Where do teens hang out who live in Sanderstead/Kenley?

[Eelikoos]

We are considering a move to the above areas with our current Yr5 child. Sanderstead in particular ticks a lot of boxes...but...imagining DD hanging out in Croydon town centre as a teenager makes me nervous. I don't mean to offend, I have very little experience of both teenagers (DD is my first) and Croydon. But obvs I heard about the school girl being stabbed there last year, and after leaving a birthday party recently my kid said the police had tape up outside because of some violence that happened nearby. If anyone has a teen, how often do they go into the town centre and what do they do there? Have they ever experienced problems? Is there anywhere else for them to hang out? How often are they bypassing Croydon and going into London instead? It's a while before we will let her go anywhere without adult supervision, but we are planning to stay put for a while so need to think ahead!

Hi,

We are also planning to move to Kenley. Although there may not be as many socializing areas around as in other places, the greenery seems like an advantage. It's said that you can reach London Bridge in 30 minutes by train, which sounds convenient. If you have any experience regarding this, I would be delighted if you could share it. We don't have children yet, but we are considering it for the future. Do you think Kenley is a suitable place for raising children? Are you satisfied with the schools?

I grew up in whyteleafe. Fuck all to do then, fuck all now.

I live a couple of miles from Croydon. Have to be honest I decided against Harris Purley for secondary as I didn't want her default meetup location to be Croydon and I went for a school in the other direction.

Sanderstead/Warlingham borders children don't tend to meet in Croydon. Most go to Bromley or Bluewater for shopping.

Sanderstead on the Selsdon/Croydon border are more likely to hang in Croydon or Purley. Especially the boys.

Selsdon Sainburys seems to be the hangout point after school.

Riddlesdown is an outstanding secondary school but not a huge catchment area due to popularity. There is also a few private schools to choose from if that's your bag.

The girl who was stabbed was killed by an ex/ jilted boy if I remember correctly? I guess that could happen anywhere but most adults and teens avoid Croydon outside the very popular shopping times. Shame, as it could be great. I still go there for convenience but am careful.

Purley high street has a lot of charity shops. Has a huge Tescos though, bakers, PO.

Kenley is a kind of nothing town as in no heart but fine to live there.

Caterham is crowded but fairly safe.
Warlingham has some lovely spots.
Whyteleafe cheaper.

Kids tend to hang in parks.

Disclaimer: I really don't mean to offend anyone so I'm sorry if I have, I have very much generalised and each town has v nice spots and plus points, I was just trying to help using my own and friend's experiences.

Can't you move further out ?

Kids meet up these days? I thought it was all done via social media.