Brixton or South Croydon for young family

[Brixtonvssouthcroydon]

We are thinking of moving to South London and found two properties we like but we are unsure about location.
There is dh, DD (baby) and myself. We both work central but only a couple of days a week.
Property 1: in Brixton very central but small garden
Property 2: South Croydon (Lloyds park area), larger garden

Both similar size, South Croydon one is 20% cheaper but it's a complete different lifestyle over there.

Family friend tells us South Croydon would be better for a young family; we are also a bit concerned that Brixton might more a young professional neighbourhood rather than young family so maybe less baby friendly.

I know you can't decide for us! But any opinions on both areas?

The Council is in such a mess what with being bankrupt. Council tax rose by 15% this year - most or all of which is going to service the debt - and they are providing a skeleton service in terms of services & facilities.

that is a good point

which has a fairly large surrounding area, it’s a big park…. it’s a bit silly to comment if you have no idea about the area in question at all.

If you see yourselves as being outdoorsy, Lloyd Park would be a fab location. Lovely kids playground in the park and close to Coombe Woods, Croham Hurst, Addiscombe Hills. And if you take the tram to New Addington you’re almost in open countryside, and just a couple of miles to country pubs.

Fast trains from South Croydon to London and a nursery almost next to the station.

I was on about south Croydon aswel which I actually lived there about a year ago I moved out, such state( I have a toddler aswel) not like how it was before. I case some people are still ranting about areas knowing fully well that brixon also has different areas to it aswel 🙄

Penge! Lovely pockets of quaint terraced houses and only a few minutes further down the line from Brixton.

South Croydon can be nice and around the Water Tower near the park there, near East Croydon station.

But I hate Croydon generally. It’s an utter shit hole and the Waitrose shutting down hasn’t helped.

Brixton I’m sure some parts are fine but you have to be prepared for the fact that you’re in a diverse area, last time there there was a musician on the street kind of just hanging around (the back road leading from the train station to Herne Hill. I’ve known families live in Clapham North and sort of going up and past the prison around the beck streets there. I personally wouldn’t bring up kids there but that’s me.

A musician on the street 😱😱😱😱

I’m just up from Penge and it’s definitely picked up n the past few years. “Ponge” if you’re socially aspirational.

There's still a Waitrose in Sanderstead and from Lloyd Park it's probably as easy to get to (and has parking).

You’re right. In fact one of my friends lives in Sanderstead and has for years and brought up family there and loves it.

Sorry but you’ve not made yourself much clearer. Is it wrong to be in social housing? Does it mean you can’t go outside or okay music?

most people who live in London are aware of its diversity.

*play music

You need to think schools (catchment areas tight so be sure to go somewhere with options) and transport links. Then look at the very many other good SE London areas people have mentioned!

Nothing wrong with social housing at all but when you know the streets in Brixton where they hide knives in trees and smoke a lot of weed.

Yes it’s great to hang outside and play music but that can intimidate some people. I’m well aware of the diversity of London’s areas having born and been brought up there.

Brixton I’m sure some parts are fine but you have to be prepared for the fact that you’re in a diverse area, last time there there was a musician on the street kind of just hanging around (the back road leading from the train station to Herne Hill.

sorry this cracked me up. It's completely normal for ransoms to be hanging around in Brixton with or without a musical instrument 🤣

Penge must have changed, I don't remember there being anything much there.

Neither! Both not good places to raise a family IMO.

There still isn’t a huge amount there but they have some good shops, Penge General Store, a craft beer bar/shop, vintage record shop/cafe, Maple Road is very popular with market and a few niche shops.

I know this… but just giving OP a heads up. There’s a good reason why my friend sold her flat in Loughborough Junction to move to a naicer area 14 years ago.

most people who live in London are aware of its diversity.

tbf loads of Mns love London diversity in terms of authentic greek deli etc hence why no one even stans for living in West Croydon or Thornton Heath!

@GonnaGetGoingReturns tbf not been in yrs.

Oh yes good point. The RIGHT kind of diversity…like a lovely Italian cafe or a boulangerie. Not Rastafarians playing music in the street…

I would look elsewhere, like Crystal Palace / penge / Anerley / w Norwood /herne hill / telegraph hill (all not far from Dulwich)

Neither! Both not good places to raise a family IMO.

I'm not a particular Croydon fan but it's nonsense to say parts of it aren't good for families.