Living in Crawley

Crawley’s community is shaped by its New Town heritage, creating a series of distinct neighbourhoods each with their own amenities, parks, and local identities. There is a strong sense of belonging among residents, fostered by local societies, sports clubs, and faith centres.

The town hosts a number of regular events, such as the Crawley Festival, celebrating local culture and talent, and the annual Christmas lights switch-on, which draws crowds from surrounding villages. The town’s network of community centres – including the K2 Crawley leisure complex and The Hawth Theatre – provide accessible places for residents to socialise, attend classes, and take part in a wide array of activities.

Outdoor life thrives thanks to parks like Tilgate Park, Goffs Park, and the Worth Way, which are popular for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. Weekend markets and farmers’ markets in the town centre draw residents together and highlight the area’s agricultural links.

Crime rates in Crawley have historically been similar to other towns of its size, with a mixture of urban and suburban security issues. Community perception is generally positive, especially in family-oriented neighbourhoods such as Maidenbower and Pound Hill, which are considered among the safer parts of Crawley.

As with any expanding urban area, there are some hotspots for anti-social behaviour, particularly closer to the bustling town centre and transport hubs. However, Sussex Police operate proactive neighbourhood policing teams, and regular community engagement initiatives help to build resilience and improve safety awareness. Recent regeneration projects, investment in street lighting, and the expansion of local CCTV networks have also contributed to reducing incidents in some areas.

Overall, residents report feeling relatively secure, citing visible policing and good community cohesion as key factors supporting a sense of safety in Crawley.

Parking in Crawley reflects its role as a commuter hub for the south. There are several large multi-storey car parks in the town centre, including at County Mall and Kingsgate, alongside on-street parking options in residential areas. Some neighbourhoods operate resident permit zones, particularly those close to stations or main shopping streets, to prioritise parking for locals.

Road congestion is typical during peak times, especially along the A23 and routes approaching Gatwick Airport. However, the design of Crawley’s New Town road layout means most districts are accessible via a network of dual carriageways and roundabouts, enabling efficient internal traffic flow.

Access to major routes is straightforward, with the M23 providing rapid links north to **London** (approx. 55 minutes/32 miles) and south to **Brighton** (approx. 35 minutes/22 miles).

• Horsham – approx. 20 minutes via A264 (10 miles)
• Reigate – approx. 20 minutes via M23 (15 miles)
• East Grinstead – approx. 25 minutes via A264 (14 miles)
• London – approx. 55 minutes via M23 (32 miles)
• Brighton – approx. 35 minutes via M23/A23 (22 miles)

Park and ride and long-stay options are available for those using Gatwick Airport, making Crawley convenient for commuters and travellers alike.

Crawley offers an extensive choice of food, pubs, and nightlife options reflecting its diverse population and proximity to Gatwick. Residents benefit from a broad spectrum of culinary experiences, ranging from independent cafes and family-run restaurants to popular chains located in County Mall and the town centre.

Well-known establishments include The Parsons Pig and The Old Punch Bowl – historic pubs with traditional fare – and a growing number of global eateries representing Indian, Thai, Italian, and Turkish cuisine. Tilgate Park Café, situated in one of Crawley’s largest green spaces, offers a relaxed spot to eat with scenic views.

The nightlife scene is more relaxed than that of a city. There are several late-opening bars, live music venues, and seasonal events, rather than large nightclubs. The Hawth Theatre presents a varied programme of live performances, comedy, and music—an important cultural hub for the local social scene. For a quieter evening, many local pubs offer regular quiz nights and community gatherings.

School quality: Crawley boasts several Ofsted-rated Good and Outstanding schools at both primary and secondary levels, making it an attractive option for families prioritising education. Sixth form and college options are available locally, while universities in Brighton and Sussex are easily accessible.

Parks and green space: The town features multiple large parks, including Tilgate Park with its Nature Centre, adventure playgrounds, and boating lakes, providing outdoor recreation for children and families.

Childcare: There is a wide array of nurseries, pre-schools, and registered childminding services throughout Crawley, supporting working parents and young families.

Safety: Many of Crawley’s residential areas are perceived as safe, with active neighbourhood policing and community schemes, especially in areas like Maidenbower and Worth.

Family activities: The town is home to family-friendly attractions such as leisure pools, climbing walls, libraries, and cultural events, ensuring varied options throughout the year.

Crawley’s abundance of green spaces, including Tilgate Forest, Broadfield Park, and Worth Park, provides extensive walking routes and safe environments for dogs and other pets. The Worth Way also offers longer countryside walks connecting to neighbouring villages and the High Weald AONB.

Local veterinary practices and pet supply stores are well distributed across the town, ensuring access to animal care. Many pubs and cafes have outdoor areas, welcoming to dog owners.

Most rental homes and housing developments in Crawley are open to well-behaved pets, and local council parks are generally pet-friendly, adding to the area’s appeal for animal lovers.

Crawley’s location makes it a well-connected town, ideally positioned for both local movement and broader connectivity. Public transport options are comprehensive, with a strong focus on rail and bus services that support commuters and travellers alike.

The main Crawley railway station sits on the Arun Valley Line, providing regular services to London Victoria and London Bridge, as well as to the south towards Horsham and Bognor Regis. Three Bridges station offers even more frequent direct trains to London (often under 40 minutes) and direct services to **Brighton**, **Gatwick Airport**, and destinations along the south coast.

A large network of local bus routes, operated mainly by Metrobus, connects residential areas, business parks, and neighbouring towns such as Horley, Redhill, and Horsham. Gatwick Airport is only about 10 minutes away by train or via a short drive, offering extensive domestic and international flight options.

Key commute times from Crawley:

• London Victoria: approx. 40 minutes by train
• Gatwick Airport: approx. 10 minutes by train/bus
• Brighton: approx. 35 minutes by train
• Horsham: approx. 15 minutes by train/car

The A23/M23 motorway provides convenient road access north to **London** and south to **Brighton** and the coast, making Crawley particularly attractive for those seeking to balance urban work with leisure opportunities further afield.

Crawley is home to a diverse range of schools, colleges, and specialist institutions, catering for residents at every stage of education. The town’s educational provision is robust, with both long-standing state schools and modern academies serving the local population.

Primary Schools: Prominent primary schools in Crawley include Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2015), Pound Hill Infant Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2019), Hilltop Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2021), and Maidenbower Junior School (Ofsted: Good, 2019). These schools are recognised locally for strong teaching and inclusive environments.

Secondary Schools: Among Crawley’s secondary schools, Thomas Bennett Community College, Hazelwick School (Ofsted: Good, 2019), The Holy Trinity Church of England Secondary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022), and Oriel High School (Ofsted: Good, 2023) are regularly noted for their academic achievement and broad curriculum. Hazelwick, in particular, has a strong reputation and large sixth form.

Independent & Specialist Schools: The Hawthorns School offers independent education close to Crawley, while Discovery New School and Copthorne Preparatory School cater for alternative and preparatory educational paths.

Further Education & Colleges: Crawley College (formerly Central Sussex College) provides a variety of vocational and academic courses, apprenticeships, and adult education, acting as an educational hub for the town and surrounding areas.

Universities: While Crawley does not have its own university campus, it benefits from close proximity to the University of Sussex and University of Brighton, both easily accessed by train or bus, making higher education within reach for local students.