For a while, one of Abbey Wood's main draws was that it was a relative bargain compared to most parts of London. It's still a relative bargain, but that's no longer the main thing the area has going for it. Crossrail is now one of the major attractions of the area, as its arrival will make the journey into Central London take just 25 minutes. The area is currently popular with families, who appreciate the good schools, green and open spaces, and affordable family houses. Whether this will change as more restaurants and shops appear in the area is yet unknown.
There's a mix of businesses in the area that includes some independent cafes and grocers as well as large chains, but there's generally something of a shortage of local amenities - though this is set to improve with the Crossrail-related regeneration. The area is popular with families, and less so with young professionals.
Abbey Wood is a safe place to live. The neighbourhood and the wider surrounding area have average crime, according to the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Abbey Wood was lower than the rate for London as a whole, but the violence against the person rate was slightly higher.
Parking is not especially an issue in this area. The rate of car ownership in this area is just slightly below the overall London rate.
There's just a handful of pubs and restaurants - this isn't really a place with nightlife. Transport links are okay, but not particularly for late-night travel.
The range of property available in Abbey Wood includes many styles that would suit people looking for family homes, including detached Thirties houses and Victorian terraces. There's very good access to green and open spaces in Abbey Wood, including Abbey Wood Park, Bostall Heath, and Bostall Gardens. Schools are a draw here, with very good primaries and choices between comprehensives and high-performing grammar schools in the area. There is quite a high percentage of children aged 0-15 living here, at over 25%.
There's a wide range of housing available in this area, including many types that would make suitable homes for pets - like detached Thirties houses and Victorian terraces. There's very good access to green and open spaces in Abbey Wood, including Abbey Wood Park, Bostall Heath, and Bostall Gardens. This would be a very good place to own a dog.
Abbey Wood is in Zone 4 and has several trains per hour to Cannon Street, London Bridge, or Charing Cross that take around half an hour. Crossrail, one of the driving forces behind Abbey Wood's regeneration plans, will bring the commute to Central London down to 25 minutes, and the trip to Heathrow to 51 minutes. The area is also well-served by local buses.