Living in Barnes Cray, London
What this article covers
- What makes Barnes Cray a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Barnes Cray for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Barnes Cray
Nestled in Greater London, Barnes Cray, presents an intriguing combination of urban and suburban living. For those who value comfort with quick access to the city, it remains a great choice.
Lifestyle and Costs
For working professionals, Barnes Cray provides an easy commute, with its close proximity to London. However, the cost of living is elevated. Average rental prices hover around £1,300 per month for a two-bedroom flat, while purchasing a house can cost upwards of £350,000. This high living expense can be both a boon and a roadblock depending on your financial perspective.
Family Living and Safety
For families, Barnes Cray displays a bit of a dichotomy. While it offers excellent educational institutions and a peaceful environment, it suffers from a higher crime rate in comparison to other Greater London suburbs. Whilst not the highest in Greater London, safety does remain a concern for potential residents.
Transportation
The public transport network in Barnes Cray is well-established and reliable, with regular bus and train services connecting the area to London and beyond. But, traffic congestion can potentially pose a problem for those relying on road travel.
Conclusion
Whilst Barnes Cray does offer certain appealing attributes such as good transport links and a relatively tranquil atmosphere, it does carry drawbacks, notably in terms of safety and living costs. It’s a region offering both pros and cons, depending largely on an individual’s priorities and lifestyle.
Most popular areas
Crayford (DA1)
Crayford is one of the most popular areas within Barnes Cray due to its perfect blend of relaxed suburban living and city-like amenities. It boasts a good selection of schools, parks and shops, while major transport links provide easy access to Central London and beyond.
Bexleyheath (DA6)
Bexleyheath reels people in with its stunning green spaces like Danson Park and a wide array of shopping options. Its convenient transport links also make commuting a breeze, adding to its popularity among both families and young professionals.
Erith (DA8)
Erith offers beautiful riverside views, making it a visual treat for its residents. Additionally, it provides a range of leisure activities thanks to its sailing club and the Riverside Shopping Centre. Erith’s growth prospects push its popularity among both property buyers and investors.
Least popular areas
Belvedere (DA17)
Although Belvedere offers a simple suburban lifestyle, it often gets overlooked due to its limited dining options and leisure activities compared to other areas in Barnes Cray. Quicker transport routes in nearby towns also make it less favourable for commuters.
Barnehurst (DA7)
Even though Barnehurst offers a tranquil environment with a small village feel, its popularity is affected by limited transport links and lack of a diverse range of shopping and dining options, often causing residents to travel to nearby towns for these amenities.
Northumberland Heath (DA8)
While Northumberland Heath has affordable housing options, the lack of strong transport connections and larger shopping centres have led to a decrease in its popularity over recent years. Additionally, it lacks the wide range of amenities that other local areas offer.
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