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Original poster

Is BexleyHeath in Kent a safe place to live?

29 replies

ivt03 · 01/04/2018 13:13

Hi Mumsnetters,

As always, would appreciate your opinion, advice, views on the BexleyHeath area in Kent. Is this a safe place to live, especially Parkside Avenue DA7 in BexleyHeath, where we might buy a 2-bed house?

On a quick glance and with our research, neighbourhood looked fine/safe and we were told it's mostly families with children that reside but we've briefly been there so would love to listen to any views from the people in and around that area. Are there good schools - primary secondary and even Grammar schools?

There are two station options probably for us - Barnehurst (18-20 min walk) & Slade Green (10 min walk) . What are your views on these areas & the commute as well?

Any rough patches we need to avoid or be aware of? Any help about more information on this area would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

OP posts:
TalkinPeece · 01/04/2018 17:39

Safer than Brixton
less safe than Hawkhurst

all things are relative

Oddcat · 01/04/2018 17:44

I was brought up in Bexleyheath / Welling , it's as safe as any other place .

Oddcat · 01/04/2018 17:45

Re the commute , I think there's talk of trains not going to London Bridge any more.

gamerwidow · 01/04/2018 17:53

Bexleyheath is generally safe but the Broadway can be a bit rough on a Friday and Saturday night. The area you describe though is more Barnehurst than Bexleyheath and I would absolutely not expect any trouble there. Either train station is safe and terminate at the same Central London stops so it makes no real difference which one you use.
Primary schools in Bexleyheath are generally good and the grammar schools are excellent. The comps are a bit hit and miss, Bexleyheath Academy and Erith School are poor at the minute but the Haberdashers Aske in Crayford is nearby and starting to get a good reputation.
I've lived locally on and off for 40 years. I'm currently in a nearby town but looking to move to Barnehurst soon.

gamerwidow · 01/04/2018 17:55

Also rough areas- bits of Erith near centre, parts of Crayford, welling imo

eurochick · 01/04/2018 18:00

It's pretty safe. I grew up around there. Full of families.

There's no need to capitalise the H in the middle - it's all one word. Smile

Oddcat · 01/04/2018 18:07

My parents live in a naice part of Welling , not far from the woods , the high street needs a bit of a revamp though .

Original poster
ivt03 · 03/04/2018 10:09

Thanks for your valuable opinions people! That's helpful.

OP posts:
Butchmanda · 04/04/2018 23:17

We ended up in the area as couldn't afford anywhere smarter. All in all its a good place to bring up kids: mine have both managed to get into grammar school, lots of green spaces, sporting opportunities, Bluewater for shopping if you want it, good access to M25, comparatively cheap commute into London. It's not fashionable or smart but it's ok.

Nindy21 · 30/04/2018 11:24

Hello Virtual Friends,

Please excuse me if I'm posting this incorrectly. But I've recently started to look at moving out of West London, Towards Bexleyheath and I have found a few nice houses on Brampton Road and Long Lane.
Brampton Road looks nice and the commute to Abbey Wood station is not bad, though the schools are a little hit n miss from what I'm seeing on the Ofsted reports.
I've lived in West London all my life but having being priced out, I'm having to make the move towards Bexleyheath. The Schools is a worry, though it's difficult to have all the boxes ticked in regards to affordability a good commutable area and schools...

gamerwidow · 30/04/2018 11:58

Brampton road and long lane both safe areas. I would aim to commute via Bexleyheath station though Belvedere is a bit grim.

gamerwidow · 30/04/2018 12:00

NB Belvedere station grim. Belvedere town especially upper Belvedere ok.

gamerwidow · 30/04/2018 12:01

And after that caveat I didn't even mean Belvedere I meant Abbey Wood facepalm

Abbey wood station and town a bit grim.

Butchmanda · 30/04/2018 13:50

Abbey Wood station is going to be incredibly useful with the new line etc, although I agree the area is much more grim than Welling/Bexleyheath. Don't know if that means house prices will shoot up there. And if it'll smarten up. (Still waiting for Welling to smarten up - still hasn't happened, although it's much more diverse than it was when we moved here in 2000).

