how to know if the property is in a good area or not

Generali

That hill up from wherever (Lee?) to Blackheath is pretty steep. Good part of London for training for:

Alp D'Huez

Kimbos2

We just bought our first flat in Crystal Palace and love the area! The triangle has some really good bars/restaurants with some lovely gardens to sit in for a saturday afternoon g & t! We discovered the park at the weekend, and were really suprised how nice it is. Thumbs up for CP!

Running_Horse

How about Dartford?

Bit further out, but a million and one trains every day into central London.

Pepstar_2

I’d say Lewisham if you don’t mind waiting awhile for the area to catch up. There is a major planning application in for regeneration of the town centre (www.lewishamgateway.co.uk) and the transport links are fantastic – especially if you want to get to the city – straight on the DLR.

Otherwise like the others said Greenwich, Blackheath and parts of Dulwich are lovely – but they come with a pretty high price attached.

[Deleted User]

I know Orpington and St Marys Cray very well, I lived there for 2 years, it was Hell! Chavs, crime, you do not want to live there, it is cheap for a reason! I had teenagers smashing my windows and threatening abuse and the police weren't interested.
Petts Wood and Chislehurst are much better. Bromley is also very nice, especially the South Bromley and it has fast trains into London Victoria (20 mins).

Taadaa

Take it from someone who has lived in various bits of SE London all my life....don't do it. At some point you will regret it, when you get spat at for no reason, or a shooting/stabbing/rape/armed robbery sign goes up on your doorstep, or someone's kids are outside shouting and keeping you awake until three in the morning for three consecutive nights.

I am moving out and I will not look or come back for all the tea in China.

Surrounded by discarded needles and half empty hand bags and dog !!!!!! 24/7. This is not the life meant for human beings!!

msmicawber

Gypsy Hill, which is right next to Crystal Palace is also very nice. If you've got a car, though, make sure you keep the handbrake in good nick! I also think Forest Hill is lovely - the Horniman Museum's there too, which is lovely, so you'd always have something interesting to do on a wet Sunday in winter.

Doozergirl

msmicawber wrote: »

Gypsy Hill, which is right next to Crystal Palace is also very nice. If you've got a car, though, make sure you keep the handbrake in good nick! I also think Forest Hill is lovely - the Horniman Museum's there too, which is lovely, so you'd always have something interesting to do on a wet Sunday in winter.

Gipsy Hill itself is nice but the area towards West Norwood is just a huge council estate (complete with authentic nuclear bunker!?)

Generali

I know SE London pretty well and wouldn't move my family there. Even if you're in one of the better bits you're never too far from a hell-hole. Just pick up one of the local papers every week for a month to see what I mean.

msmicawber

Doozergirl wrote: »

Gipsy Hill itself is nice but the area towards West Norwood is just a huge council estate (complete with authentic nuclear bunker!?)

I spent 3 happy years there, and can assure you I don't glow in the dark :rotfl: