Living in Croydon, London
What this article covers
- What makes Croydon a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Croydon for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Croydon
Croydon, a vibrant and diverse town situated in the heart of Greater London, offers a unique blend of amenities and opportunities to its residents. The borough has a lot to offer, both positives and negatives, with different experiences for working professionals and families alike.
Housing and Living Costs
With an average rental cost of £1,200 per month for a two bedroom flat and the average purchase price sitting at £370,000 for the same size as per Rightmove, Croydon offers a cheaper alternative to Central London living. However, it is relatively more expensive compared to many cities and regions outside London, particularly those in the north.
Transportation Opportunities
One of the strongest points in favour of Croydon is its strong transport links. Any part of London can be easily accessed via Overground or National Rail Services and the local tram system is highly efficient.
Living Conditions for Professionals and Families
Professionals will find the proximity to central London advantageous, while families will appreciate the number of good schools and green spaces. However, for some, the high house prices and somewhat congested school roads could pose challenges for families with young children.
Safety in Croydon
As for safety, Croydon has a mixed reputation. The town scores well for lower levels of crime in certain areas; yet, it has higher crime rates in others, typically those closer to the town center, making sure to choose your living area prudently is recommended.
Most popular areas
Purley (CR8)
Purley is known for its pleasant suburban feel, excellent schools, and amenities such as shops and restaurants. It’s also well-connected to various parts of London by train, making it popular among families and those commuting to the city.
Shirley (CR0)
Shirley strikes a balance between urban and suburban living. It offers green spaces, convenience to amenities, and accessibility to Croydon town centre. Its low crime rate and good schools make Shirley desirable for families.
Selsdon and Ballards (CR2)
Selsdon and Ballards is loved for its abundance of green space, including the picturesque Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve. It also has a good variety of shops, cafes, and its own library, making it a sought-after area to live in Croydon.
Least popular areas
Thornton Heath (CR7)
Although Thornton Heath has improved significantly, it still struggles with a higher crime rate than some other areas in Croydon. While it has decent transport links, it doesn’t always appeal to everyone due to its comparative lack of greenery.
Broad Green (CR0)
Broad Green’s lack of popularity may be due to the high traffic flow caused by its proximity to London Road, one of the main thoroughfares into central Croydon. It also has a reputation for higher crime rates, which can deter potential residents.
Fieldway (CR0)
Fieldway is one of the less affluent areas in Croydon, and it has a reputation for being a housing estate district with fewer amenities compared to other parts of the borough. These factors contribute to it being less popular.
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