Moving from Beckenham to Bexleyheath? Not too sure

[raincitymum]

Hello,
We moved to the UK 3 years ago and in that time we have moved 3 times, this last move needs to be our final move and we are wanting to buy. We moved to Beckenham a year ago from Clapham/Wandsworth as we just loved the feel of it, the schools (primary), diversity (important to us as we're not from the UK originally), ability to get to London quickly, and high streets were nice. People were friendly and found most families to be business professionals.

Now our son is in year 4, we need to plan for secondary school. Unfortunately I'm not finding any houses that will be big enough for 3 children and 2 dogs in Beckenham in our price range. I've found some in Bromley and Eden park but I am concerned about schools and I am not in love with Eden park, I find it a bit dreary.

So we're broadening the scope...we looked at Orpington and I thought it was a combination of Bromley and Beckenham put together. Schools look great, not too sure what the overall vibe from people is over there. Seemed ok, would like to know your thoughts. Obviously we will steer clear of St. Mary Cray.

Then Bexleyheath came up. We went yesterday and started looking at Danson Park which was absolutely stunning and we fell in love with it. It reminds us of our beloved Beckenham place park. I saw lots of families, and felt confident that this area could work. We went over towards the shopping center from there and never felt like it was really nice...not anything like Beckenham high street or even Bromley. It felt like a step below Bromley. What was even more disappointing was that we didn't see any families except many teen mums and dodgy guys. I am wondering if it's always like this or are there more business professional families there that we're not seeing because of lockdown. Is anyone familiar with these places? We have a few months to makeup our minds but I feel like we're determining our son's future with whatever we decide and want it to be a good one.

I don't know Bexleyheath as an area to live in but do be aware that a Bexley is a grammar school borough. This is fine if your DC's get into one but does mean that the non-grammar schools can suffer from having the more able pupils 'creamed off'.

I always thought Bromley was full of families (it certainly used to be). House prices are also a good indicator of an area; if family homes are much cheaper in B'heath than, let's say Bromley, then there may be a good reason for that.

I should say I’ve never lived in Bexleyheath or Beckenham but lived around that area for a while. Bexley has a reputation of being pretty racist honestly. The BNP has their roots there and were very popular. Whilst the BNP has gone, the attitudes remain. As you are not from the UK originally I would definitely be aware of that. If you are used to Beckenham and Bromley I definitely wouldn’t consider it honestly. Orpington is nicer than Bexleyheath.

That's what I was thinking. There are lots of people in our borough, but I hear everyone say they will need to move for secondary. I know that Langley school and Hayes are really good but there aren't grammar schools here. We'd have to go to Orpington or further out for that. I've been talking to a friend who's a grammar school teacher and she said that in order to get into a Russell group university then the odds are significantly better from a Grammar school. I'm a teacher in the states so this has been a completely new process to learn. Independent schools are not an option for us sadly. I believe he has what it takes to get into one but will need to start preparing soon. Bexleyheath's non-grammar schools are not the best it appears so that will present a new load of problems. However, it's my understanding that if there are many in the area (4) then it is less competitive.

A number of children from Bromley travel to the Bexley (and Kent) grammars. If you live the Bickley/Chislehurst side, you are usually in the catchment for C&S and Beths. You'd also get into Bullers Boys.

Can you share what sort of budget you have and what sort of house you're looking for? Might help to narrow down some possible areas. I know a lot of people who have moved down to kent for secondary, particularly around sevenoaks. I don't think I could do battle with the grammar school system myself though!

I live in Welling. I don't find Bexleyheath near shopping centre to be too nice but I like the parts near Crook Log Leasure Centre. I don't think there are too many good secondary schools I'm Bexleyheath if grammar is not your thing. You may wish to look into Falconwood Welling or Sidcup as well.

@raincitymum, I moved from Penge to Bexleyheath a few years ago.

I don't have kids so can't comment on schools, but have been here for a while and have overall enjoyed it.

If your budget allows, I'd look more towards Sidcup / Bexley village. More to do that isn't Bexleyheath high st, and you're still close to Danson Park as well as the Glades, Foots Cray meadows, Bexley woods.

