Crystal Palace is an increasingly trendy part of South East London, popular with families as well as young professionals. It's an area with a real identity, and strong community spirit - and there's no shortage of independent shops and restaurants to enjoy here. Housing in Crystal Palace remains a relative bargain compared to some neighbouring places, like Dulwich, but the prices of the area's property are rising. The arrival of the Overground made commuting even easier for residents, who can also opt for trains to London Bridge and Victoria.
This is a place with a strong sense of community. There are often campaigns to preserve local gems, and residents started a Saturday food market. The town centre has plenty of independent shops and restaurants. Crystal Palace is popular with families as well as young professionals, but families often move further out when their children reach secondary school.
Crystal Palace is a safe place to live, and is rated as having average crime by the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were both slightly higher in this ward than in London as a whole.
Parking in this area is about average.The rate of car ownership in this area is a little low for London, at just over one car for every two households. However, there's a fairly severe traffic problem at the heart of Crystal Palace, with its Triangle - composed of one-way streets - often being congested. Otherwise, road links are fairly good, including the A212 to the South Circular.
There's a very wide selection of restaurants in this area, including many independent ones, and many places to get pints and cocktails. Transport links - including a bus to Oxford Circus - are fairly good, for those seeking more variety.
Housing in Crystal Palace varies, but includes many Victorian and Edwardian terraces that would be suitable for families. There's very good access to green space in this area, with the listed Crystal Palace Park which includes a children's farm. Families tend to move further out when their children reach secondary school age, according to local estate agents. However, there are many excellent schools in this area, including primary schools, state comprehensives, and nearby private schools. The population of children in this area is just slightly higher than in London overall.
The range of property available in this area includes many that would be suitable for pets, including a range of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, and period homes converted into flats. Crystal Palace also has good access to green space, with its own large park. This would be a good place to own a pet.
Crystal Palace is located in Zone 3, and its station is served by the Overground as well as trains to London Bridge and Victoria. Gipsy Hill Station also has trains to London Bridge and Victoria. The area is well-served by local buses, including the useful number 3 to Oxford Circus, and road links include the A212 to the South Circular.