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 :)

This level of local knowledge is great meadow I thought maybe Farnley Road was a posh Rd and that's why the price was high. Would annerly offer better senior schools?

Farnley road - expect match days at CPFC to be horribly busy, parking will be a nightmare....

2nd house lovely, it's not Penge 'proper' and could be catchment for good secondaries of Cator park (well it used to be) and even Langley Park. I was brought up a couple of roads away and went to Langley and churchfields primary.

3rd house is horrible.

The 2 senior schools I mentioned are all girls btw. Bromley borough do mostly single sex schools.

bayrans glad to see that No. 3 is horrible because if you all think like that, I will have less competition when I can afford to buy suchlike :)
Just checking Good schools guide - Langley park girls seems not likely from Anerley. I don't know the other school.

Sarf I am moving away from SN for Langley park catchment but feel quite passionate and positive about the area and its future.

I think the third house would be much more attractive if it had a nice garden, it obvs needs work, but a tiny yard like that would be depressing. Stembridge Rd has 100ft garden! I could have a 'long' border, just need to work out if we could afford it.

No one has mentioned that it's a rough area?
I used to live there about 15 years ago (Woodside green) and it was ok but drug hot spot, murder in the local pub.
I'm now in Surrey and 3 families have moved here, one from Norwood Junction, in the last 12 months.
Our local school is pretty crap (Ofsted satisfactory) and they all love it and say its so much better.
I would think very carefully before moving to Norwood Junction or Thornton Heath. Go there at night.

I think 15 yrs ago where I live now was pretty rough, now we're overrun with hipsters. Have just noticed Cator Park is a Harris academy too! Ugh.

Can I just be horribly unhelpful and throw South Croydon into the mix. We moved from S norwood Hill as can get far more for money, schools much better and faster transport links. Best bits: Waitrose and 10
Mins drive away to country with fields, sheep and horses yet lost 30mins from commute to S Ken

codandchip, I am a little puzzled when somone says "10 mins to the countryside fields and sheeps" - you do not actually peruse those, do you? I mean you just pass by? Or do you actually stop in those fields? I love the idea of countryside fields but I am never sure how does that improve life quality. Other than that agree, S.Croydon is a very good option and Woodcote high school is one of the best state schools in the area.

Parking might be an issue with number 3, and it is on quite a busy 'cut through' road, seems a bit dear to me. I think if you want 3 double bedrooms in SN the house layout will be like that with one of them in a loft conversion.

We don't have a car, so parking won't be an issue for us.

15 years ago, a lot of London was considered rough!

cod I thought S Croydon was more expensive than S Norwood?

We do, from the lovely pub garden many of our friends cycle round such field areas too, don't understand what's confusing? It's the contrast, train into central London or walk to Central Croydon within 20 mins or country within 10. Has been great for me as good transport as I don't drive.

Only suggesting as we couldn't believe how much further our money went here.

Cod

ps Woodcote is great but no chance from S Croydon where we are

Thank you all. I think South Croydon may be a bit too far out for me. I like to feel I am actually living in London! Thanks for the suggestion though :)

Nugent
same house
Harrington Road
same house

Nugent is nr to the lakes and has good links to Norwood Jct and Croydon (handy when we get the new Westfield.) Harrington rd I don't know as well but you're nr the country park and train/tram stop so well connected.

Glad you're still looking this way. Stanley Halls is nearby and potential new events/gigs look v interesting. There are also plans to set up a community pub inspired by the Ivy House in Nunhead.

South Croydon and Surrey borders are lovely but can be a bit sterile suburban and you won't get that London feel (we considered Wallington and Carshalton which were nice but we feel much more at home here). It may be rough around the edges but the hipsters are heading this way so you won't be able to move for craft sourdough everything soon

Maybe I should start growing a beard now indie. Nugent Road is 'speaking' to me...

Nugent Road under offer, and I didn't even get a chance to go and see it (blummin Foxtons). Leaves Harrington Road...
I really like this house www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/33743121#lcXqH9qoajFm4wew.97, but I remember it not getting a very good reaction here. The price seems to be coming down a bit so I wondered what you thought a reasonable price would be for that house?
I know I'm hardly the only person in London to be craving space, but there has to be something out there for us

The only negative would be match days at Crystal Palace FC. Parking or generally getting to and from your house will be a nightmare for a few hours. I've lived in 2 houses close to the ground, 1 with a drive yet it was still a nightmare to get to it and park.
Also, sainsburys closes early on match days.

It may be cheeky but I would be tempted to start with 400k and not go above 435k. I understand why you like the house, however I am not so keen on location. But it is for you to live!

Well I don't know the area at all meadow so your input is really appreciated. There don't seem to be many houses like this in the area which is a shame... £425 sounds doable! it's been on for ages too see image

Bayran, thanks for the footie feedback - don't like football :(

I've just noticed that the Farnley Road house doesn't have central heating, is right u a football ground and is nearly half a million quid. Ho hum

How do we feel about this South Norwood Aficionados Park Road
Is it still too close to the football ground? I am intrigued by it... it's like my grandparent's house which is why I feel drawn to it I think, that and that the rather 'radical' kitchen design .

Looks like an awesome house with fantastic potential but I'm not familiar with Park Road so hopefully someone will pop along soon with some knowledge of the road.