Carshalton?

[user1471522160]

Long time lurker, first time poster here… currently living in East London and want to move a bit out for more space, greenery etc (all the usual). We both still need to commute into London for work though, so have been looking at Carshalton as it seems to fit the bill + good schools (as we have a 3 year old). Anyone live in the area and would be happy to dish the dirt?

We’ve been there quite a few weekends now and Carshalton Beeches obviously seems very lovely (but equally very expensive!) and we’re less keen on the St Helier end. A few houses have come up around Colston Avenue (near the station), which seem interesting and a bit more reasonable price wise… now thinking there might be a reason for that! (budget is around £450-500,000 and we’d like a 3-bed house)

Many thanks!

I am on the Carshalton / Wallington border (near Carshalton Park and Wallington Station). We love it for all those reasons - the parks, the great primary schools, plus the high street with the independent shops, the various community events that happen (Easter Egg hunt, Frost fair, Environmental Fair etc). The proximity to London helps - it’s only 25 mins to London Bridge from Wallington if you get the fast train. Highly recommend.

I meant to say, don’t write off the Carshalton end of Wallington either - you might be able to find a bargain with still great access to the Carshalton amenities.

I live in nearby and agree Carshalton is lovely, really pretty in places too.

All I would add and I know you're a way off yet but it's the grammar system for secondaries in the borough so I'd check that out.

Other than that go for it

My granny lives in carshalton beeches and it's lovely. Despite her being on a main road it's a very friendly road where they look out for each other. She has lived in the same house for 50 years.

I love the Grove Park and the ponds. I used to drive to the Grove even though i moved away now as it was so great for kids. I like Westcroft leisure centre too.

@WorrisomeHeart Thank you! We've been looking in that area too, but not much seem to come up (at least not in our price range...). Glad to hear you like it - I think we're pretty sold, it's just a scary prospect to 'move out' (even though it's still technically London!)

@Chartreuser Thanks! Yes, I know of the grammar schools - not sure what will be right for her, but there seem to be a few good mixed comps nearby as well...

@m0therofdragons Yes, Beeches seems lovely (and some amazing houses). It's a bit pricey though, so we're currently looking a bit nearer the station

@ElectricDreamz Thanks! The Grove has definitely been a hit when we've been down to check it out

Anyone have any specific insights into Colston Avenue (or around there)?

I don't but googling it doesn't bring up anything in the news like neighbours from hell or crime/antisocial behaviour so that's a good start!

I’d suggest The Causeway, River Gardens, Shepley Close are worth looking at. Nice houses to live in and decent area.

@ElectricDreamz Sounds promising! I have to say that my bar for nightmare neighbours is quite low as our current ones are (very openly) dealing drugs from their flat...

@Nobodydoesitbetter Cheers, will check these out!

Colston looks like it’s part way between Sutton and Carshalton - not a bad area at all. However I would check you’re not in a schools black hole there - I know there is an area around Cambridge Road which has that issue. Have a look at the Sutton admissions site and it has a school checker where you can put in a postcode and see what the possible options are.

Love Carshalton. Grew up in the Beeches.
The only comment I would have on Colston Avenue is that it is close to several schools. I can imagine parking being an issue at times, and traffic can get quite heavy along West Street, and around the Ponds. Check it out a different times - rush hour, pick-up time etc

Colston Ave is fine, but the road is a bit of a rat run between Carshalton and Sutton plus you have schools on two sides so it can get very clogged up in the mornings. I’m an ex-resident these days but lived in Carshalton for more than a decade very happily. Can get to London quickly via Carshalton or Hackbridge station and while nearby Sutton isn’t exciting shopping there’s enough for most eventualities plus some ok restaurants.

Thanks all, good points about traffic...

@WorrisomeHeart it's been in catchment for Victor Seymour the past three years, which seems like a good school.

Genuinely been pleasantly surprised about the number of nice and helpful replies, so thank you! First time posting, but won't be the last

Victor Seymour used to be just infants, so you would need a junior school (y3 -6) too. There was one just along the road so check that out too ( I think it changed its name so can't help with that).

positives:
great public transport network - southern, thameslink, buses, tram at Mitcham and northern line at Morden
community facilities: parks, library, swimming pool, gym, cinema, carnival in the summer, fireworks display on bonfire night
nice pubs - lots in carshalton and the shinner and sudtone in sutton
countryside 20 min drive away

negatives:
high street isn't great, Sutton is pretty bad too but a lovely new H&M has opened recently. For decent shopping you need to go to Kingston or into town
terrible road traffic

There is a nice mixture of people who have been here all their lives and newcomers, lots of young families.