If we like Tooting where else would we like?

[Tootootoot]

We're looking for a flat in London and based on our research (basically reading lots of mumsnet threads) we've visited Blackheath and Tooting so far. We didn't think Blackheath was right for us (seemed too suburban and a little dull) but we really liked Tooting. The diversity of the people, the market, the common and once it's open the lido were all great. Also the fact it's got good transport options for getting into central London.

Budget is £500k for a 2 bedroom flat. Is there anywhere else we should visit before we make a decision please? We don't live in London currently so need to make the most of our time when visiting. Thanks in advance.

Thanks, I do get that @Crikeyalmighty . To be fair I lived in those areas over a decade ago! But funnily enough I also lived in Bristol & really liked that. They must have a similar feel! One thing I wasn’t so keen on in East London was when it became too hipster. I totally get what you’re saying about wanting things less built up & greener as you get older. I find it really interesting reading these threads as it shows such a varied range of opinions.

@Nimblesandbimbles Yep- I think the age thing can change your perception too. We live in Bath which I find has just enough scruffiness and students and grime in bits to still feel real but lots of the nice things too and lovely countryside on doorstep. We go into south west London a lot too for work reasons and have lived there as well which I liked. I guess these days I'm a bit less cereal cafe, a bit more farm shop!! I was suprised though when my son lived in Tooting how much I liked that- it did feel urban and edgy but not that threatening and I loved the markets, the Caribbean bakery, the gastro pubs, the general 'vibe' - I'm suprised it's not mentioned more on here, I guess the family sized places are still at the top end of budgets and maybe it hasn't got great schools as I wouldn't know about that side of it.

I live there. I like it. I’d have preferred to stay in Tooting if I could’ve afforded to buy there but I couldn’t. There’s no tube but rail/overground links are good. It doesn’t have as much vibe or culture as Tooting but the local community is incredible, it’s the friendliest place I’ve ever lived not just in London, but in my whole life! for good pubs, food, independent shops etc you have to go to West Norwood or Crystal Palace but they’re a bus (or longish walk) away.

I have 2 dogs and have made so many friends just by seeing other dog owners in the park. In all honesty there are a few issues, there’s a group of street drinkers who are well known in the area (but harmless and actually friendly) and we’ve had a couple of gang/drug related crimes but honestly nothing you wouldn’t get in other areas of London. I don’t feel unsafe there.

Norwood Junction doesn't really have anything going on. I had a friend off Beaulah Hill & it felt like they lived really far away from everything. A good 20 min walk to their nearest station too.

I would avoid the Heath though!

Yeah the area between Norwood junction and West Norwood is very nothingy and around NJ is very suburban and boring tbh, but given I can get into London Bridge in 12 minutes and Herne Hill/Brixton/Crystal Palace in 15/20 mins on the bus, it’s a trade off I’m OK with. I live a 5 min walk from Norwood junction station though which helps

it did feel urban and edgy but not that threatening

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@frankgu Christ I haven't heard the term "rah" since university 13 years ago.

It depends what you want OP. I like visiting Tooting for dinner at the market or one of the bloody brilliant Indian / Pakistani restaurants, but I prefer to live in a "gentrified" quieter, less traffic, cafe culture "yummy mummy" area. I'm in my 30s now and lived on east London and Old St in my 20s.

The discussion around age is interesting. I'm 50 and with one eye towards the future I do wonder if suburbia might grow on me in time. Norwood Junction prices would also allow me to be mortgage free more quickly so if I liked it I'd be singing and dancing, especially if I could get a terraced house for 450k or thereabouts. I don't mind long walks or short bus rides, and the journey time into central London looks good from there also.

I am 50 and enjoy Tooting area.

The number of food options on Deliveroo is amazing. I have 20/30 different types of cuisine in 10-15 min walk.

I put convince above most things (but don't have kids or a dog) . However I do have 3 parks within 10 min walk to run around if I wanted to.

I also like tubes every 5 mins versus trains every 20-30.

Wouldn't most people rent first before buying in a brand area? Seems safest way.

Also as a SW Londoner visiting friends in SE can be a pain in the arse.

Christ I haven't heard the term "rah" since university 13 years ago.

