Bromley Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Bromley, Greater London

Exceptional4.1

Living in

Bromley is a residential suburb with a lot to offer families in particular. Property is relatively affordable, for London, and the range on offer is wide - everything from detached Edwardian houses to new-build flats can be gound here. There is also good access to green and open spaces, and schools - both primary and secondary schools - are very good. For commuters, there are several rail stations, offering quick commutes to hubs like Victoria and Charing Cross. In 2014, Bromley was ranked as one of the happiest places to live in London by The Information Capital. 

Ratings

Exceptional4.1

Community

Bromley's town centre currently hosts mainly chain shops and restaurants, but the continuing development and investment in the area have the aim of attracting more independent retailers. It is a family area, with both primary and secondary schools getting very good results, and so families end to stay in the area long-term.

Safety

In March 2017, there were twice as many crimes per 1000 residents in Bromley (16) as in London as a whole. The top reported crimes in that period were miscellaneous theft, shoplifting, and violence. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were both somewhat higher than the rates for London as a whole.

Parking

Parking is fairly good in this part of London. The rate of car ownership in this area is slightly high, at about one car per household. Road links - including the A21 London to Hastings road - are fairly good.

Nightlife

Bromley has a good range of pubs and restaurants, and more independent businesses are being opened in the area following massive investment in the centre. The Churchill Theatre seats more than 700 and is one of Bromley's biggest attractions. Transport links to areas with more nightlife are, without Tube access, somewhat limited.

Family Friendly

This area is a good place to look for an affordable family home, with a range of property from grand period houses to modern developments, with everything in between. Bromley has good access to green and open space. Church House Gardens has a range of facilities, including a children's playground and tennis courts, and Norman Park has a playground and a running track. Jubilee Country Park is a large country park that has the London Loop orbital route running through it. Local primary and secondary schools in this area are generally very good, and remain a major reason that families move to and settle in the area - families can choose from comprehensive and grammar schools, as well as private schools. About 1 in 5 Bromley residents is a child aged 0-15.

Pet Friendly

Bromley's wide range of property has a good selection of homes, including many that would be suitable for pets - residents cab choose from period and modern houses to new-build flats and flat conversions. There is a lot of green and open space in Bromley, including Church House Gardens, Norman Park, Bromley Common, and Jubilee Country Park - which has the London Loop orbital route running through it.

Transport

Bromley straddles Zones 4 and 5 and is fairly well-served by trains, though it does not have Tube access. Bromley South (Zone 5) has non-stop trains to Victoria with a journey time of just 20 minutes. Bickley is also in Zone 5, and trains run to Victoria and St Pancras. Shortlands, in Zone 4, has the same services as Bickley with slightly shorter travel times. Bromley North (Zone 4) trains go to Cannon Street and Charing Cross. The area is well-served by local buses, and road links - including the A21 London to Hastings road - are fairly good.