Where to buy in Croydon

aslan2

Personally I wouldn't buy somewhere if I was new to a job and the area. I would rent for at least 6 months to get settled in the job and decide on an area I liked. Renting may seem like a waste of money but it's far cheaper and less hassle than buying somewhere and then having to sell up if you don't like the area or job.

If you must buy somewhere and are looking at Croydon, I would look at the South Croydon/Lloyd Park area. Some nice roads around there and good transport links. Also, some of the roads off the Sandilands/Lebanon Road tramstops are ok and very convenient for East Croydon.

Avoid anywhere North or West of East Croydon station, I wouldn't want to walk around the quieter roads in that area after dark. Also avoid New Addington and the Monks Hill area of Selsdon.

Parts of Forestdale and Selsdon are nice, but too far from East Croydon in my opinion, looking at 15/20 min bus/tram from the station.

I live in Croydon for 25 years, and very happy that I've moved out. It's not as bad as people say, but there are plenty nicer areas, however it offers great value for money and great transport links.

Have you considered renting a flat in SW London initially, always good to be near friends if you are unfamiliar with an area.

Another option would be to live in somewhere like Woking, trains are 25min to Waterloo, which is a 5 min train from London Bridge. That train line also goes through South West London like Wimbledon/Clapham, so easy to visit.