean by nightlife? It is the suburbs with the usual pubs, definitely restaurants and perhaps a club or two but most people go to London if they want a wild night out. Plenty of shopping, you have the Glades in Bromley and Bluewater out in Kent, both very big shops. Plus, high street has all the usual shops.

But... what about your university studies, PP?

classes end mid-may and I can do my research from home as I am doing at the moment. It's just a one year course - I'm done Sept 1, just have to write a dissertation after I hand in my papers Mid may

It's done! We are moving to Kent County around the end of July, beginning of August time

I figure we go down there around mid-June to find a place, is that about the right timing? I have looked online and it looks as though we will have to spend at least 900 if not 1100 to get a 3 bedroom place to rent.

I'm excited and nervous as I love my place near Leeds, but will be very happy to join the other Americans in or near London!