Where to buy in London??

abankerbutnotafatcat

I always stick up for Brixton when people (who as a previous poster said have probably never been there) condemn it. Around the train station can get a bit 'lively' but then most train stations are a bit dodgy and there are some challenging estates but then you don't go to them unless you have to for some reason. There are also some beautiful squares and period housing generally and a real urban, arty scene developing. Plus, of course, excellent transport and entertainment options. I'm probably past my Brixton days now (out in the Surrey suburbs) but if I'd ended up there as a student I would have happily stayed on into my working life.

As for Elephant, it's not an area I want to hang about in. Grim is a good word and that's despite all the millions of investment. But it is a mixed area, particularly in the day time and does have good public transport. It doesn't sound right for the OP though although nearby areas possibly even within easy walking distance may be and OP's OH could walk to work from say Borough over London Bridge.

littlesaint

Yes, Brixton has a lot going for it. The markets are fantastic - especially the Village. Lots of really quirky shops and foodie stuff. As abankernotafatcat says there are lots of period properties and some nice streets, particularly as you go towards Brockwell Park (Herne Hill also worth considering). Then you've got a fantastic cinema and lots of great pubs and music venue on your doorstep. It's not a place if you want a quiet life mind you. My tip would be to live 10 - 15 minute walk from Brixton and you can make most of the amenities but escape from the bustle.

Starbrite

Could always check this map out

(I want one)

bouicca21

Brixton is definitely gentrified. You migth also want to look at places like New Cross, Brockley or East Dulwich.

Ruthie5

Thanks for taking the time to respond Moneysavers, and for the helpful advice. On my way to the big property hunt now, and will post my impressions in a couple of days! Ruthie

lowlitmemory

kennypowers wrote: »

For those saying that you do not recommend Brixton or Elephant & Castle (and there is agood chance that you have never even been there), why not admit that you you do not like or have a pathological fear of anywhere where a lot of brown/black people live and be done with it? A woman was murdered in Mayfair a while ago so I suppose that's an area to be avoided as well (and I am not trivialising this tragedy to make a point)

Sorry but that's ridiculous. I AM brown and HAVE lived in Elephant and Castle and wouldn't personally recommend it.

To be fair I never had any hassle other than the standard men-in-cars-shouting-sexist-remarks you get everywhere, although my brother did on the one occasion he came to visit me. I just think you can get more for your money slightly further out. I also thought it was a spectacularly ugly area with the exception of the tabernacle.

ruggedtoast

cattie wrote: »

Anyone living in London knows of someone, somewhere being mugged in broad daylight. It happens in even the best areas. Especially as in high end areas people have fatter purses and wallets and pricey jewellery.

Unless you have lived there or do live there, then you can't give an informed or unbiased opinion on what the area is like to live in.

My wife worked in Borough, and they had to inform visitors not to attempt to walk from Elephant & Castle after one girl was mugged walking from there to the office in broad daylight for a job interview (she still got the job).

One of her workmates had the misfortune to live in a council flat and had been on a swap waiting list for years. No one was ever going to swap into Elephant.

Her 16 year old son had been mugged at knifepoint six times in Elephant and Castle, and she also had to take him out of school after he fell foul of a gang who brought live firearms into the classroom.

I have had to go through E&C to change nightbuses, mini cab firms wont go there, black cabs wont stop there, sometimes buses wont even stop there if they dont like the look of the bus queue at night.

It is a horrific dive, infamous for knife crime and gang activity, and your assertion that it is hip is absolutely barking.

BitterAndTwisted

I'd have a close look at some maps with the underground and overground maps also to hand. What could sound like a very unpromising area is not so unpromising once you're there on the ground having a walk round.

I'd recommend Walthamstow, most especially in the two conservation areas if they can be afforded. Wanstead is lovely. Even gritty, frightening old Tottenham has a few bits that are nice, like the bit near the lock by the river (Bream Close, for instance) which is two minutes walk from Tottenham Hale tube on the Victoria Line (20 mins to Oxford Circus) and 10 to Liveerpool Street on the overground, plus the streeets overlooking Downhills Park . Some very nice houses there and it's very safe, if a bit of a walk to Turnpike Lane or Seven Sisters tube stations. Or the streets near the Bruce Castle museum. As has been mentioned, Harringey is another possible candidate and is superb for access to the fantastic Turkish grocers, and restaurants and just a stroll or short bus-ride away from Manor House tube on the Piccadilly Line. Also, I have friends who live just off the Holloway Road up near Archway and there are some lovely houses on the very quiet side streets round there, like Kingsdown and Landseer Roads.