RE. the schools though: you probably know this already, but take Ofsted reports with a pinch of salt. I think most of the schools in the area are above -average and there are so many of them that you will be unlikely to get stuck with one you don't want. My kids went to an Ofsted Outstanding but I don't think it was any better, really, than ones considered only 'Good'. In fact, in some ways, it was definitely not as good as some lesser-rated schools. Are your children already in school? In-year admissions are hard, but if they've yet to start, then you'll presumably have time to shop around and get a feel for the place and the schools etc.

Nindy21 · 30/04/2018 14:18

Thanks You for your responses - At the moment my child is in nursery and starting reception in September, so I'll have to re-apply once I have moved into the area.
I've heard good things about Crossrail, in fact I'm moving from a Crossrail area, I'm near Heathrow and the area has certainly had a revamp and the prices have rocketed, the revamp is still underway.

In regards to Ofstead I agree, I have to take it with a pinch of salt, I just hope we get one that my child likes. I haven't got much time to shop around for a school but then again, if my daughter doesn't like where she ends up, we'll need to look again.
Many Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it.

LurksNoLonger · 30/04/2018 19:24

Nindy21 shave you considered further out? I grew up in Bexleyheath/Welling/Barnehurst but have moved out to Folkestone on the Kent coast. Shorter (strangely) commute to London (albeit more expensive) just as good schools, but far easier to get into them and you get far more property for your money. Best thing we ever did! Quality of life for us and the kids is amazing.

Pardalis · 30/04/2018 19:47

I'm in Bexleyheath and would recommend. Not a native either. I'm on Long Lane. My son's school is very good. In fact most of the primaries round here are

user1489844432 · 01/05/2018 05:56

Moved to Welling last year. The high street not very inviting but never had any problems. Had similar concerns before moving in but no issues to report so far! Cant comment on schools as this is still few years away.

PeonyTruffle · 01/05/2018 06:04

I’m in Crayford (not a dodgy part) and before that lived in Bexleyheath. Agree with PP, avoid the Broadway on a Friday & Saturday night and it’s perfectly fine

Avoid Belvedere, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood

GrimSqueaker · 01/05/2018 09:58

Look at the DATES on Ofsted reports with schools - inspections have changed quite a lot and the goalposts moved over time.

Nindy21 · 01/05/2018 10:50

Thank you everyone - I'd be in between Bexleyheath Station and Abbey Wood - So ideal for the commute.
Hi LurksNoLonger, I've looked around quiet abit and unfortunately, moving out of London would cost me more in travel and after doing the maths it didn't work for me. I totally looked into the moving out and was blown away with the lovely homes you can buy, but at this point in my life I'm having to try and stay in London. Who's knows what the future holds.
I've checked Ofsted reports and I'm going to take the plunge, I've waited long enough and worst case scenario, If I don't feel it's for me, I'll make another move in the near future.
Hopefully, It won't come to that. Thank you again and I'm sure our paths will cross again, on another forum! Have a great day!

Pardalis · 01/05/2018 22:13

It is a good area for house price/rent v commute costs. There are new bus routes planned for cross rail which means getting to Abbeywood will be easier.

As for schools, most primaries are indeed good. I lucked in by accident for ours although it does have quite a small catchment. Of course the grammars are good so if your kids are academic then all good. If not, at the moment the secondary schools are a bit mixed. Although I can't really comment on that.

There is a bit of a problem with kids in the town centre after schools kick out. I'm hoping this will be sorted - it's become a bit of a focus point.

But, there are also lovely places within a short distance and a family friendly focus.

Jennifer0117 · 01/09/2018 08:20

Hi,

I'm due to move to Bexleyheath very soon. I chose this particular area because of the great reputation of schools in the area. Recently, I've seen alot of burglaries & it's rather wprrhing. Overall, would you still say Bexleyheath is a safe place to live in? I'm aware it's all relative as no matter where you go there will also be crime. Thanks.

newyeardelurker · 01/09/2018 19:33

Yes it's still safe. No change from previously 😀

Charlie012 · 15/07/2023 10:36

There is a new built property that's on Broadway Bexleyheath high street Hyam apartments by Kallars View. 2bhk flat quoting 350k. Is the price good ?

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