Where to live in Mitcham/Croydon?

piggeh

I did want to move further west, eg Sutton area, but I seem to be constantly outbid on properties, so I have decided to spread the net a bit further. Mitcham and Croydon both seem to be a bit cheaper. Ideally I need somewhere with an easy-ish commute into London although currently I work near the M25 and commute by car.

Just wondering what parts of Croydon and Mitcham are best avoided? I've heard West Croydon was not of good repute and North Croydon is near Thornton Heath/Selhurst which never strike me as 'salubrious' locales. Mitcham I have no idea about, seems to get very mixed reviews. My social life is mainly Wimbledon focused so Croydon is quite easy to get back to, whereas Mitcham has mixed transport links depending on which bit.

I'm not worried about school places as I'm single, 30s etc. Any feedback on these locations or alternatives would be useful. Thanks.

Innys1

You can get the tram from Mitcham to Wimbledon station in ten minutes.

Plus, Mitcham is close to Morden, the southern end of the Northern Line.

gaz141

I live close to Mitcham Eastfields which is Zone 3, been here three years now. I never go into Mitcham town centre itself as there isn't much there at the moment that I want to visit, I jump on the train to Balham (7 mins) for my shopping/entertainment. I know Mitcham gets a terrible reputation but I can honestly say I've never seen any trouble around here and feel perfectly safe here. The Figges Marsh "Tooting Borders" area of Mitcham has become very expensive and desirable to live in. I don't live there but my flat (on paper) has increased in value by £90000 in three years, so Mitcham is an area to potentially invest in. Where to avoid? I've heard Pollards Hill and Phipps Bridge are the definite no-go areas, but I've never been so no first hand knowledge. For me to get to Wimbledon, I could take the train to Mitcham Junction ( 3 mins) from Eastfields and then get the tram to Wimbledon or walk to Tooting station and take the train, the train journey is about 10 mins. Hope this helps

piggeh

Thanks Gaz, Eastfields is one area I was thinking about - can you get back late at night without too much trouble eg night buses or similar? 7 minutes to Balham is very good.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

I live in Morden, which is scruffy and unglamorous, but fairly good for transport (I rented in Wimbledon for years but couldn't afford to buy there sadly). No trendy cafes or artisan bakeries, but generally nice neighbours.

Definitely avoid West Croydon.

suki1964

Mum lived in Figges marsh for years and never had any bother, although at that time it was an ageing population and I guess there are more families there now so things might have changed

Phipps bridge - a no no

Morden is where I lived for 10 years and tbh I loved it. You do have to pick your road though as some are more desirable then others . Road I lived was very community orientated, we all looked out for each other without living in each others pockets. Transport links are pretty good as well into London, Sutton, Croydon and Kingston

piggeh

Morden's a good location, especially with the night tube starting up soon. Unfortunately nothing in my price range in Morden I'm familiar with that side of SW London - lived in Morden, Merton Park, Wimbledon Chase, Sutton. This area has all become quite expensive these days so having to look further east.

gaz141

piggeh wrote: »

Thanks Gaz, Eastfields is one area I was thinking about - can you get back late at night without too much trouble eg night buses or similar? 7 minutes to Balham is very good.

I don't know about late night transport from Wimbledon but from London, the last train leaves Victoria midweek at 2325 and on Fridays and Saturdays an hour later. I've taken the night bus from the Strand which drops you at Figges Marsh. I think there is another night bus from London Bridge. If I'm out in the West End and don't have time to get over to Victoria for the last train then I take the Northern Line down to Colliers Wood and get a cab, costs about £10.00. Once the night tube eventually starts, no more night bus for me.

toomsie

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I live in Morden, which is scruffy and unglamorous, but fairly good for transport (I rented in Wimbledon for years but couldn't afford to buy there sadly). No trendy cafes or artisan bakeries, but generally nice neighbours.

Definitely avoid West Croydon.

No Starbucks, costas or any nightclubs in Mitcham. The heart and sole of Mitcham closed down, McDonalds.

piggeh

How on earth does a McDonalds close down? Got to be a first. Maybe it's really gone up market these days if McDs isn't able to survive.

ThatKindOfGuy

I actually work in the Colliers Wood/Mitcham area, for a very long time now and I can honestly say that the whole area (most parts) are not as bad as a lot of people make it out to be, I also hope to move to this part of London.

@Piggeh.. That McD's was very out dated.. it had the decor of a very early 90's restaurant.. very neglected.. If i remember correctly, Ronald Macdonald himself was still propped up in the corner.