Living in Bexley

Bexley’s community spirit is one of its most defining features. Many residents have lived in the area for generations, giving it a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The borough is noted for its range of local events—such as the Bexley Village Christmas Market and various summer fetes—which help build strong neighbourhood connections.

Local life revolves around independent shops, family businesses, and active community groups. The area is also rich in green spaces, with Danson Park, Hall Place Gardens, and Foots Cray Meadows all offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. These parks host community festivals, sporting events, and weekend leisure activities, reinforcing Bexley’s reputation as a place with a strong sense of belonging.

Bexley’s conservation areas preserve a sense of history and local identity, with picturesque architecture and well-maintained streetscapes. Local community centres, churches, and sports clubs all play a role in creating a lively and supportive environment for people of all ages.

Bexley is generally regarded as one of the safer boroughs within Greater London. Compared to inner-city areas, Bexley’s crime rates are relatively low, particularly for violent crime and antisocial behaviour. The area’s quiet residential character, strong neighbourhood watch presence, and active Safer Neighbourhood Teams contribute to a sense of security for residents.

Crime rates in Bexley have historically been among the lowest in the London region, with most incidents relating to property crime or minor antisocial behaviour. Areas around transport hubs and busier town centres may experience higher incidents, though regeneration projects and community initiatives continue to target these hotspots.

The well-organised Bexley Metropolitan Police and active community groups work together to promote safety. Street lighting, CCTV, and regular patrols all play a part in keeping Bexley safe and fostering a welcoming environment for families and individuals.

Parking in Bexley is generally more straightforward than in central parts of London, although certain high street locations and around train stations can become busy at peak times. On-street parking is usually available across most residential streets, with some areas operating resident permit schemes to manage demand and prevent commuter overspill.

For road users, Bexley benefits from immediate proximity to the A2, which connects directly to central London and southeast Kent. The M25 orbital motorway is nearby for major journeys around Greater London or to other UK cities. Traffic at rush hour can be heavy, particularly near key junctions and shopping areas, but congestion is usually less severe than in more urbanised boroughs.

Nearby towns and cities by car:

• Dartford – approx. 15 minutes via A2/M25 (6 miles)
• Sidcup – approx. 10 minutes via A222 (3 miles)
• Woolwich – approx. 20 minutes via A207 (7 miles)
• Central London – approx. 60 minutes via A2 (15 miles)

Bexley offers a diverse and growing food scene, with a mix of long-established pubs, independent cafés, family-run restaurants, and popular takeaways. Traditional pubs such as The King’s Head and The Yacht Pub are well-loved by locals, serving classic British fare in historic settings. For Italian cuisine, Ferraris Restaurant is a favourite choice, while those seeking Asian flavours enjoy Bexley’s array of Chinese, Indian, and Thai food outlets.

The town also features several coffee shops and bakeries, making it easy to find a cosy spot for lunch or afternoon tea. Bexley’s food options cover everything from casual dining to more formal experiences, with a growing number of vegan and vegetarian-friendly venues as well.

Nightlife in Bexley is more low-key than central London, with a focus on pubs and community-oriented bars. There are occasional live music nights, open mic evenings, and special events at local venues. For a livelier night out, many residents head to neighbouring areas like Bexleyheath or Sidcup, where theatres, larger pubs, and late-night bars are available.

School quality: With a wide selection of highly regarded primary and grammar schools, many families move to Bexley specifically for education. The area’s selective schools and strong league table results are significant local attractions.

Parks and green space: Bexley’s large public parks—such as Danson Park and Hall Place Gardens—offer playgrounds, lakes, and sports facilities that are ideal for active families and children of all ages.

Childcare: Nurseries, playgroups, and childminders are widely available in the borough, often located within easy walking distance of residential neighbourhoods. Several schools offer breakfast and after-school clubs, providing convenience for working parents.

Safety: The area’s low crime rates and strong sense of community contribute to Bexley's reputation as a safe and welcoming place to raise children. Neighbourhood initiatives and regular police engagement add an extra layer of reassurance.

Family activities: From museums and sports clubs to local events, adventure playgrounds, and arts workshops, there are plenty of family-friendly ways to spend weekends in Bexley. The proximity to London’s wider attractions is also a bonus for adventurous families.

Bexley is a highly pet-friendly locality, with a wide array of parks, woods, and riverside walks perfect for dog owners. Danson Park, Hall Place Gardens, and Foots Cray Meadows are especially popular for dog-walking, providing miles of safe and scenic paths.

The area has several veterinary practices, pet grooming salons, and specialty pet shops. Many local cafés and some pubs allow dogs, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners. Rental properties and homes with gardens are common, increasing the options for those living with pets.

The community’s positive attitude towards animals, regular pet-related events, and easy access to countryside parks all make Bexley an excellent choice for pet lovers seeking a balance between urban convenience and outdoor freedom.

Bexley benefits from strong transport connections that make commuting and travel across London—and beyond—straightforward. The area is serviced by National Rail with stations at Bexley, Bexleyheath, Barnehurst, and Albany Park, all offering regular services to central London. Trains typically reach London Bridge in 30–40 minutes, making Bexley a practical location for city workers.

An extensive local bus network links Bexley to neighbouring areas like Sidcup, Dartford, Woolwich, and Blackheath. For those who travel by road, Bexley is conveniently close to the A2 dual carriageway, which offers fast connections to the M25 and Kent.

While Bexley is not on a London Underground line, the links via Southeastern trains ensure regular, reliable access to key London stations and beyond.

Typical Commute Times:

• London Bridge – approx. 30–40 minutes by train
• Charing Cross – approx. 40–50 minutes by train
• Canary Wharf – approx. 45 minutes (train plus Jubilee/DLR transfer)
• Dartford – approx. 10 minutes by train
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 70–80 minutes (via train, DLR, and London Underground)

Bexley has a strong reputation for education, both in terms of state and independent schools. Thanks to a successful grammar school system and a range of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, Bexley is often cited as a desirable place for families seeking quality schooling.

Primary Schools in Bexley:

Old Bexley Church of England Primary School is an oversubscribed school known for high academic standards (Ofsted 'Outstanding', 2011). Upland Primary School and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School also serve the area, both consistently receiving positive reviews and ratings from Ofsted. Bexleyheath Academy Primary and Crook Log Primary School are other popular choices within the borough.

Secondary Schools in Bexley:

Bexley Grammar School (Ofsted 'Outstanding', 2011) is among the most prominent, drawing students from a wide catchment for its academic excellence. Townley Grammar School for Girls (Ofsted 'Outstanding', 2021) is highly sought after, while Beths Grammar School for Boys and Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School further enhance Bexley’s reputation for selective secondary education options across genders.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

Christ the King: St Mary's offers a broad curriculum as a dedicated sixth form college, attracting students from across southeast London. Bexleyheath Academy also includes comprehensive sixth form provision.

Universities:

Though there are no universities directly within Bexley itself, the University of Greenwich (Avery Hill campus) and London South East Colleges are close by, providing easy access to higher education. Good public transport makes for straightforward commutes to most of London’s major universities.