To be drawn to a lesser known Sanderstead rather than the more popular Epsom, Sutton, Cheam?

[commuters30]

It's a quiet spot and great for commuting, and it feels like a bit of a hidden gem given property prices still have potential to go up given it's proximity to Croydon.

But then it's a double edged sword! Being so close to Croydon... are we being a mug when we have the luxury of choice of being in other more popular places like Epsom, Cheam and Sutton?

Thoughts from locals living in these areas who can give a real every-day life comparison would be so great!

My Aunt and Uncle live there and I was only there yesterday. It really is amazing that you are near Croydon and Purley, it feels like the countryside. You can go for nice walks overlooking hills and forget where you are. If you like tennis or golf there are local clubs but no pubs due to some sort of covenant. Some find it too quiet but I think it is typical suburbia if that's what you are after. They get mini deers in their garden which isn't something you'd expect in London. If you go for somewhere on the top of Sanderstead hill just be aware that it has it's own weather system. My folks are often grappling with snow a week after it has cleared everywhere else!

I don't know that Sanderstead is lesser known - it's not a town in its own right, but still a very popular part of the South Croydon area.

It is a lovely place for families, pretty good schools, parks, good transport (although the train stations - Sanderstead and Purley Oaks are down the hill), and easy access to the countryside.

Whatever you do don’t pick Sutton. I live here and it’s dreadful.
Epsom or sanderstead are much nicer places to live. Cheam is okay but if you can get a better deal in sanderstead I think you’d be happier.
Sutton schools where I am are overrun and we have to travel half an hour to get to the nearest dumping ground/primary school. The kids are dreadful. If I go out I get cat called even at almost 9 months pregnant. There seems to be a daily occurrence of drunk people walking down the main road screaming and shouting at the top of their lungs at 2am near where I live.
Given the choice, I’d be gone like a flash. Being close to Croydon isn’t a good thing in my opinion.
Also the parking is right up the wazzoo around here and it’s about to get worse.

Yes, I agree about Sutton. I grew up there and couldn't wait to leave. Sounds like it hasn't changed from when I was there. Not too crazy about Cheam either - I went to school there. I feel they have Sutton sensibilities but with better houses.
Sanderstead sounds lovely. I've never actually been. But I guess I never needed to.
I never minded Epsom a few of my friends lived there and I remember being impressed that they never locked their doors when leaving the house! Would never happen in Sutton.
Have you considered Carshalton, OP? We moved there when I was about 11. Much smaller and with the lovely parks.

Sanderstead is pretty dull in my opinion. I have friends there, they spend a lot of time travelling back in to Croydon for shopping, eating out etc. The train station is quite a trek from the main town centre and it’s very hilly so not great for cycling.

I would far rather live in Carshalton or Sutton. More to do, nice pubs, great transport links.

Wow I didn't expect so much negative comments on Sutton! I always thought it was up and coming, what with all the new shops and fancy new flats everywhere at both ends of the high street.

I don't know much about Carshalton @LloydColeandtheCoconuts other than the pond! Looks nice and trains aren't too bad at all.

Depends what bit of Sanderstead. Some people who claim they live there aren't. If you have no need for public transport, have a look further out - Farleigh, Fickelshole, etc, if you want genuine rural, Warlingham if you want to stay on exactly the same bus route or like having several very nice pubs to choose from.

the ridgeway, Arkwright road, ewhurst way, etc.

Sanderstead seems ok. Not sure of schools provision is only caveat. Carshalton is lovely but probably housing is more pricey there. Very good schools though and places to go for walks in fields depending on which part.

No pubs in Sanderstead. Apparently it's a tradition, or charter, or something. Grew up in Upper Warlingham so should know. Escaped at age 18 and 35 years later live in Yorkshire. Where there are pubs.

Proper Sanderstead, but definitely still suburban. Yeah, it's nice there.

Ridgeway School has a very good reputation (and low staff turnover).

It's very quiet.

The train service from Sanderstead can be quite pressured in rush hour and you'll spend a lot of time scuttling across East Croydon Station to get to the far platform for changes on the way home. And the first bit of snow will see the service cut on all public transport, as the buses can't navigate Sanderstead Hill or Mitchley Way when it's icy either - but you're within fairly easy walking distance of the Brighton Road (which is almost always clear) on the very rare occasions that happens. But on the whole, there are great doctors in the area, there are shops within easy reach, some restaurants about ten minutes away, really easy to get to a large Sainsburys, Waitrose and an Aldi. And it's very green.

