Charlton's claim to fame is Charlton House, the stunning Jacobean mansion known as the best-preserved house of its kind in London. However, it is also known - thankfully by fewer people - as an affordable alternative to neighbouring Greenwich and Blackheath, with good schools, lots of green space, and fairly good transport links. The area, which retains the feel of the village it was before London engulfed it, also has useful local shops and a handful of pubs and restaurants as well as a riverside walk.
Charlton still retains a feel of the village it once was - its centre is home to the Jacobean mansion Charlton House and is full of useful shops, rather than a replica of the average London high street.
Charlton is a safe place to live, with the Met police rating the area as having average crime. North Greenwich, however, neighbours Charlton, and has above-average crime. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Charlton was notably lower than the London rate, while the violence against the person rate was slightly lower.
Parking is about average in this area. The rate of car ownership here is just slightly below the London rate. Road links, including the A2, the Blackwall Tunnel, and the South Circular, are good - but can be congested, especially during Charlton Athletic F.C. football games.
There are a handful of good pubs in the area, but little in the way of restaurants or bars - for that, residents will have to make use of fairly good transport connections, perhaps a bus to Greenwich.
Housing in this area is varied, but includes many semis and terraces - many Victorian or Thirties - that would make suitable family homes. Schools in this area are generally very good, especially primary schools - streets in the catchment area of 'outstanding' schools are very highly sought-after. There are several parks and playing fields in the area, including Charlton Park and Kidbrooke Playing Fields. The Thames is also nearby for riverside walks. The percentage of children aged 0-15 living in this area is slightly high for London.
Charlton's property varies, but includes many Victorian and Thirties semis and terraces that would be suitable for pets. There are several parks in Charlton, including Charlton Park, and the Thames is also nearby for riverside walks.
Charlton station offers rail services to London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street. There is an easy connection to the Tube at North Greenwich (Jubilee Line), a bus ride away, and to the DLR at Woolwich. The area is well-served by local buses. Road links, including the A2, the Blackwall Tunnel, and the South Circular, are good - but can be congested, especially during Charlton Athletic F.C. games. The Woolwich ferry is an alternative commute option for some.