Plumstead is one of the last affordable pockets of London, but may not be for very long. While the area has suffered from a somewhat rough reputation, and from a lack of amenities like local shops and restaurants, these things are both changing significantly. Much of the rest of the infrastructure for a good place to live is already in place - good green spaces, good schools, good transport links - even transport links will improve, with Crossrail - and considering Victorian and Edwardian houses here are available at a bargain, Plumstead's prospects are looking good.
Though this neighbourhood is somewhat lacking in amenities like neighbourhood restaurants and shops, it does have a diverse population and a lot of families.
Plumstead has a somewhat undeserved reputation for roughness that lingers despite recent improvements in the area. The Met police currently rate it and the immediate surroundings as having average crime. The 2014/2015 crime rate was notably lower than the overall London crime rate, while the violence against the person rate was slightly higher - but comparable - to London as a whole.
Parking is not especially an issue here. The rate of car ownership in this area is slightly low for London, at a little over one car for every two households. Road links are fairly good, including the A206 to the South Circular and links to the nearby A2.
Local amenities in the immediate area, including restaurants and bars, are somewhat lacking - locals will often travel by bus or car to Greenwich and Dulwich for evening entertainment.
Plumstead consists mainly of modestly sized (and priced) Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which generally make good family homes. There is good access to green and open space in Plumstead, with Plumstead Common and Winn's Common, Plumstead Gardens, and Broadwater Green spread throughout the area, alongside some smaller parks. There's also the Thames riverfront, with miles of waterside footpaths to follow. Schools in this area are generally good, with a food range of primary and secondary schools with 'good' or 'oustanding' Ofsted ratings. The percentage of children aged 0-15 living in this area is slightly high for London.
Housing in Plumstead consists mainly of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which are generally pretty suitable for pets. There is good access to green and open space in Plumstead, with Plumstead Common and Winn's Common, Plumstead Gardens, and Broadwater Green spread throughout the area, alongside some smaller parks. There's also the Thames riverfront, with miles of waterside footpaths to follow.
Plumstead has its own rail station, which is in Zone 4 and served by Southeastern trains. Trains to London Bridge take about 26 minutes, while trains reach Cannon Street in about half an hour - these are via Greenwich, which is just over 15 minutes away. Woolwich Arsenal is nearby for a DLR link, and Crossrail will improve transport links even more significantly. The area is also well-served by local buses. Road links are fairly good, including the A206 to the South Circular and links to the nearby A2.