[Franek]

hampstead is expensive, but very nice - not sure how long it takes to get into the centre
notting hill is nice, but also quite expensive
shepherds bush, don't really know but my impression is probably cheaper but not so nice.

If you can get something in your budget in Notting Hill and Hampstead then they are nice places to live. Also worth considering West Hampstead which is a bit cheaper and is fairly green and near to bars.

Wherever you live in London you need to go and look at the area and make sure you are comfortable there as safety is an issue and nice areas can be close to not so nice areas.

Look at these sites:

gumtree.com

www.rollonfriday.com

[jungli]

thanx for ur tips, will pass them on...