Moving to Sanderstead - any tips/thoughts?

[RainbowMainbow]

Hi all,

Messaged a few weeks ago, regarding moving to Epsom.
We have seen properties in Epsom, Sutton, Cheam and Sanderstead and went for Sanderstead in the end.

We are in the process of completing on a beautiful 4 bedroom detached house with a beautiful garden - we definitely got more for our money in Sanderstead.

I also liked the 'feel' of Sanderstead. Wonderful green spaces, lovely homes, quiet, quite a village feel but also 10 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the local town.

Being a born and bred Londoner (central london!), it just seemed like a better fit, especially as the fast train from Sanderstead to London Bridge only takes 22 minutes. I was struggling with the idea of an hour long commute into London at this point in my life.

We are in our early 30s and have just started trying for a baby. The schools all appear to be excellent in the local area with a few Outstanding state schools and plenty of independent schools to choose from.

We have a dog and I saw my boy being very happy in Sanderstead.

Having read previous threads on Sanderstead - some people were worried about the lack of pubs but the local pub is only a 10 minute drive away as are lots of lovely restaurants in South Croydon. Not much of an issue for us at all.

For those living in Sanderstead - any tips/thoughts? Do you like living here?

Our interests are: cycling, tennis, golf, dog walking (lots of this and we always try and give our dog interesting adventures - which is why the local woods was also such a big draw)

As we are trying for a baby -any thoughts on playgroups etc?

Many thanks and I look forward to being your neighbour very soon!

It’s a wonderful place!
Lots of pubs in warlingham and if you drive, botley hill farm and white bear and good ‘country’ options.
Playgroups are fantastic in the local churches and lots of paid baby options too when they all open back up.
Waitrose in sanderstead is a good option and you’ve Tesco and Sainsburys too. Schools are very tightly down to catchment area though so you generally won’t have much choice although things could change before you have a little of school age.
Lots of walking options and golf courses available within 15 minutes.
Enjoy your new adventure!

Standing room only on the trains in both directions. And I wouldn't call it rural - it's only one stop from Croydon!

@Bert2020

It’s a wonderful place! Lots of pubs in warlingham and if you drive, botley hill farm and white bear and good ‘country’ options. Playgroups are fantastic in the local churches and lots of paid baby options too when they all open back up. Waitrose in sanderstead is a good option and you’ve Tesco and Sainsburys too. Schools are very tightly down to catchment area though so you generally won’t have much choice although things could change before you have a little of school age. Lots of walking options and golf courses available within 15 minutes. Enjoy your new adventure!

Thank you! i have noted Botley hill and white bear and will definitely check it out :)

Sanderstead is not rural!

@squashyhat

Standing room only on the trains in both directions. And I wouldn't call it rural - it's only one stop from Croydon!

lol! seems like the perfect spot to enjoy a little bit of both worlds! I will be working in the local area/driving distance so will only be using the trains to see friends in the city for drinks etc!

It’s not rural!

@BigSandyBalls2015

It’s not rural!

SHould have chosen a different thread! my bad!

However it is lovely so I hope you enjoy living there

We spent 6 years there.

Picked it for much the same reasons as you.

It served us well but when our children got to primary age we moved to south Oxfordshire.

Love it here too but missing the quick commutes from Purley Oaks Station/ Sanderstead Station!

The main bit of Sanderstead is not by the station but at the top of the hill about 2km away. (Where the A2022 and the B269 cross)

You might find that you are slightly closer to Riddlesdown station.

Either way, you might find you have a bit of a walk or a bus journey to add to your commute time.

I grew up in Sanderstead and bought my 1st property there. It was fine as a teenager - easy to go out in Croydon and Bromley. Lots of 24hr trains/buses.
It got too busy for me and I moved out when I could afford to (6 years ago). there wasn't anything to keep me there after I moved on from my London based job.
My parents have just moved away from Sanderstead as well. They were ready to retire but struggled to find any sort of community there that wasn't in a church.
They ended up selling quickly after finding out about planning permission for a huge housing development getting the go ahead ... So some of that green space you are looking forward to may well not be there for long.

Definitely lots of dogs and dog walking opportunities within a walk or short drive. Lots of woods. Definitely lots of families moving into the area too. We met friends through nct. There were baby groups around locally and pregnancy/baby yoga in croydon town centre and south croydon. Hopefully they will survive COVID.

I’d recommend joining the FB group ‘Day Out Ideas for Croydon Families’, lots of lovely outing ideas but also good tips for woods and walks nearby.

There were lots of baby groups, a great one at Croydon High School called Little Ivys and one at Emmanuel Church in South Croydon BUT everything has pretty much stopped, barely any have run since March.

Agree with pp, Croydon isn’t rural so bear in mind crazy traffic, parking, busy roads and transport.