Is there a new word for them? You are one aren't you? I did apologise!

I remember leaving a party in Streatham and going to the bus stop for the night bus when I was a student ( back in the 80s mind) , so many cars drove up to me and stopped, thinking I was a sex worker. Really intimidating.

@TedMullins it does sound pretty good - enjoy making friends through dogwalking and actually started a regular dogwalking group where I live now. Would you mind please telling me any roads in particular that are good or any to avoid if have time? I'm thinking the area would be a good compromise for me.

Ideally I'd rent somewhere first but can't really do that as I need to port my mortgage quite quickly. My current house is on the market so when it sells I feel like I need to be pretty ready to jump.

@Tootootoot personally I like the Crystal Palace side - so South Norwood Hill is the road that runs up towards West Norwood and any of the side roads off it are good, or the roads around the lake and grounds park, they’re nice, quieter and a bit cleaner than the Portland Road side. Albert Road is also OK and the side roads around the country park. Portland Road itself is very busy, loud and grubby so I’d avoid anything directly on that. If you go down Selhurst Road towards Selhurst Station again that’s more of a thoroughfare so side roads are a better bet but it’s less convenient as all the shops are around Norwood junction station. Also Crystal Palace football stadium is on holmesdale road so on match days there are big crowds - but there’s never been any nastiness or trouble since I’ve lived there, just a lot of fans walking about.

Basically Portland Road runs towards Croydon and South Norwood Hill up towards Herne Hill/Brixton so it gets cheaper in one direction and more expensive in another!

There are also OK roads around Grangewood Park and between there and Thornton Heath (which is rougher) but you’re further from the station then. Like a PP said the Beulah Hill area is between South and West Norwood and is a good 20 mins or more from the train station, only served by buses and is basically just houses and no amenities so if convenience is important I’d recommend being closer to the train station.

Also if you move here and want a dog walking buddy feel free to PM me!

Yes sure, I would prefer them too but they are way more expensive.

I was thinking that too @ConstitutionHill they're incredibly pricey. There’s a difference too between places that have undergone beneficial improvement for the whole community, and gentrification which just sanitises an area and prices people out, and creates a homogenous, mainly white middle class demographic. I much prefer the diversity of places like Tooting. Last time u walked down Northcote Road I could barely hear over the braying of red-trousered finance bros outside pubs, no thanks!

The Stockwell flat I linked to above is in an area stuffed full of women in their 50s many with dogs - and a nice park on the same road. Very friendly area with a real range of people from artsy types who moved in in the 1980s to the Costa Rican guy who plays the recorder and sings (beautifully) outside the tube. Not only does the area have 2 tube lines (and is the only place you can get on the Northern Line in the morning rush hour as people get off to change) but you can walk home after dinner/theatre in the West End if you're feeling energetic or get a cab without breaking the bank if you aren't.

@burnoutbabe, you're right, thanks. This, to me, is proof that living in the sticks has shrunk my brain!

Streatham is great and you should get a nice flat for that - we're in Streatham ( although about to move - not because we don't like Streatham I should add!) and our 3 bed house house is on for 540

Thanks @LadyOfTheCanyon - could you PM me a link to your house please if you'd feel comfortable? I'm now thinking a freehold house would be better than a flat. We're on the market but not sold yet (we have some viewings coming up though including a second viewing).

Thank you so much @TedMullins I'll do a recce of those streets on my next London trip. And it would be great to have a dog walking buddy (and my dog will be looking to make new friends in the neighbourhood too, she's very social ☺️).

@Tootootoot

I'll be honest we've just pulled our listing as we've had a few family problems but will list it again in a couple of months. I was just indicating that you can get a decent 3 bed terrace with garden etc for not much over £500K ( especially if you don't mind doing a bit of work)

Streatham is great for transport connections - 20 mins into Victoria from Streatham common, half an hour to London Bridge. 20 minutes in bus to Brixton and the tube. The market hasn't really caught up with that element of it.

@LadyOfTheCanyon that's very cheap for Streatham. I would have thought the 500k mark puts you on the Norbury side or Streatham Vale which is quite different to Streatham hill. No way is that a 20 min bus ride to Brixton during rush hour!