Orpington- where are the nice bits? whats the vibe?

[Crystalsandcoffee]

Hi.

We’re looking to move further out South East London. We’re contemplating hsecondary schools, getting a bigger house for our money, and due to aging parents being closer to family might be essential. We vaguely know Orpington, as in we met friends there a few times when we were teens. On paper the schools seem pretty good and we’d be a bit closer to our family who are further into Kent. We haven’t spent any great length of time in Orpington more recently though. Has it worsened? The high street always seemed tired looking, but not too bad for basic shops. Crime is the thing which bothers us most, as where we currently are isn’t great. The news shopper used to report a lot of local crime, but no longer does, and a lot of crime isn’t reported anyway, so mumsnet and people’s experiences seems to be the best way of understanding an area.

I know some parts of Orpington are probably lovely, some awful; much like anywhere which is almost-London, really. But it’s trying to work out where the rough bits are. We’ve been warned that the lower part of the high street, despite having some cute Victorian cottage style houses at decent prices, isn’t nice due the shooting a couple of years ago by pats textiles, problems with the rowdy White Hart, stabbing at the kebab place, and priory gardens despite being pretty can attract an undesirable bunch. Our friends used to live in a backroad this end of the high street and had problems selling their very nicely turned out flat, due to the location. My question….. is there anywhere near-ish the high street with less crime? Does this reflect the whole of Orpington now? How is the other end of the high street, the mc Donald’s end? The high street provides good transport links and has the essentials, but I’m a bit concerned as to how safe it would be for us and our prospective teens. We’re not used to having to drive to shops because we come from further into London. Also, is there much of an alternative/hippy/arty scene around there- like pop ups, pubs with bands etc, a skate park….. you know stuff to do for the young people? I noticed a lot of teenagers hanging out in the streets and I don’t want to be judgy so I’m assuming that there is a limited amount of things for the to do. I am well aware Orpington is no bohemian haven, but we’re trying to work out whether it’s a hard no for us. We can clearly see it’s not our dream location, but wondering if it’s a stop gap between London and the dream, due to the choice of secondary schools and aging parents.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

What you are describing wanting exists in Kingston and New Malden. NM has very cool restaurants and food shops, Kingston has an indie music scene to die for (tiny private gigs held frequently in the local independent record shop and nearby club by world famous artists pretty much all year round) as well as lots of pubs with live indie music. It also has a cool theatre, night clubs, the river. New Malden is cheaper for housing and pretty safe but near enough for teens to head into Kingston for nights out.

I wouldn't say there's much of a hippy arts vibe, does it have to be Orpington, what's your budget. Beckenham and Chislehurst might be worth looking at.

@SereneCapybara I agree totally - great areas if you still want London , decent house and decent vibe-

Orpington isn’t hippy really. The good areas are The Knoll and Petts Wood but I am biased as love in Petts Wood, Petts Wood had lots of independent shops, May Fayre, Christmas Market, music in some of rhe restaurants (huge variety) and Vault and Vine has a club like scene some evenings. Lots to do for teenagers with sports, boxing gym, clubs, tennis courts etc. Not everyone’s taste or vibe but take a look and visit.

Goddington, near the Memorial end of the high street is nice. Agree with other posters there isn't much of a hippy vibe in Orpington but you are not far from London. The fast train to London Bridge takes 16 minutes.

I grew up in Orpington. It is not hippy, bohemian, arty or intellectual. Or aesthetically pleasing. However, it is really easy to get into London by train, and just as easy to get into the Kent countryside. It’s convenient for Gatwick, Dover, Heathrow, and Bluewater shopping centres. And though the Crays do not have a good reputation, mostly it is safe and pleasant, and a little cheaper than the posher parts of Petts Wood and Chislehurst. Schools are excellent. I’d look at ex-villages that got absorbed into the wider suburb, such as Locks Bottom, Green Street Green, Chelsfield, Farnbirough. They’ve still got a bit of character here and there, while remaining convenient.

Hello,
i am starting this thread again but found it very useful.

i am looking to move from London to Orpington. I am looking at houses within Knoll and Pettswood East. While I prefer Petts wood but it is further from Crofton school in comparison to Knoll.

I am specifically looking at Lynwood Grove within Knoll. Any comments on the road and pettswood vs knoll.

Hello,

I am restarting this thread as found it very useful.

i am looking to move from London to Orpington. I am looking at houses within Knoll and Pettswood East. While I prefer Petts wood but it is further from Crofton school in comparison to Knoll.

I am specifically looking at Lynwood Grove within Knoll. Any comments on the Lynwood Grove and pettswood vs knoll comparison.

Maybe also look at Bickley/Elmstead Woods/Chislehust to have access to Bullers Wood as well as the Kent and Bromley grammars.

You could look at Crystal Palace - more of the kind of thing you describe.

Orpington/Petts Wood has not entirely shaken off the Reggie Perrin vibe!

You specifically asked about Lynwood Grove here www.mumsnet.com/talk/property/5194726-knoll-orpington-vs-petts-wood-east and I don’t have anything to add to that but link to it so it is connected and hope someone else can contribute for you