I live in a tiny blink-and-you-miss-it "village" called Hampton Wick, which is nestled between Kingston upon Thames and Teddington. The river is approx 50m from my house, and Bushy and Home parks are right next door. Richmond park is also nearby (can walk there). Kingston is like a mini compressed London (retail wise) and it's a 15 min walk. Not gonna say it's cheap here but nothing compared to central London. And if you venture 15 minute drive further out prices do drop. Schools are all top, and it's a great place to have your kids grow up in. I'm still in Greater London, and only 30 min away from Waterloo station. I highly recommend this whole area.
