Advice on living in Cray's area, BR5 ?

[changeyourdreams]

Hi there,

We found a really nice property around Cray's area, closest station will be St Mary's Cray, and the closest road is called "Main Road".
Could you kindly advise, how is the area for a mum with 2 girls?

Many thanks!

Isn’t that just really deprived and lots of social housing? I hear the Crofton bit of Orpington is affordable and family friendly or Sidcup etc. Not from around there myself so hopefully someone local will come along soon.

I wouldn't recommend it. SMC is the troubled area of Orpington, usually. Obviously that is a generalisation and there are likely pickets that are absolutely fine but maybe have a look at the crime map to view reported crimes around there. I would say that St Paul's Cray would be better, or Poverest/Crofton depending on budget.

There are indeed some social housing , just down the road, but it's mostly private houses around. Heard quite few discouraging rumours about the area, and that's why I was keen to get some locals advice.
As well, I've noticed that there are so many houses for sale around there, it's like a Christmas tree, all over the place are signs from different estate agents, which made me even more worried.
Thanks anyway!

I lived in that area for a few years (bought my first house there). It's certainly more affordable than BR6 areas of Orpington and some of the old tower blocks have been demolished since I moved away and replaced with modern, low-rise blocks. The road I was in was off Augustine Road and comprised mainly 1 and 2-bed starter homes (although the prices ow are eye-watering compared to when I bought and sold there).

@Monkeybunkey, thanks.
Indeed the affordability pushed us up there, otherwise, we are very keen as well in BR6, but the prices are outside our budget at the moment. How did you find it, living there ?

I was fine there, I was often home late from work and/or coming home from Orpington at night on my own (via the R4 bus or the 61 then the walk up Hearns Road) and always felt safe. My neighbours had lived in their house since it was built in the 80s and had no plans to move. I moved out of the area due to family illness, otherwise I'd probably still be there. This was nearly 8 years ago though, and I've not been back fora good few years so I can't say what it's like now but I still have friends in Orpington and they've not said it's gone hugely downhill.

@changeyourdreams. Used to live very, very near.
I really wouldn’t recommend it. PM me if you want

There was thread about this area last year.. consensus was to avoid !

OP, you can always go onto police.uk to see what crime issues there might be. Schools are awful around there so that puts many people off. I don’t know what age your daughters are but it might be worth checking on what there is to do in the area and see where they’d hang out as teenagers. If none of it puts you off, then you’ll be fine.

Well, to me, schools are the most important, as the future of my girl is my priority. She's 5 years old at the moment, and another girl on the way. I would rather prefer a not newly build house, but a reputable area, for schools, then a new home like this, with not so many good advices. I'm comfortable to compromise on the state of the home, but not on the good to very good schools.
Thanks everyone for your advices!

I know the area. It is the cheaper end of Orpington, but quite mixed population wise - ie social housing, private homes. There are a few roads that seem to have more trouble than others, Star Lane for example has a bad reputation. Overall though it's not bad. I have lived in St Mary Cray - social housing - and St Paul's Cray, owned house - and had few problems either way. Schools are generally good although you have to consider who might go there. Look at numbers of free school meals as a guide to deprivation in the area. Saying that, the poorer areas have lots of resources poured into them so can have better support and facilities etc. Feel free to PM me for more info.

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/compare-schools

That’s where you can compare schools. A 5 yo will be an in-year admission so it doesn’t matter which school is your closest. You’ll tell the council your preferred schools and they’ll offer you whichever school has a place. If there is not place at your preferred schools, then they will offer you any other school that has a place. For your younger daughter, you’ll apply for a primary school place when she’s 3.

From Orpington, or elsewhere in the borough of Bromley, you’ll be able to apply for grammar schools (academically selective, exams at age 10 abut preparation starts when they’re 8 or 9). These schools are v competitive so it’s important to live near a good non-selective school as Plan B.
In Orpington, your best bet would be to live near Darrick Wood but elsewhere in the borough, Langley Park School for Girls, Bullers Wood or Hayes School are even better options.
If you’re struggling on your budget (assume that’s why you’re looking in the Crays), you could also have a look in the borough of Sutton. Areas such as North Cheam, West Sutton and Sutton Common have excellent schools (incl grammar options too) but are quite affordable and nice places to bring up a family.

Hi! I need advice on Orpington please. How is Tintagel Road in BR5 Orpington?
We are a couple living in central London and expecting a baby in May 2021. So looking to move to Orpington. I have heard BR6 is the preferred area there, but we came across a house on Tintagel road and were wondering how is it in terms of safety, security, especially with a baby.