What's Hayes like?

[MrsWhirling]

We are moving to Bromley but had not considered Hayes previously. Anybody live there? What's it like? We are a married couple, Walt 40's with two children under 10. Thanks

I don't live in Hayes but near enough.
I think Hayes has plenty going for it. Some really lovely streets around there. Both the primary and secondary schools are very good.
But it is a bit mixed. Drive around and you will see the clear cut points. There are a few roads that aren't quite the best.
Other than that, I think it's pretty good.
The George is a lovely pub.
I find the commute a little bit long if you will be travelling into London for work.
What other areas are you considering?

Hi Patry, thanks!
Yes, I travel to Victoria for work. We are drawn because of Hayes school. We were also looking in West Wickham but think we have been priced out now.

I went to the Open Day in Hayes and thought it is a very nice school.
However, there are always fashions with the schools really. The ones that were the most popular when we moved in are not the most popular now. What I hear from teachers and parents in the area is that schools in Bromley are mostly good and there are times when one or another is better and it just lasts for a few years then changes. But that's because they are all pretty good anyway.
What about Highfield, Pickhurst, St Mark's or Raglan? All near to Hayes but much nearer to Bromley South station for your commute? Just to offer a few options to expand your search.

Thanks - it's the secondary schools were moving into the borough for. Which is why we looked at properties near Hayes School. Actually one was on the same road! I just know very little about the area. There was a villagey area close by and shops which looked nice. Not sure I could afford anything in Langley catchment but also hearing girls school isn't actually that good!

Yes, Hayes secondary is known to be very good.
But I think there are many others too if you want to open up your search.
Bullers Wood - you'll be surprised how far 1.5 miles take you. You certainly don't have to buy a big detached house in Bickley.
Or Darrick Wood if you're happy to move to Orpington or around.

Just to give you an idea of what's in the catchment of Bullers - without having any idea of what you're looking for of course!

Whitehall Road, Bromley, Kent
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51692572.html

Sunningdale Road, Bickley
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-36653148.html

Widmore Lodge Road, Bickley, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2QF
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54781343.html

Ferndale, Bromley
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-52048789.html

Brooklyn Road, Bromley, Kent
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54819392.html

Lower Camden, Chislehurst
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51640294.html

Clarence Road Bromley BR1
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-55781924.html

Victoria Road, Bromley
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-37270239.html

Road, Bromley, Kent
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-36726480.html

Fashoda Road, Bromley
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54207440.html

Or if you have the budget, of course, lots asking over a million pounds very close to the school and to bickley and chislehurst stations

We live in Hayes and are pretty happy with it. Can't say I spend much time in the high street but it is fine for picking up bits and bobs and we like the George pub.

We live near to the Warren and it is great to just be able to take the kids up the road and into the woods to explore. I also like to go running in the woods and up into keston.

My commute is fine but I work in the city so I just sit on the train. Although the train is slow at least I get a seat. They are proposing to extend the bakerloo line out to Hayes eventually which although I don't think it is a great idea lots of others do.

Hayes secondary is very popular as you say and I know a number of people with children there who are very happy with it. Lots of people have been snapping up houses around us as they are keen to get into that school. Primaries are good as well.

When we first moved to our road it was mainly people in their late 50's early 60's with grown up children. It is changing now as some of them down size and we are mostly seeing families with 9/10 year olds moving in. I have to say I like our older neighbours they are very friendly and look out for you without being nosey!

Obviously west wickham is really close for bigger shoos, swimming pool etc. Have to admit have never felt the need to actually live in west wickham - happy to walk/drive there.

Wow Patry - so helpful! That's really helpful all - thank you. We've seen a house on the same road as the school that we like, but needs lots of work that I'm not sure we can take on. I'm definitely warming to it!

Very good luck Mrs Whirling.
I find Bromley very nice everywhere really.
A few roads here and there may not be the most desirable but overall I reckon Hayes, Shortlands, Sundridge, Chatterton Village, Bickley, Locksbottom... Are all really nice to live in.
I hope you enjoy the move once you moved.

Thank you Patry, you have been so helpful xx

Vote for Petts Wood here. Crofton end is in catchment for Darrick but only just. DD passed for Newstead, Bexley and Kent grammars and it is the perfect triangle for grammars if that is a consideration. I love the community feel of where I live and the variety of transport choices. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

Hayes and Langley are both very good schools, there are a few road off Pickhurst lane that put you in the catchment for both.

Hayes as a place is nice enough, there is a handy but slightly rubbish little sainsburys and a few nice takeaways. You couldn't spend all day in the high street but it has enough essentials and you are only 5 minutes from Bromley Town Centre, Some Roads in Hayes are nicer than other but that will be made obvious by house price!

I live in Hayes and absolutely love it. I lived here when I was younger moved away and now moved back. I've been here about 20 years now. I'm not really sure where the 'bad road' is. Yes Sainsburys is small but you can get everything you need and personally I would prefer this to a big store pulling people and traffic in from other areas. There are lots if other supermarkets close by and I think if the only negative is the size of a convenience store then you have nothing to worry about. It's great do it!

Hello, I have 3 girls. 16 months, 12 years and 10. We are looking to move to Kent because we need more room. My oldest is currently at a fee paying but we just want a local-ish school for both older girls. Can anyone recommend a good area? My husband wants a decent commute to EC2 so I am thinking Hayes, Headcorn. My family live in America, I have no idea of where is best but want good schools

If you head into Kent proper rather than one of the London Boroughs then you will need to take into account that there is a two tier system in Kent for schools. As up to a quarter go to grammar that can leave the other schools struggling. It isn't impossible to get into the grammars outside of the normal round of tests at start of Y6 but it is difficult. Tonbridge in Kent has good rail connections and schools but I don't know the area in detail.

If looking at Kent - London borders then the London borough of Bromley is a good option. Nearly all areas are nice. Beckenham has Langley girls and boys and Orpington has Darrick Wood (co-ed) and Chislehurst/ Bickley had Bullers Wood - all outstanding schools. But to get places 'in-year' you'd need to practically be on the doorstep and then still wait for spaces.

Ps if you want to stay in independent sector then Bromley High might be a consideration.

Bromley overall is a nice area and as pettswoodmum says, Bromley High is a good school is looking to stay in independent. If state then I would check out school availability especially for the eldest as schools have been very oversubscribed. My son is in independent due to no school spaces in the whole of the borough.

Kent the schools can be a hit and miss unless considering for grammer schools. If your dd is already in year 6 it may be too late to take the test for a space for Sept but double check that info.

Hi All! We are looking into the Hayes area as we found a property we like and we want to make an offer. Both husband and I are working in London (Cannon street and Charing Cross) and we wonder how is the commute from Hayes station to these two stations. Additionally, we wonder how safe the area is, the property we are interested in is approx a 15' walk north from the station. Any feedback would be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance!

Hayes is a very safe area. Easy commute to both Cannon Street and charing Cross from hayes station.