Croydon has had something of a bad reputation for many decades, partly because of its centre filled with unattractive Sixties tower blocks. However, as a major town centre in its own right, yet with affordable prices for London, Croydon deserves a second chance. There is a range of property available in this area, including period properties that would be much more expensive in Zone 2. There are also good shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs in Croydon, so residents need not always go into Central London for entertainment - though if they choose to, or must commute, transport links are excellent. Ongoing investment into the area ensures that Croydon's outlook is only going to improve.
Croydon is a fairly large town in its own right, and can have less of a community feel than some of London's villagey enclaves. Its diverse residents will defend Croydon to the naysayers.
Croydon has above average crime, according to the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Fairfield ward was very high for London - more than twice the London rate. The violence against the person rate for that period was also more than twice as high. In the period between April 2016 and March 2017, the most common crime type in the Croydon town centre was violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour.
Parking is about average in Croydon, but varying by specific area. The rate of car ownership in this area is low for London, at a little over one car for every two households. Road links are good, and include the A22 and the A23, for connections to the M25.
South Croydon is known for its restaurants and cocktail bars, and there are plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs in the town centre. Transport links to other nightlife destinations are good, including the Overground to Dalston Junction.
Croydon is a good place to look for a family home, with a wide range of property styles and sizes and relatively affordable prices for London. This is not the leafiest part of Greater London, but there are a number of parks and playing fields in the area, including Lloyd Park and the Roundshaw Open Space, as well as the parks in surrounding areas like Crystal Palace. There are good schools to be found in Croydon, including some 'outstanding' state primary schools and state comprehensive, sixth-form, and all-through schools. Croydon is famous for the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, with alumni including Adele and Amy Winehouse. About one in five residents is a child aged 0-15.
There is a wide range of property styles in Croydon, from high-rise flats to detached homes that would be suitable for pets. Croydon is not the leafiest part of Greater London, but there are a number of parks and playing fields in the area, including Lloyd Park and the Roundshaw Open Space, as well as the parks in surrounding areas like Crystal Palace.
Croydon is located in Zone 5, and is well-connected by rail to London. Fast trains from East Croydon can get commuters to Victoria and London Bridge in less than 20 minutes, with the same services from South and West Croydon stations taking a little longer. East Croydon trains to Blackfriars take about 30 minutes. West Croydon is also served by the Overground. The area is served by local buses, and Croydon is also served by Tramlink - the only tram service in the South East. Road links are good, and include the A22 and the A23, for connections to the M25. Gatwick Airport is 15 minutes away by rail.