Outside of lockdown there's some really nice places to eat and drink in both Bexley and Sidcup as well as fast trains to Charing Cross.

I see you mentioned Hayes already. Still above budget? We found Beckenham house prices were higher than Hayes / Coney Hall, and secondaries meant to be very good in that area. Not sure how diverse it is, though.

I don't really like Bexleyheath town centre. Damson Park is lovely though. What's your budget? Moving slightly away from Bexleyheath, Bexley Village is nice. We also lived in Sidcup and really liked it there.

Grew up in Bexleyheath and moved away ten years ago (overseas then to Kent coast) though still have parents and friends there. It’s okay, but it is a bit ‘meh’. I certainly don’t miss it at all and usually can’t wait to leave once I’ve spent a few hours back.

I went to one of the top grammars and there was some pressure when I was young, but that seems to have ramped up loads as the town has got more crowded. The non selectives are pretty dire I’m afraid so unless you are sure your child will get in I wouldn’t pursue it any further.

Whereabouts in Beckenham are you now, could you stay there but move more towards Langley. If you are looking at grammers can you move out towards Bickley, Chislehurst, Green St Green or Elmstead Woods for Olaves. Are the older dc settled at a school. What is your budget.

We are near Kelsey park. Albudget is between 750-800 if it's absolutely turn key on the higher end. We will need 4bdr+ a big garden to allow for a possible summer house if it doesn't have a 5th room or something that can function as a guest room. Our kids are all very different ages so need separate bedrooms. We 4 and 5 year age gaps. Middle child is in reception so can move schools.

I'm of Indian heritage, living in Bexleyheath but not originally from here. Pm me if you need any info.

Where do you need to get to in London? I would be inclined to move out somewhere along the HS1 route with that budget as the commute from Bexleyheath to London is slow and crap. We have a much nicer commute now and door to door it’s quicker even though we are far further out

We had this problem too OP. After considering many areas including Beckenham, Bromley, Greenwich, Blackheath and Bexley we have just bought in the Falconwood/Eltham heights area. 4 bed around 800k. We are planning to add an extension, garden house and loft conversion but the house is in great condition so we can live in it easily for now. Good size south east garden. Access to a few lovely parks and importantly for us some great schools both for primary and for access to all the grammars where we are firmly within catchment. Maybe another area for you to consider.

I've lived in Bexleyheath for years and the area has deteriorated over the past several years. The non-grammars have a bad rep. The grammars can be hard to get in to as children from outside the borough are competing to get in too. There can sometimes be trouble in Bexleyheath town centre when the schools kick out and the children congregate there. Welling high street is pretty rubbish (near Danson) and Bexleyheath mall is ok but nothing great. You're better off travelling to Bluewater for a shopping mall. I'm looking to move away in the next year or so.

I would be very reluctant to move away from Kelsey Park! there are quite a few houses in Beckenham under 800k on Rightmove.

Bexleyheath town centre is to be avoided at all times - esp after school. Not bad an area to live though as long as not right next door to the centre.

Bromley/ Chislehurst are nice?

It's just not great, OP.
Yes, the High St is more than a level down from Beckenham.

West Wickham is lovely with a main line station and shopping street. You would need to look at catchment areas though as they are small for the Langley schools although Ravens Wood is great for boys. Alternatively Hayes is nice with a fantastic mixed secondary plus relatively easy access to the Kent grammars. Also, have you looked at Pettswood?

I know Bexleyheath and would probably avoid tbh.

Also with your children’s ages I’d be very very wary of getting too pulled in by the whole grammar school thing. It can be very stressful and there’s absolutely no guarantee any of them will get in. Personally I’d be looking at houses with good local schools and the option for travelling to grammars if that ends up being the right school for that child.

I would choose West Wickham, Coney Hall or Hayes. Langley and Hayes schools are good. House prices are less than Beckenham but still a nice family area with a good High Street with lots of eateries.

I would look at Hayes or West Wickham, especially Hayes. You would get a good house for your budget and what you want. Second Langley and Hayes schools.

I'm a bit out of touch but Bexley Heath was always a place to avoid when I was younger, we lived in biggin hill and Bromley.
Would Sevenoaks suit? That's lovely!

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