Please allow us to introduce ourselves...

[RetroMama]

Welcome!!! I agree with the pp's that London can be very conservative, but with lots of change happening too, and many great areas and people!!! Hope you enjoy it here!

[brown_eyed_girl]

Originally Posted by Feesermoms

Thank you thank you thank you for the welcome!!

It feels so good to be welcomed so warmly!

We are trying to figure out where Old South and Wortley Village are in London? We were looking in the Fanshawe/Highbury area since we wanted to be closet to the University, but we are open to anywhere!

Thank you all so much!

Michele, Amanda & Spencer

Do you want to be near the university? Because Fanshawe/Highbury isn't really close. Fanshawe yes, but Highbury not so much. We just moved downtown last weekend and love it here. It's about a 15 minute bike ride to the university. Lots of stuff happening downtown, like all the summer festivals, and close proximity to everything you need.

[laurensmom]

Hi. Welcome I just wanted to concur with other posters that the old south/wortley village area rocks. I would definately check it out if you are house hunting. It would be a short (10-15 min bus ride to the Uni). When I lived in London, that is where I lived and if I were to move back, it would be my area of choice. I find it has the feel of a small village within a large city and I love the artsy eclecticness of it........

["Granola"]

Old South is south of downtown area ranging from Horton St, Base Line Road, Wharcliffe Road and High Street. myrrah, the latter street boundary I disagree with. There are lots of great Old South homes a couple of blocks east of Ridout Street.

[myrrah]

Oh yeah, sorry, I don't know exactly, was giving the general parametres. And I hesitated at Ridout but didn't want to put Wellington LOL. Forgot about High St.

[aidensmom]

Welcome!! As a pp said, Old South is probably one of the most liberal areas of the city. London can be conservative (though there is an election this year and we can hope for a change if DeCicco-Best is ousted!). The city is changing for the better and becoming a lot more open and welcoming.

If you are wanting to be near UWO, Fanshawe/Highbury is not where you want to be (good for Fanshawe College though). Old North, downtown, north end, these are closer. You need to be careful of some of the areas in the old north and downtown area just because they're full of student rentals.

[myrrah]

Seriously lots of gay families here tho. We have a running joke that it's because if you are queer and live in London, what the heck else you gonna do? Head to the fertility clinic and get knocked up har har.

But seriously I think it's because it's a biggish city, nearish Toronto, yet far enough away that housing is reasonable. Lots of people move here from TO to buy houses. Also the university is here, and there are several lesbian professors with families here.

[teacher_mom]

Welcome to LM's! I hope you find the answers you are looking for and are able to make your decision easily!

[NikkiJ]

Welcome to LM's. Honestly I don't think you are going to bump into anymore homophobic a-holes here then you would in any other city. I'm pretty sure you would be wlecomed with open arms.

[lhiannan]

Welcome.....

We are in Oakridge (Oxford/Wonderland) There are a few lesbian couples in our area. This is quite close to the university too. Old South is a great area...just a little pricier for what you get housing wise (IMO)

I pm'ed you a message.

[Geomamma]

Chiming in with more housing areas that would be close to the university:
Blackfriars is not too far - it is between Wharncliffe and the river, between Oxford and Riverside, and I know some families who live there and really like it. It's a quick ride up the bike paths to campus, or about a 5 min drive or less.

I live just west of campus in Orchard Park/Sherwood Forest - TONS of profs live in this neighbourhood. On my street alone I have two of my former professors from my department! We are just west of Brescia College, north of Sarnia Rd, East of Wonderland.

Really the best thing to do is drive around and see what you like though. Good luck!

[Satin_Thoughts]

We live near the university (5 mins for DH by car - he works there!) We're near Sarnia and Wonderland... There's a few semi's for rent on this street right now - great back yards (which is what sold me on this place). We've been here since March, and like the street & people seem very friendly, we're around the corner from a public school (which I love!), and close to UWO.

As for how London is as a whole for being accepting - I've lived here my entire life (except for 2 years before I got married) and I've never encountered an instance of homophobia... I think most people are pretty accepting, and those that aren't, well... they can go suck a lemon I'm sure there is homophobia around, like in any city... but I can't think of any instances where I've ever witnessed it!

[le cupcake]

welcome to London MOms!!!

[KittyChan]

Welcome!
Re. London as a tolerant city: it certainly has the reputation for being conservative, but it really depends, I think, on the crowd you're hanging out with. I've been a student/prof at UWO and Brescia for 14 years now, and my circle of friends is as liberal as anywhere. I grew up in the southeast US (KY), and I promise you, London is much better than that. Please don't worry that you're stepping into a red state situation here.

Re. neighborhoods: I also used to live in Old South and loved it. The drive to the university is not bad from there, and there is a real community feel about it. Houses there are starting to get expensive for the amount of space you get, IMO. The Sherwood Forest area directly to the west of Brescia is also a nice spot (lots of trees, etc) and very convenient for UWO.

Good luck!

[mommytotwo]

Welcome to London Moms