Where to live in London

The docklands maybe (near Canary Wharf), or London bridge area? Bermondsey and Canada are pretty good areas as well

Heard from a couple of people that the Wapping area would not be a good one to move into--not safe...any other opinions?

I spent one year in Canada water, and I must say that I really liked that area. All conveniences with a big Tesco, cinemas and other shops. The jubilee line goes straight to London's town center. I never had any problem in this area.

"London" can be a very big place; do you mean the city, the "Greater London" metro (i.e., inside the M-25), or the commuter-belt of people who work in London?

I've been enormously pleased with Maidenhead, which is ~30min outside Paddington, but very nice, and still has houses right on the Thames :-)