Brockley is a community-orientated, lively part of South East London. Known for having a community feel and a very arty atmosphere, this area attracts young professionals and families alike. Families are especially drawn to the excellent state schools, while professionals particularly appreciate the good transport links - Brockley is on the Overground, as well as being served by National Rail trains - and everyone can appreciate the green spaces, beautiful and affordable Victorian houses, and great local amenities that range from cafes to bars.
Brockley is often described as an 'urban village' with a great sense of community, and has an arty reputation because of its proximity to Camberwell College of Arts and Goldsmiths. Farmers' markets and independent shops and restaurants contribute to the community spirit. The area is somewhere people want to stay, but trading up from a flat to a house within Brockley is often too expensive.
Brockley is a safe place to live, and is rated by the Met police as having average crime, as is the wider surrounding area. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Brockley was a bit lower than the overall London rate, while the violence against the person rate was very slightly higher.
Parking in Brockley isn't especially hard, for London. The rate of car ownership in this area is a bit low for London, at about one car for every two households. Road links, including the A20, are fairly good.
There are several quality restaurants in the area, many independently owned and beloved by the community. There is also a fringe theatre - the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre - and other quirky nightlife options, including the Rivoli Dance Hall for ballroom dance enthusiasts, the Brockley Mess all-in-one bar, restaurant, and art gallery, and Jam Circus, which is a bar offering DJs and live music. Transport links are also good, especially for South London, for more nightlife options.
Brockley's mostly Victorian housing stock includes many homes that would be suitable for families, including terraces and large detached houses. State schools in this area are generally very good, and often people are looking to rent near a particular school - like the Prendergast girls' comprehensive. Brockley has good access to green and open space. Hilly Fields park has several facilities, including a children's playground and a monthly farmers' market, and Ladywell Fields and Brookmill Park are connected to the eight-mile Waterlink Way pedestrian and cycle route to the Thames. The percentage of residents who are children aged 0-15 is a bit low for London.
Brockley has good access to green and open space. Hilly Fields park, Ladywell Fields and Brookmill Park offer much space for exercising pets, and the latter two are connected to the eight-mile Waterlink Way pedestrian and cycle route to the Thames. Property in this area includes many Victorian houses, including terraces and large detached houses, which would be suitable for pets.
Brockley is very well-connected, and its Zone 2 station is served by the Overground and rail services. St John's station has trains to London Bridge and Cannon Street, and Elverson Road is on the DLR with direct trains to Canary Wharf. Nearby Crofton Park station is in Zone 3 with Thameslink trains to Blackfriars and St. Pancras. The area is well-served by local buses, and road links - including the A20 - are fairly good.