Housewimb, I am looking at areas north of London.

I need to be realistic.

any suggestions of areas I may not have considered. I am looking Enfield and further out. and with a initial budget of about 300k. for example I can find a 3 bedroom place in Waltham Abbey for 300-350 Where can I go? Ideally with a station so I can get into central london.

I don't mind the areas. excluding a) Tottenham b) South London.

Plus, of course, we can hang out. ;-)

minimum 2 bedrooms. Would like 3. Possibly a garage at a push. I have seen some 3 with garage.

Epping is about it for the central line, crap schools though.
Boxbourne is OK and on a mainline station.
St Albans is a good town but can be expensive, likewise Cuffley.
Hertford and Stortford also have lines into Liverpool St & Tottenham Hale.

The rest is mostly bandit country.. Obviously steer well clear of Harlow, Welwyn and Stevenage..

get a seat.