South Norwood recommendations anyone?

[SarfEasticated]

Hot on the heels of my 'let's move to the seaside' train of thought (which ended after a depressing day in Folkestone) we are now considering South Norwood. Our budget is up to £400k, but would rather pay £360k. Could any of you locals let me know where the nice parts are, or the nice primary schools? I have looked at a house in Ross Road, and like Grange Park, and the closeness to Crystal Palace, and Cypress school looks nice too but it is a good 25 mins walk to the station. The Norhryst (what an odd name) area close to the country park is a bit too expensive for us. We are going to see a house this weekend the other side of the tracks off Portland Road, but would appreciate some insider info. Any areas to avoid/look at closely?
Any help you can give would much appreciated
SE :)

A gracious and gorgeous home meadow!

I would like - semi detached or detached 3 double bedrooms, near park and good school, friendly neighborhood. Decent garden not too much work required. help meeeeeee!

Oh and close to overground station! Not that I'm asking too much or anything!

Thornton Heath station is walkable from Ross Rd I'd think.

Am old gimmer and from TH but been in the NE for decades. Family still down there, though.

South norwood is weirdly very cheap

Don't tell everyone notnow

Any luck Sarf?

The South Norwood Hill side Of SN has nice, big houses although much more expensive than the Portland Road side. I know you felt it too far to walk to the station, but it is downhill. You can also, easily, get to Crystal Palace, Brixton etc by bus so good for nightlife (if you have one - I still don't!).

The Portland Road end, by the Country Park is nice too. The houses are mostly Victorian and if you can't find a 3-bed, you can always add a loft extension to your liking later. Most 3-beds have the bathroom downstairs, although some prefer this. It is usually a 15 min walk to the station. Just be aware the closer you get to Woodside (which has larger houses) the further away from Norwood Junction station you are. Nothing to stop you getting the tram to E. Croydon though, which offers better transport to the Portland Road end.

The other side of Portland Road (towards Tennison bridge) has a different feel - can't really put my finger on it, maybe it's just me. Anyway, larger houses there too.

Portland Road itself is, let's say gritty, but SN has just been awarded 1.5 million to regenerate the area. This is just the start - there'll be a farmers/craft market soon. The stunning Stanley Halls hosts a film club and looks like it is going to be a music venue. There's also a group trying to set up a community pub. It's all happening here!

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Thanks Baalamooree I can't see anything on Zoopla that I like at the mo, if you have a chance to have a look tell me if there are any gems. I'm looking for somewhere where we don't have to move ever again! I love the idea of a community pub
Isn't there a big senior school planned to be built on the Country Park or have I got my facts confused. I saw this house but not sure about the area... would you live there? It's so hard when you don't know an area properly...

Now I'm jealous!

I like that road, I really like that house! Definitely take a look. See how you feel about the road too, it's one of the nicer ones (IMO). You are right next to the park there and also close to Arena tram stop to get to Beckenham for the Spa, lovely shops, restaurants etc; Elmers End for an alternative route into town and E.Croydon & Westfield, when it arrives.

There will be a secondary school. I think it's about to start building work, it's entrance will be a few roads from that house. It will be part of the Oasis chain, they have an outstanding primary and secondary just under 1 mile away. They have also just taken over the primary school which is situated a road away from that house.

At the top of that road is a bus stop so if you can't face walking back from the station you could get a bus that will take you all the way home.

Good luck and feel free to PM me.

Does anyone know what chalfont road is like (off South Norwood hill)? My brother is thinking of renting there? Thanks.

Hi Sarf, we are in the process of putting our end of terrace 3 bed on Napier road ( off Portland road) and our mums 3 bed on Ross Road on the market. Would you like me to send you the links when they are ready?

That would be great Insert. I'd be interested to know what you think of the estate agents as a vendor...

I've been looking in se19 but may have a look at se25 now.

insert , due to very limited number of 3 bed end terraces in Napier road, I was wondering if you are the woman with a little girl that I see most mornings while on my way to work. Are you organising a mass exodus from South Norwood, including your mums? :D

I am moving away from SN, mainly due to secondary schools, but I have loved my time here and if/when my circumstances change I would happily move back again. I am exchanging next Tuesday and to be honest, my heart cries though my current house is really not right for us any more. Admitting that I cannot afford SN hill, I would consider most of South Norwood except from nearby the station, nearby the stadium and Percy road area.

Sarf write the roads and I will point out negatives/positives. For example, Ferndale road is good and at the moment that house is a quiet spot, but there may be an issue with parking and traffic once the new secondary is open. I would be a little warry of that, though I really loved the house it would not put me off.

However, and this is quite significant, please think carefully of secondaries. I personally dislike Harrises with passion.

Why do you hate the academies meadow... Gimme watchu got...

meadowquark mass exodus?! Is this due to secondary schools? Or for larger houses do you think? There are a lot of professionals moving in, so eventually that will change the secondary schools don't you think?

There is one Harris in SN and one in Crystal Palace - I thought they both had impressive results? No direct experience though as I'm way off that! How about the new Oasis?

Which roads near the stadium would you advise against? My friend is also looking here so would be good to know.

Just read Ofsted Parentview for any of Harris academies, including Crystal Palace one. Whether the parents would recommend the school to others and other questions answered. The survey results are far worse than unimpressive non-academies. The new Oasis will have sports related specialism which does not impress me, and the most if intake is expected to come from Thornton Heath.

Only mentioned mass exodus as insert will be selling two houses in SN at once. I was only joking. I hope the schools will change... although with this monopoly of academies... who knows!

The nearest roads to the stadium are either very busy (like Whitehorse lane) or en route for football fans from Norwood Junction to the stadium. Only those to avoid.

If sexting is still a thing in 4 years time, my dd is going to a remote convent somewhere in the Hebrides. I'd be interested to know which secondary schools you do rate. I have no clue, and would probably pick a school similar to one I went to myself - not very scientific. We may all come and live near wherever you end up!
I'll paste in some links when i find somewhere, thanks loads for all your intel :)

meadow oops, can see it is a joke now I should really get some sleep.

BTW is Thornton Heath that close to be in catchment area?

Ooh meadow I think you have spotted me! I don't want to be the one to start rumours of a mass exodus, it is all quite innocent, we are selling up to get somewhere together with a granny annexe for Mum.

Sarf I am moving only 2 miles away to Shirley to be hopefully in Langley Park school catchment. Not sure if it the best decision, but it is the best I can afford (which is not much frankly). Other than that we may qualify for some faith secondaries, however I am tired of faking religion...

Check Parentview for Harris Crystal Palace and Edenham High and you will see the difference. I hear that there is Sydenham girls hat is good but maybe a bit too far from SN. I don't know which other schools could be good... sorry! If my DS wasn't know for challenging behaviour, then I probably would be less worried, but I feel it is my duty to give him a chance to grow up in "safe" environment before it is too late. I don't want to scare you off, and I genuinely thinking to move back when the time comes.
At the moment I am eyeing at Malden road; before that I was dreaming of particular houses in Belmont and Cobden road.

Baalamooree Thornton Heath was mentioned in the secondary planning meetings. Even bus 130 route was extended to TH partially because of the coming school.

insert next time I see you, I will give you a big smile! :)

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-46973657.html
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-33813972.html

How about these ladies - am hoping the top one will take a cheeky offer... be frank!

or this one?
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-33714561.html

Out of the three I love No. 2 (Anerley), I think the location is quite idyllic and a good primary on the doorstep. No. 3 would top me for space and location (might be a bit personal), but the garden is disappointing. No. 1 - for some reason I am not in love with that location, and the house is expensive and very average.