West Norwood is a desirable, good-value neighbourhood surrounded by areas that aren't particularly affordable. It has been overlooked in favour of those places - including Dulwich Village and Crystal Palace - but that is unlikely to last, as buyers discover the Victorian and Edwardian homes in this area are much more affordable. Transport links are fairly good, too, and there's no shortage of green space or good schools to round out the 'family-friendly' package. Other local amenities, like shops and restaurants, are improving to catch up with those benefits.
There is a recently-launched monthly market, which has added to a strong sense of community in this area, as well as an active friends' group for Norwood Park and a community arts space. West Norwood is popular with families
West Norwood and the wider surrounding area have an average crime rating from the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate was somewhat lower than the overall London crime rate, while the violence against the person rate was about the same.
Parking is generally not too troublesome in this area. The rate of car ownership in this area is a bit low for London, at a little over one car for every two households. Road links, including to the South Circular, are fairly good - but can be congested.
Though West Norwood is comparatively lacking in bars and restaurants, there are several beloved cafes and a few pubs that the locals enjoy. There are also places nearby - easily reached - that are nightlife destinations, like Brixton.
This is a good place to look for a family home, with property of all sizes including many terraces and semi-detached homes and from Victorian houses to Twenties properties and the occasional detached house all on offer. West Norwood has no shortage of green and open space, with Norwood Park, Norwood Grove Recreation Ground, and Belair Park all within easy reach, and even more major parks like Crystal Palace Park in the surrounding areas. Schools in West Norwood are generally very good, with both primary and secondary schools that are rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and options for top private schools nearby in Dulwich. The percentage of residents who are children aged 0-15 is slightly high for London, at almost 23%.
West Norwood's housing ranges from flats to detached houses, with a many Victorian and Edwardian terraces that would make suitable homes for pets. There is a lot of green space around this area, with Norwood Park, Norwood Grove Recreation Ground, and Belair Park all within easy reach, and even more major parks like Crystal Palace Park in the surrounding areas.
West Norwood is located in Zone 3 and does not have a Tube link, but its mainline rail station has trains to Victoria that take less than 25 minutes. Nearby Tulse Hill station has Thameslink trains to Farringdon, also taking less than 25 minutes. The area is well-served by buses, and road links, including to the South Circular, are fairly good - but there can be significant congestion.