Living in New Malden

Community spirit thrives in New Malden, with many residents living in the area for decades and participating enthusiastically in local activities. The presence of the Korean community contributes to both cultural events and the multicultural fabric of everyday life. Local churches, faith groups, and community centres provide focal points for gatherings and support.

The town hosts annual festivals, markets, and open days—such as the Malden Fortnight celebration—and smaller events like craft fairs and carol concerts. Beverley Park, Blagdon Park, and nearby green spaces offer a place for neighbours to socialise, and there is an active network of parent groups, book clubs, and volunteering organisations.

With well-used sports and leisure facilities, including the Malden Centre with its swimming pool and gym, New Malden encourages an active and sociable lifestyle. The Thames Path and Wimbledon Common are both within easy reach for weekend walks or more adventurous outings.

New Malden is widely perceived as a safe area by London standards, with crime rates consistently below the average found in more central boroughs. The area’s relatively quiet residential character and strong sense of community help to foster an environment where residents feel secure.

Local policing teams are active in neighbourhood engagement, with regular updates and communications through community groups. Many streets benefit from Neighbourhood Watch participation, and local council initiatives have focused on antisocial behaviour reduction and maintaining public safety in parks and open spaces. While some typical suburban issues occur, New Malden’s reputation as a peaceful area makes it popular with families and older residents alike.

Parking in New Malden is generally manageable compared to more congested areas of Greater London. The majority of residential streets offer on-street parking, often without heavy restrictions, although controlled parking zones are present around the town centre and near the station. Residents’ permits are available where needed, and several car parks can be found close to local amenities and shopping areas.

Road access is a real advantage, with the A3 running nearby and providing swift connections to both the M25 and central London. The road network supports convenient travel to the south and west of London, as well as into Surrey and beyond.

• Kingston upon Thames – approx. 10 minutes via A2043 (2.5 miles)
• Wimbledon – approx. 14 minutes via A238 (3 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 34 minutes via A3 (24 miles)
• Central London – approx. 40 minutes via A3 (10 miles)

New Malden is famous for its diverse restaurant scene, particularly centred on authentic Korean cuisine. The high street is lined with Korean cafés, barbecue restaurants, and Asian supermarkets, making it a culinary destination for Londoners interested in East Asian food. Popular spots offer everything from casual takeaway to sit-down sushi and barbecue feasts.

British and international options are well represented too, with family-friendly pubs, local cafés, and traditional fish and chip shops. There are lively pizza places, bakeries, and continental delis, reflecting the area’s multicultural mix. While New Malden is not renowned for a wild nightlife, there are friendly pubs, cocktail bars, and relaxed late-night venues. The nearby towns of Kingston and Wimbledon offer more in the way of clubs, theatres, and larger entertainment complexes.

School quality: New Malden’s highly rated primary and secondary schools contribute strongly to its appeal among families. Parental feedback highlights academic achievement and a supportive educational environment.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from numerous parks, well-equipped children’s playgrounds, and access to nearby nature reserves.

Childcare: The area has several nurseries and childcare providers, as well as before- and after-school clubs offered by local schools.

Safety: Low crime rates and community involvement contribute to the area’s reputation for being a secure and reassuring place to raise children.

Family activities: Opportunities abound for youth sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and outdoor play, with community centres and leisure facilities catering to all ages and interests.

With its abundance of parks and access to wider green spaces, New Malden is well-suited to pet owners, particularly dog walkers. Beverley Park and Blagdon Park are popular local options, while the larger open spaces of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park are just a short drive away.

There are several veterinary surgeries and pet shops in the immediate area, offering support for pet health and care. Many cafés and some pubs welcome well-behaved dogs, and the community tends to be accepting of pets both in housing and public outdoor spaces.

The extensive suburban streets and local walking routes mean that owning a pet in New Malden fits comfortably with the general lifestyle, providing plenty of opportunity for exercise and socialisation for pets and their owners alike.

New Malden boasts excellent transport links, making it an ideal location for commuters and those seeking easy access across southwest London. The area is directly served by New Malden railway station, which provides regular South Western Railway services to London Waterloo. Fastest journey times to Waterloo are around 23 minutes, putting Central London well within reach.

The area is also well connected by local buses, with several frequent routes serving Kingston, Wimbledon, and surrounding districts. The proximity to the A3 dual carriageway provides direct road access towards central London or out to Surrey.

• Central London (Waterloo) – approximately 23 minutes by train
• Kingston upon Thames – around 10 minutes by train or bus
• Wimbledon – approximately 15 minutes by train or local bus
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 45 minutes by car

With the cycling infrastructure improving and direct routes by road or public transport, New Malden serves as a practical base for those needing reliable connection to key destinations in southwest and Central London.

New Malden enjoys a reputation for quality education, with a wide range of well-regarded primary and secondary schools. For families with younger children, Burlington Infant and Nursery School stands out, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in its last inspection (2018), while nearby Christ Church New Malden CofE Primary School also receives strong parental praise. Coombe Hill Junior School, another local favourite, is also rated 'Outstanding' (2012).

In terms of secondary schools, the area is served by Coombe Boys' School and Coombe Girls' School, both highly respected, with Coombe Girls' School achieving an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating (2013). Hollyfield School, just to the west in Surbiton, is another popular choice for New Malden families and is known for its inclusive approach to education.

For independent education, Richard Challoner School and Holy Cross School for Girls are notable, with the latter boasting a strong academic record. There are also sixth-form options both in the local schools and in the nearby areas of Kingston and Wimbledon—Coombe Sixth Form offers a broad curriculum for post-16 students.

While New Malden itself does not host a university campus, it sits within easy reach of Kingston University, a leading modern institution, and the University of Roehampton, making the area well-placed for higher education opportunities in southwest London.