Living in Anerley

The community spirit in Anerley is frequently mentioned by residents who value neighbourly connections and a supportive local atmosphere. Community centres, libraries, and local churches provide hubs for events and regular meet-ups, reinforcing the feeling of belonging and shared identity among both long-term and newer residents.

The local life is enhanced by weekly markets, fitness classes, and family-friendly activities in nearby Crystal Palace Park. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to walking routes, playgrounds, and open green spaces. The sense of calm, compared to busier parts of London, makes Anerley appealing for those who value a balanced, low-key lifestyle surrounded by a supportive local community.

Safety in Anerley is comparable to other South East London suburbs, with residents generally reporting a good sense of community security. Like most London districts, the area experiences some petty crime, largely around transport hubs and busier high streets. Street lighting and visible policing contribute to feelings of security, particularly in the more residential streets.

There have been ongoing initiatives to improve safety, such as neighbourhood watch schemes and police-led community patrols. Regeneration projects around Crystal Palace have also contributed to uplifting the wider area, benefiting Anerley indirectly. The area’s proximity to large open spaces, such as Crystal Palace Park, means there is also an emphasis on public safety during events and busy periods. Overall, Anerley is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates in line with or slightly below the London average for similar urban neighbourhoods.

Parking in Anerley is generally more accessible than in central London, though some streets do operate resident permit schemes, especially close to the station and main shopping areas. On-street parking is usually available, though spaces can become limited during peak commuting hours and weekends. Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) are in place to prioritise residents, while some local businesses offer dedicated customer parking.

Road access to and from Anerley is relatively straightforward, with the A213 and A214 providing the main thoroughfares. The South Circular Road (A205) is a short drive away, linking to broader routes across South London.

• Crystal Palace – approx. 5 minutes via A234 (1 mile)
• Beckenham – around 10 minutes via A213 (3 miles)
• Croydon – about 15 minutes via A213 (5 miles)
• Central London – roughly 40 minutes via A215/A205 (9 miles)

While Anerley is outside the Congestion Charge Zone, drivers should be aware of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) restrictions. Traffic congestion can occur around school pickup times and during busy weekends, but in general, access in and out of Anerley by road remains manageable compared to busier London neighbourhoods.

Anerley offers a quietly varied dining and nightlife scene, built on local favourites and neighbourhood pubs. In terms of dining, there are independent restaurants serving world cuisine, including Italian trattorias, Turkish grills, and Caribbean takeaways that reflect the area’s multicultural population. Coffee shops and cafés serve as daytime meeting spots for remote workers and families alike.

Traditional pubs are at the heart of Anerley’s social life – many with period features and garden spaces, like the well-loved Railway Telegraph. The nearby Crystal Palace Triangle broadens options with craft beer bars, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and late-night eateries, all within walking distance from Anerley.

Nightlife in Anerley itself leans towards the relaxed, with most residents gravitating towards nearby Crystal Palace or Sydenham for more animated bar and club scenes. However, the local area is also home to community events, live jazz nights, and pop-up food markets, offering something for almost every taste.

School Quality: Families in Anerley benefit from access to several 'Good' and 'Outstanding' Ofsted-rated schools, including Harris City Academy Crystal Palace and Alexandra Junior School, meeting the educational needs of children of all ages.

Parks and Green Space: Proximity to Crystal Palace Park ensures ample outdoor space for families, with playgrounds, walking paths, and family attractions such as the famous dinosaurs and boating lake within easy reach.

Childcare: The area offers nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs, supporting busy working parents. Local community centres and churches often host mother-and-baby groups and holiday activities.

Safety: Anerley has a generally positive reputation for safety, with active neighbourhood watch schemes helping to maintain a secure environment for families.

Family Activities: Leisure facilities including swimming pools, sports clubs, and a calendar of local events provide plenty of options for family activities, ensuring Anerley is well suited to those seeking a supportive and active family life in South East London.

Pet-friendly living in Anerley is bolstered by the abundance of parks and green spaces in the vicinity, most notably Crystal Palace Park, which is ideal for dog walking and outdoor exercise. The nearby Betts Park and Cator Park further widen the options for pet owners seeking off-lead areas and scenic walks.

Local veterinary clinics and pet supply stores are easily accessible, and several cafés and pubs are recognised for welcoming dogs. The overall approach to pets in the area is positive, with many landlords and housing associations allowing pets in rental properties, though it is always best to confirm individual property terms. The supportive local community includes pet-sitting services and social groups for animal lovers.

Anerley benefits from strong transport links, making it a convenient location for commuting across London and beyond. Anerley station sits on the London Overground and Southern rail networks, providing direct services to London Bridge, Canada Water, and Whitechapel, placing the City and Canary Wharf within easy reach for daily commuters. Additionally, nearby Penge West and Crystal Palace stations enhance the area’s connectivity.

Regular bus services connect Anerley to surrounding destinations such as Croydon, Bromley, Sydenham, and central London. The area is well-served by routes including the 157, 354, and 358 which help residents access key shopping, cultural and employment hubs.

• London Bridge – approx. 25 minutes by train
• Canary Wharf – approx. 40 minutes (via Overground and Jubilee Line change at Canada Water)
• Victoria – around 30 minutes by train via Crystal Palace
• Central London – less than 40 minutes by Overground and Underground

The A213 and A214 roads provide direct car links to major routes such as the South Circular (A205) and A23. London City Airport and Gatwick Airport are both accessible by train and car; London City Airport can be reached in around 45 minutes by public transport, while Gatwick is about 40 minutes by train from East Croydon station.

Anerley and its immediate surroundings are home to a selection of well-regarded schools, serving the needs of families living in the area. The catchment encompasses Bromley and nearby Crystal Palace, making a wider range of education options accessible.

Primary Schools in Anerley:

Alexandra Junior School, located on Alexandra Road, is a popular local choice and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in November 2018. Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace is nearby and also enjoys a 'Good' Ofsted rating as of May 2017. Royston Primary School and Stewart Fleming Primary School in nearby Penge are known for their community focus and strong results.

Secondary Schools in Anerley:

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is a highly regarded secondary in the broader area, consistently rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (last in October 2022). Kingsdale Foundation School in West Dulwich, known for its strong music and sports specialisms, is popular with Anerley families, as is the co-educational Crystal Palace School, which has improved in recent years.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

For post-16 education, Christ the King Sixth Form College in nearby Lewisham is easily accessible and offers a broad curriculum. Croydon College is also within reach for Anerley students, providing a wide array of vocational and academic courses.

Universities:

While there are no universities within Anerley itself, the area's strong transport links mean that respected institutions such as Goldsmiths, University of London in New Cross and London South Bank University are a short commute away. Anerley's accessibility to some of London's leading higher education providers adds to its appeal for families with older children or mature students.