Hey Marc
It takes around 40 minutes on the train to get to "The City" with a very nice train. It is semi-rural. Very good schools. A very nice life out there...

Alternatively, Greenwich - which is VERY close to Canary Wharf where your husband may work if in financial services. It's about 20minutes to the city too...

Email direct if you have any other questions. We've been here nearly 6 years and about to return to Australia in maybe 18-24mths time. We've been contracting too but now have 2 kids.
Warm Regards