Area guide
Norbury
Norbury is a well-connected South-West London neighbourhood. Families favour the area because of its friendly atmosphere, safety, and reasonably priced family houses. There is a wide selection of great primary and secondary schools, and there is excellent access to green space, while bus, car, and train connectivity are fantastic for members of the family who may commute into Central London or the City. Housing in this area is mostly of the late Victorian terrace kind, so this is a place where you’re likely to find an affordable family home. There’s also a lot of green and open space in the area, with Norbury Park, The Rookery, and several other options to visit in the area.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is a trendy area of South-East London that attracts both families and young professionals. It’s a town with a distinct personality and a strong sense of community, and there are plenty of independent stores and restaurants to enjoy. In comparison to some of its neighbours, Crystal Palace housing remains affordable. The public transport links are excellent, with the Overground, as well as trains to London Bridge and Victoria, serving Crystal Palace station, which is located in Zone 3. Trains run from Gipsy Hill Station to London Bridge and Victoria. Local buses, including the number 3 to Oxford Circus, serve the area, and the A212 connects to the South Circular, making access to Central London easy. Crystal Palace has a variety of housing options, including plenty of Victorian and Edwardian terraces that are suited for families. Crystal Palace Park, which includes a children’s farm, provides excellent access to green space in this area.
Croydon
As a major town centre in its own right with reasonable London pricing, and many new developments that are drastically improving the area, this region has a wide range of housing options, including period properties that would be significantly more expensive in Zone 2. Croydon also has fantastic shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, so residents don’t have to travel to Central London for entertainment. However, if they do, or must commute, public transportation is superb. Shopping and entertainment opportunities are all over Croydon, from the expansive high street with its two shopping centres, to the retail parks such as Valley Park and The Colonnades. South Croydon is renowned for its restaurants and cocktail bars, whilst East Croydon station commuters can reach Victoria and London Bridge in about 20 minutes if they’re looking to have a night out in a different area. Green spaces are prevalent in Croydon, with parks all over the area. Lloyd Park offers sprawling fields and trees, as well as a children’s playground, whilst Waddon Ponds are a relaxing place to cool off in the warmer months. Thanks to the brilliant transportation links that Croydon offers, visiting other nearby areas such as Crystal Palace proves to be straightforward. Education opportunities are great, with many schools from nursery all the way up to college and even further being present. Croydon College even offers university courses for the academically minded individuals interested.
Mitcham
Mitcham, once a Surrey town, is now a London suburb with good transport links to the city centre and to nearby regions such as Croydon and Wimbledon via a new tram. With a high proportion of children as residents, reasonably priced family houses, and excellent access to open space, it’s a family-friendly neighbourhood. Despite the strong local economic growth, the river Wandle and the many parks, especially Mitcham Common, contribute to Mitcham feeling tranquil and green. Southern and Thameslink trains serve Mitcham Junction station, which is around a 20-minute ride from Victoria station. At Mitcham Junction, there is also a tram stop that connects to Wimbledon. There are various affordable properties in this area that would be excellent for families, including Edwardian terraces and semis. Mitcham holds a variety of green space, including Mitcham Common, Figges Marsh, and a number of other parks and leisure grounds, including the Mitcham Golf Club. For those interested in nightlife, Mitcham has a small number of restaurants and pubs. More nightlife can be found in nearby neighbourhoods such as Tooting and Brixton. Nightlife destinations have strong transportation options, including a Northern Line connection at Colliers Wood.
Streatham
Streatham offers a sense of community, as well as reasonably priced spacious homes with gardens and strong transportation links, as well as the necessary local amenities. There are numerous independent shops and restaurants in the area. People can and do upsize locally, so this region has a lot of staying power. Streatham offers a diverse selection of restaurants, pubs, and bars, some of which offer live music or comedy. Bus routes serve the region, making it easy to go to nearby nightlife hotspots. Streatham is a fantastic spot to look for a family house as it has a multitude of larger period homes with gardens that are often more affordable than smaller homes in the surrounding regions. There is a lot of public green space in the region, including Streatham Common, Norbury Park, and Tooting Bec Common, in addition to private gardens. Local schools are excellent and continuously developing, and there are prep school options nearby.
Merton
Merton is a sought-after residential suburb, with diverse but attractive houses, great transport links into Central London, and excellent local amenities. Despite its accessibility, the area’s tree-lined streets and location among several great green spaces can make it feel like a calm retreat. Families are drawn to the area thanks to the excellent schools. Merton has a good number of restaurants and gastropubs, while nearby Wimbledon has a larger assortment of bars and wine bars. If you’re looking for something different, the Northern Line connects you to locations that have other entertainment options. This is a popular neighbourhood for families seeking a home. This region has a wide range of property types, including numerous large 3-bed 1930s homes and other types that make good family homes. Merton Park, which is sprinkled with smaller parks and located near many large green spaces like as Morden Hall Park, Morden Park, and Wimbledon Common, provides excellent access to green space. There are also various parks and playgrounds for youngsters. The schools in the area are generally very good, and there are many to choose from. Merton is in Zone 3 and is very well connected. Nearby Wimbledon has its own branch of the District Line, as well as Southern, Southwest, and Thameslink trains, and South Wimbledon and Morden have their own branch of the Northern Line.
Thornton Heath
Thornton Heath is an area popular with not only first-time buyers, but also families, thanks to the wide variety of houses on offer. The 1930s estates with two and three-bedroom semi-detached houses along the Croydon boundary are popular, while the Grove Estate, extending west of the London Road, gives a sophisticated suburban prospect on the opposite side of town. The most prestigious option is the American Estate’s wide avenues, which include Virginia Road, Carolina Road, Maryland Road, and Georgia Road. There’s also the recreational aspect to consider. There are also local parks, the Thornton Heath Pool and Fitness Centre, and a newly renovated library. Thornton Heath recreation ground offers a modest green space, whilst nearby Grangewood Park provides a large area to explore. Public transport links from Thornton Heath are great, served by multiple buses and a train station that operates through to London Victoria and London Bridge, which is good for commuting to work or for a night out.
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