Chislehurst are

[Loveroftraveling]

We are looking to buy in the Chislehurst area (detached house in a quiet area but not too far from amenities). We do not know the area very well and would be very grateful for any insights.

We have realised that all areas within Chislehurst come with their pros and cons. Am I right in assuming that the best area in Chislehurst is by the Royal Parade? - which seems to be quite far from the station.

How is the area east of Elmstead Wood station? Seems to be walking distance to both train station and the highstreet of Chislehurst. Or should we consider Petts Wood as well?

Thank you so much for any help!

We live within walking distance of Elmstead Woods station, and of West Chislehurst where Sainsbury's is, and also two good pubs and several restaurants. We've been here for many years because it's just so convenient, far more so than Royal Parade. There are good primary schools locally and the excellent Bullers Wood School, which now has separate girls and boys schools and a joint sixth form. Petts Wood is pleasant too, worth considering, although less choice of schools.

Thank you so much. This is very useful!

I live in Petts Wood and it's fabulous (though I am biased). Petts Wood East has more choice of detached homes but is less well placed for primary schools I would say.

Most locals would agree that Royal Parade is the nicest area but (like many areas of Chislehurst) is some way from the station.
Elmstead Woods is a nicer station with better cycle facilities and Zone 4 so cheaper to use. However there's nothing else there in that area. As you go further up Elmstead Lane you're into Mottingham, a highly deprived area although I wouldn't say it was worryingly rough to live near. clearly it has a different feel though.

Belmont Park area (Woodside Avenue etc) and anywhere northwards may as well be in New Eltham and blend into the dreariest South East London suburbia. Belmont Lane is Chislehurst's main council estate's access to Chislehurst and this is apparent in the area at the junction with Green Lane.

How about Lower Camden / Lubbock Road area? Conversely it's a bit of a walk to the high street but has a couple of local shops, pubs, takeaways.

I hate to say it but Petts Wood has more going for it in certain ways, if you like that type of house. It has a larger high street that is not so sought after by coffee chains and estate agents and therefore has a better range of shops, and more restaurants. Bit of a secondary school black hole in parts though.

Thank you so much @GRPZz and @NanooCov! Really appreciate all the info.

Just checked out Lubbock Road on Google Maps - looks lovely!
And sounds like we might have to visit Petts Wood one of these days.

We were looking at the smaller cul-de-sac roads around Walden Road - not sure if that is Elmstead Wood or Chislehurst.

Not sure where you'd draw the boundary TBH. And Elmstead Woods is possibly an area of Chislehurst rather than a place in its own right (before Bromley and Bexley, Chislehurst was its own borough, with Sidcup).

Those roads aren't a bad compromise, not too far from the station but a short pleasant walk across the recreation ground to the high street and schools.

I used to live nearly opposite Elmstead Woods station. It's a lovely area but I couldn't settle there because I am a West Londoner at heart, so I ended up moving back to West London. I do miss the very easy commute into London Bridge though.