Moving to Croydon: what you need to know
If you’re looking for an area that’s growing in popularity year on year, this might be the new home for you. Thanks to the competitive house prices and being just 15 minutes travel time into the city, Croydon is fast becoming a London hotspot.
Croydon is a large area and borough of London, offering its 382,000 residents more space and friendly living environment. The borough is benefitting from a renewed interest from businesses and developers in recent years, including the design and planning for the construction of the UK’s second tallest skyscraper which is in the works.
The area has enjoyed a boom in recent years thanks to mass expansion, new development and large investment. Thanks to new areas like Boxpark’s expansion from their original destination in Shoreditch, Croydon’s reputation is being refreshed, now considered a trendy and up and coming place to live.
The shopping boom in the area has also helped it grow in popularity – the redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre into a brand-new Westfield Centre has drawn shoppers and visitors into the area.
The history of Croydon
Croydon began as a small village, dating all the way back to the Domesday book. The hamlet grew in size and importance: today it is one of the largest commercial districts in the UK.
The area holds also played a major role in the UK’s World War Two involvement: Croydon was home to the main airport in and out of London during the war. However, it wasn’t until 1965 that the area became a London borough and a part of the capital. During this time, the area boomed thanks to mass office expansion.
Today the area is perhaps best known for being home to the infamous BRIT School: the musical educational facility which has given us some of the UK’s most influential and phenomenal artists.
Croydon highlights and culture
The area is diverse, offering a host of different cultural and entertainment highlights. Here are some of our favourites:
Croydon’s Arts Quarter – this is where to come to see street art murals and work from local artists. The murals here are constantly changing, providing local residents with a rolling supply of artistic inspiration.
Art Rebellion – this modern art gallery is a popular hot spot in the Coulsdon area of Croydon. It’s an impressive New York style gallery showing off the best modern and pop culture art, furniture, and they sell excellent coffee too.
Crystal Palace – one for the football/soccer fans! Croydon’s home to the premier league team Crystal Palace, who’ve been playing since 1924 at their home arena Selhurst Park.
There’s a great arts and culture scene across Croydon. Spend time exploring the independent boutiques and shops in the Old town, explore the museum of Croydon, or spend the day tasting a smorgasbord of delicacies at the South End food quarter.
If you’re considering a move to Croydon, enjoy a personalised tour of the area to help you get to know it better. Our Area orientation service makes your move the smoothest transition possible.
Things to do in Croydon
The best things to do and places to visit in Croydon:
• Coombe wood – visit the beautiful gardens here and enjoy an after work or weekend walk.
• Boxpark – Shoreditch’s popular export, this chic development showcases the best pop up food stalls, shops and music.
• Croydon Minster – dating back before the Domesday book, the Saxon Minster is the final resting place of 6 Archbishops of Canterbury.
• Surrey Street Market – take time to enjoy the bustling stalls of London’s oldest street market.
• Wandle Park – you might be in London, but you won’t feel like it when you’re strolling around this 21-acre park.
• Addington Hills Viewing Platform – enjoy a picnic 460 feet above sea level and soak in views of Croydon and all over London.
Where to live in Croydon
The good house prices here make moving to Croydon affordable, and a good investment as the house prices are rising year on year. If you’re looking to buy, Croydon offers you the chance to get in early and enjoy the benefits of the housing price increases.
The average detached home here costs £650,000, which is lower than most of the London boroughs. For those looking to rent, the average rental home here costs £1200 per month – which, again, is considered affordable for London.
There are a number of different styles of area depending on what kind of community you are looking for. Crystal Palace has a friendly community feel which appeals to families and young professionals. Selhurst is a lovely suburb with excellent transport links. And Old Coulsdon has a quiet, leafy, village feel.
If you need help finding your perfect Croydon home, put your feet up and let our Home finding experts do the hard work for you. We make moving home easy.
Family life and education in Croydon
Croydon benefits from a range of state and independent schools, which makes it an attractive London location for families.
Some of Croydon’s best independent schools:
• Whitgift School
• Trinity School of John Whitgift (middle school)
• Old Palace School (girl’s school)
• Croham Hurst School (girl’s school)
• Croydon High School for Girls
• Royal Russel School (co-ed day and boarding school)
Residents in Croydon also have great access to sixth form’s, colleges and higher education institutions.
If you’re moving to Croydon with your family, let our School search experts help match you to your perfect school. We make moving home easy for you.
Travel information
Located just 15 minutes from the city, Croydon has excellent transport links. The area is served by both the East Croydon and West Croydon stations, from which you can access Thameslink, London Overground and Southern rail services. Croydon is also the hub of the Tramlink system – from which you can access two tram lines.
The area also has strong bus services in and around London, as well as good road links out of the capital to the south of England.
How can Santa Fe Relocation help with your Croydon move?
No matter whether you are moving to or from Croydon, our network of experts will take care of every aspect of your move. Whatever you need, we have it covered: from secure storage solutions, packing services, to excellent shipment protection plans.
Whatever it is you need for the perfect Croydon home move, we make it a reality. We make moving home easy for you.
