Potential ExPat in need of Advice

There is a high probability I am moving to London in the next 2-3 months from the Midwest. I have a wife and 3 large dogs (no kids). I feel completely overwhelmed at the moment and need some advice on where to look for a safe, laid back, charming community within 1 hour of London. Any Thoughts?

What's your budget?

And where in London?  It's rather spread out.

London is about 659 square miles.  Do you mean 1 hour from the centre of London or perhaps a specific area of London? 

Budget would be between 1000 and 1500 pounds a month for rent. I'd be looking for something within an hour of Westminster station.

What kind of property?  Flat, house?

Do you need parking and a garden?  How many bedrooms?

Anything you are looking to have nearby?

We wouldn't need more than 2 bedrooms. We would be leaning toward a house but a flat isn't out of the question. We would definitely want to be near a park for the dogs. Easy access to the buses and tube are a must. We're not planning on a car so parking is not a need.

I've been  at rightmove, prime location, etc. I've heard good things about Putney, hammersmith, etc but am really having a hard time knowing which borough of London is a good fit. We're looking for an affordable borough that's more laid back, quiet, and walkable.

You might find it difficult to find accommodation with 3 large dogs, so this website might be useful: http://www.letswithpets.org.uk. Good luck

Get a map of London and a tube map and look along lines that lead to Westminster.  Your budget is extremely optimistic for Zone 2 which is where Putney and Hanmersmith are.  Younarecgoingbyo need to look further afield.

Thanks so much. I thought a move further out into zones 3 or 4 was in the cards. From a crime standpoint are there any areas we should stay away from?