Any Black Mumsnetters live in Beckenham?

[LifesaBotchh]

I posted about Beckenham on the Property board to find out what it's like both practically and also culturally and politically, but not much response to what I want to know. Is it diverse and would a black family fit in? (Moving out of central).

Hi, I’m not too far from there and have friends with children in the area. It depends on where in Beckenham you are thinking. Towards Sydenham/Penge it’s more diverse, towards Bromley less so. Do you know what schools and areas you are looking at?

I live just down the road in Hayes. Beckenham is fine. It's diverse enough to not have people wanting to touch my hair, and I feel comfortable going out there.

We live in Penge but did look at a few houses in Beckenham. It is outer London so probably not as diverse as what you’re used to but it feels fine to me. We often go there to eat and sometimes shop in the Waitrose.

Beckenham does cover quite a large area though and I think it does vary. We moved from Peckham and all the estate agents said that there were more and more people moving to the area from that bit of London.

You could also join some local Facebook groups to get a feel of the area. Beckenham mums and Beckenham and Penge mums and dads come to
mind.

Sorry don’t mean to spam…

You could also look at Crystal Palace or Penge which I would say were more culturally and political more what you’re looking for.

South Norwood and Penge are more diverse and 'up and coming'. You'd get a nicer house and better transport. Beckenham is more suburban, more white, especially in the nicer areas. And much more expensive.