Croydon’s modern high rises, innovative tram system and sheer size make it feel like a city within a city. It also seems to be under a constant state of rebuilding, never quite turning into the next property hot spot it often promises to be. Still, there are plus points to being known as London’s almost-next best place to live. Property prices are still reasonably competitive compared to some other neighbourhoods in the capital, and there are excellent transport options with services to central London in just 20 minutes. If you’re considering moving to Croydon, this guide is for you. Here we look at what you can expect from living in this southeast London town.
A brief history of Croydon
Originally part of the Wallington hundred in the historic county of Surrey, Croydon became part of Greater London in 1965. During the Norman conquest, it had a church, mill and a population of 350-plus people. By the late 19th century, the area expanded thanks to the introduction of a railway line. And by the early 20th century it was known for car manufacturing and metal working.
Where is Croydon
Croydon is located in South London and falls under the London Borough of Croydon. It’s one of the largest commercial districts in London and was named one of the capital’s top 13 centres for shopping by the Mayor of London. It’s located just under 10 miles from Charing Cross.
Moving to Croydon
New-build homes dominate the housing landscape in Croydon, with many shiny new high-rises offering amenities popular with home movers, like gyms and concierge services. There’s also a selection of period homes from the Edwardian and Victorian eras, as well as townhouses and detached properties.
Buying in Croydon
The average sold price in Croydon is £384,155, which is higher than the UK national average of £329,547 but lower than the London average (£734,698). Expect to pay an average of £703,959 for a detached home, £407,708 for a terraced house and £260,222 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Croydon, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Croydon
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £1,300 per month in Croydon, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,650 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £2,200 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Croydon, you can expect to pay similar prices to the rest of London for everyday living. A meal for one person is around £15, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £2.85p and £1 respectively.
Utility bills are slightly higher than the national average (UK average £155) in Croydon, at around £160 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £28 per month for broadband.
Living in Croydon
Open spaces
There’s plenty of open space in Croydon, with Park Hill Recreation Ground offering a walled garden, tennis courts, children’s playground and a historic water tower. Golf lovers will enjoy the golf clubs, which include Shirley Park, Croham Hurst and Addington Place.
Transport links
Croydon is served by three train stations: East, West and South Croydon. They stop at London Bridge, Victoria, Blackfriars and St Pancras, as well as Gatwick Airport. There’s also an Overground station with services to Shoreditch and a tram network serving Croydon’s outlying areas.
Shopping
North End is the main shopping street – it’s home to the Whitgift Centre, which was previously the largest shopping centre in Greater London.
Eateries
Boxpark Croydon is one of the most exciting things to do in the town. It features street food vendors in a series of shipping containers around a communal eating area. You’ll find a range of cuisines, including Argentina, pizza, Thai and Greek.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Croydon is famous among the locals, with favourites attracting cocktail lovers and anyone who enjoys a lively night out.
Art & culture
Fairfield Halls received a makeover and is one of the most famous landmarks in Croydon. It’s a concert hall showcasing a range of talent in dance, music, comedy and theatre. There’s also a thriving street art scene in Croydon, with works dotted around the town.
Things to do
Boxpark is, without a doubt, one of the major highlights of the town. If you’re looking for something on the quieter side, the Surrey countryside isn’t far away from Croydon. Brighton is also a short trip down the A23.
What’s not to like?
Croydon promises to be one of the best neighbourhoods in London, but something always seems to get in its way. For instance, a Westfield was meant to open in 2023 but keeps getting delayed. In a sense, its status is a microcosm of Croydon.
Who lives there?
Croydon has a population of more than 385,000 and a median age of 38.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 151mbps in Croydon, which is much higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Croydon averages around 82 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Croydon
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Croydon. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: August 31st, 2022
