To wonder why Croydon/Sutton get so much negativity

[Dobdebdop]

Me and dh are looking to move from our current house and our currently house hunting in these two boroughs. We are seeking to be able to go mortgage free so I can start a business.

When we brought this up to family and friends, many sounded absolutely horrified at the idea.

When viewing properties we found most of these areas to be pleasant and absolutely fine. The high streets in both are a bit shabby but Central London is less than 30 mins for shopping so we can just go there.

I dont understand why there is so much negativity to this part of South London, I don't know much about this area but my impression is that it was an absolutely fine place to live.

Sanderstead is absolutely fine at night and worlds, and miles, away from where that poor lady was stabbed, indoors, in a domestic incident, by her partner that can, and does, happen anywhere in the country.

Thornton Heath is 4 miles from Sanderstead. Comparing those areas is the equivalent of comparing Kensington High St to Camden Market.

Those roads are nice but as you've identified they're a bit far from either Sanderstead or Selsdon high st (but on the flip side, much more convenient for the station). And you'll be close enough to get into Ridgeway primary there as well, which is definitely a consideration. I'd happily get the last train to Sanderstead or Purley Oaks and wander home along any of that route.

That's reassuring... So it's as safe as places like cheam Epsom and Sutton by the sounds of it. So nice to hear directly from people who know the area rather than generic "oh no Croydon is stabby stabby"

@commuters30

If you’re looking at crime, then just go to police.uk instead of relying on forum gossip.

Croydon is a large borough and a lot of it is lovely but there are some dodgy pockets.

Sutton is currently the second safest borough in London and one out of two not to have had any murders last year. So yes, even Richmond or Kensington and Chelsea are more stabby.

I moved to Croydon few months ago and really feel isolated. Is there any mum to be events around here? I am looking forward to meeting new people and so far only developed relationship with my coworkers.

The NCT are pretty active - I think they do a lot of things at the Clocktower Café. Have a look at their website.

And I think there's quite a lot in Crystal Palace that's parent & baby oriented.

I am in the proces of buying a house in SM2. We found a house that ticks almost all the boxes. I am completely new to south London. Most of the reviews that I have read about Sutton are not great so I am a bit unsure now. Can anybody give me so

Sorry I didn't finish my post.
Any advice would be really appreciate it. Thanks