For many people, their only experience of Streatham Hill is driving down the A23 where it is the Streatham High Road. That's a shame, because though it was once voted Britain's Worst Street, it is constantly improving and not really representative of what is a residential enclave of South West London. In Streatham, you will find community spirit, relatively affordable large homes with gardens, and good transport links - as well as the necessary local amenities.
Streatham as a whole is a place that residents describe as being friendly, and having a sense of community. There is a wide variety of local, independent shops and restaurants. This area has good staying power, as people can and often do upsize locally.
Streatham's occasional scruffiness should not be confused for dangerousness. The area is rated as having average crime by the Met police, as does the wider surrounding area, and the nearest above-average crime hotspot is in Brixton. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Streatham Hill was lower than the overall London rate, and the violence against the person rate was similar.
Parking is fairly manageable in this part of London. Road links include the Streatham High Road (A23) and the South Circular - which can suffer from congestion. The rate of car ownership in Streatham Wells road is slightly lower than the London rate, at a bit more than one car for every two households.
Stretham generally has a good range of restaurants, pubs, and bars - some featuring live music of comedy. The area is also well-served by bus routes for travel to nearby nightlife hotspots.
Streatham is a good place to look for a family home, as there are many larger period homes with gardens, and they are generally more affordable than smaller homes in neighbouring areas. In addition to private gardens, there is a great deal of public green space in the area, too - including Streatham Common, Norbury Park, and Tooting Bec Common. Local schools are fairly good - and improving - and there are options for prep schools nearby. The percentage of residents who are aged 0-15 is a little lower in Streatham Hill than in London overall.
Housing stock includes many generously-sized period houses with large gardens, which make good homes for pets. There is a great deal of green space in the area, too, including Streatham Common, Norbury Park, and Tooting Bec Common. This would be a very good place to own a dog.
Streatham is in Zone 3 and is served by a rail station, but no Tube - trains go to St Pancras and London Bridge. Streatham Common has services to Victoria. There are many bus routes serving this area, many of which residents use as a link to Tube stations like Brixton, where there is access to the Victoria Line. Road links include the Streatham High Road (A23) and the South Circular - which can suffer from congestion.