I actually think that Carshalton Beeches is nice as well and more 'put together' in terms of prettiness. But you could well get more for your money in Sanderstead (although personally, I am definitely more of a go over the border into Surrey/fields and cows type of person - which would be Farleigh, etc as previously mentioned). Your other choice could be looking at Woodmansterne/Banstead.

Depends upon what exactly you're looking for - Victorian Villa, big 1930s house, flat conversion, etc...

Schools - State is Riddlesdown (LBC). Does very well. Or Warlingham (SCC). Private - Croydon Girls' School just up the road, Whitgift is straight down the road and hang a right. Lots of private nurseries, baby ballet, etc, available in the area and I've already said Ridgeway does well. Copious numbers of private instrumental teachers.

Could possibly get into LB Sutton Grammar system from there.

Religious affiliation matters - RC families have a few to choose from, CofE, just the one.

Giggling here, grew up in Croydon and headed out of the borough at the first opportunity. I live in a very ordinary city but it knocks the socks off any of the outer boroughs - the shops and restaurants are mostly chains in places like Croydon and Sutton, house prices are crazy, and the crime ...

Come north and you can afford a whole house !

ah god it’s at times like this I wish I’d done my research properly before moving 600 miles away

never heard of sanderstead until now and am now banging head off wall as we couldn’t find a “genteel place that’s like Croydon but not Croydon”

[looks at map, shoots self]

There are loads of independent restaurants in South Croydon, and a fair few in Sutton near the station.

Not so many independent shops, but London and Brighton are so close and easy to get to that you can get your shopping fix no problem.

Born in Croydon. Lived in Sutton when first married. Sanderstead was somewhere we aspired to. I'd take it over Sutton or Epsom (but not Ewell) any day. As for Cheam, it depends which bit you're talking about.

Whatever feels right for you. Especially if you don't need a decent state primary or you're Catholic.

I'm very happy in Sutton - it's the safest borough in London and schools are ace.

And I wouldn't call Sutton 'up-and-coming' as it's always been leafy, clean, super safe and at the top of national league tables for schools (primary and sencondary). The only bit that does need to up and come is the high street. It does seem to be improving slowly but surely.

I wished I found this community of people like you years ago you are all so helpful!!!

@MitziK you are a fountain of knowledge. I see there are direct trains to London Bridge from Sanderstead. So are those typically standing room only then both ways? Some nice 1920s house but I see many being converted into flats which I hope won't ruin the roads or area.

@PaulHollywoodsSexGut where did you move to?

My home town.... in North Scotland

Would both of you commute into London, and what would be the rail commute?

Sanderstead is zone 6 with good trains.

If you're hoping to use Riddlesdown Collegiate for secondary, can you get in there from Sanderstead unless it's on ability testing? No other decent schools around.

I live in this area (one of the towns you mentioned in your OP) and never heard of Sanderstead. But if it's close to Croydon it sounds convenient. We also looked at Coulsdon, Carshalton, and Reigate (albeit a little further out) was another town we seriously considered.

@Loopytiles yep will both be taking trains into London Bridge then tube from there... so hoping the trains from sanderstead are ok (don't mind standing for the 22 mins journey really) and as long as the station area is relatively safe to walk in evenings and early morning

I grew up in the middle of sanderstead (I left 5 years ago). My parents are currently selling the family home (near sanderstead pond) they can't wait to leave.
It's ok ..... Not much to do. The previous poster is correct there are no pubs or bars due to the parish laws (or something).
I survived the local schools (unlike my siblings who couldn't cope with the huge number of pupils - Many of which travel from central Croydon and new Addington.

My parents house has been broken into several times. It's seen as an affluent area so is a target - once broken into in the middle of the day!! I got home from work to a ransacked house. Neighbours apparently didn't notice.

I moved out as soon as I could afford to. I haven't moved far but am now far more rural. If you are used to inner city life then I suppose Sanderstead could be seen as a quieter area but it's just getting busier and busier as Croydon spreads outwards. However I guess the same can be said about most places x