Aibu to think Merstham is a bad area?

[Katamakana]

DH suggested Merstham as a top choice for us to rent. (As it’s cheap).
My cousin lives in Redhill and says it’s a bad choice (drugs, council estates etc) and says there are far better options nearby? Aibu to agree? (She used to live there and has moved on)

@Katamakana

Ah didn’t even realise it was known as the poorest area of Surrey!

Exactly, it is not self evident!

I think that’s where the rep comes from. I could be wrong. But anyway, compared to East Dulwich, West Norwood and various other places I’ve lived in SE London, it’s really nice. It’s really close to the countryside as well; I love walked to the Inn on the Pond for a pint (when it’s open). But it’s also super quick into London; quicker than when I was in zone 3! Best of all the worlds.

I love walking

God I wish there was an edit button.

@P0gM0Th0in
Well Norwood is another level! Anywhere is better than there tbh

Ok would you let your kids walk there alone?

The roads towards West Dulwich and Gipsy Hill are nice; lovely houses. Still, the area I’ve lived in with the most “incidents” was definitely East Dulwich. I’ve never really seen anything happen in Merstham. There’s the odd low level incident discussed on local FB groups but overall it seems really safe. I don’t have kids though, so I can’t comment on the schools.

I have a friend who lives on Malmstone Avenue and she had had horrendous problems with nasty neighbours. Even before I knew her I wouldn't have wanted to live there. It isn't a nice area at all. My nan lived there in the 50s till she died in the early 00s and it was not great then but worse now IMO.

What are your alternative areas in regard to your budget?

Wow thanks for warning @Titsywoo
Can I ask what kind of problems?

@P0gM0Th0in
Other areas are ashford, possibly more far out like uckfield but feel it’s too far

Look around Nutfield road, Albury Road, Orpin road. That side of Bletchingley is a bit nicer. The Watercolour estate is v pretty. Some really big detached houses there but they are all quite close together.

Hmmm in that case sounds like I should listen to my gut and avoid the area

Would Couldson or Purely be any good?

Merstham has some significant drug issues, and county lines stuff. Especially the area east of the A23 (Malmstone, Radstock, etc.)

What transport links do you need?

@P0gM0Th0in We are in Redhill and love walks around Watercolour Estate, Inn by the Pond.
OP Watercolour is nice as is Earlswood. Would you consider Nutfield or Redhill? It would help to know your commute needs. Although that may not be so relevant in the brave new WFH world

I worked for Surrey police for many years.

Let's just say that place generates plenty of work.

Have you had a look just a tiny bit north of there - Whyteleafe, Coulsdon, Caterham, Kenley?

It will be quiet now by much noisier once flights resume to anything like a pre-pandemic level from Gatwick Airport. In addition to the comments above.

Purely etc not in budget
Merstham sounds a bit too dodgy for my liking

OP you have a load of locals on here, what are your transport needs? Where do you need to commute to and how? Then people can help you with other areas.

With Merstham, my main advice is to keep to the West side. The main issue is the estate around Radstock Way. Although my friend brought up 2 kids on Radstock without mishap, bar finding drug taking in the woods between her house and the M25. I wouldn't have been too happy letting the kids wander around, and I'm glad she's moved out now her lad is old enough to do so.

She got both kids into Church primary schools in Caterham, though. She was very worried they might get Furzefield, less so about Merstham Primary.

@newnortherner111

It will be quiet now by much noisier once flights resume to anything like a pre-pandemic level from Gatwick Airport. In addition to the comments above.

Aircraft noise is not an issue there, M25/M23 and rail line more likely to be noisy depending where you live. All towns have less desirable areas but it is relative. .

I've lived nearby and Merstham is nothing compared to deprived bits of London, trust me. It is quite isolated and "tucked away" though which would put me off.

Not sure what your budget it or what you consider cheap but I would be surprised if there aren't areas of Redhill, Whyteleafe, Coulsdon, Caterham that aren't similar prices? Is Merstham really that much cheaper to rent that Woodhatch in Reigate?
As PP have said, these areas are extremely diverse and mixed (one of the reasons I like living here) with large detached houses and small flats very close together.

And yes, I've never noticed aircraft noise round here, it's not like W London. You can hear the M25 sometimes but not too much.

There’s no aircraft noise due to the Gatwick flight paths having to avoid various small aerodromes.
Obviously a lot of the estate you are worried about is next to the M25, so that can be a bit noisy. I am the other side of Bletchingley Road so not affected. I’m not too close to the trains either.

All the negative stories on here are about 1 specific estate; Merstham is much bigger than that! I don’t think it is actually that cheap due to the fast trains to London though, so maybe you’d get more for your money further out.

What puts me off further is the fact that Surrey police said it’s trouble(well the side I was aiming at )