Thinking About Moving to Croydon? Here Are The 5 Questions We Get Asked Most
If you're considering a move to Croydon, you're certainly not alone.
Over the years, we've helped hundreds of buyers make the move into the area. Some are coming from elsewhere in London looking for more space. Others are relocating from further afield after discovering just how much Croydon has to offer.
Whatever the reason, the same questions tend to come up time and time again.
So, rather than keeping the answers to ourselves, here's our guide to the five things people most want to know before making the move.
1. Is Croydon Actually A Good Place To Live?
Let's start with the obvious one.
Croydon often gets talked about as if it's one place, but that's a bit like describing London as one neighbourhood. The reality is that Croydon is made up of lots of different communities, each with its own character.
You've got bustling town-centre living, leafy suburban roads, family-friendly neighbourhoods and even areas that back directly onto open countryside.
What attracts many people is the balance. You can enjoy more space, larger homes and greener surroundings without sacrificing your connection to London.
For many buyers, it offers the best of both worlds.
2. Which Part Of Croydon Should I Move To?
The honest answer? It depends on what matters most to you.
If you're looking for cafés, restaurants and a bit more buzz, South Croydon, Caterham and Purley are often high on the list.
Need excellent schools and a strong family feel? Areas such as Sanderstead, Riddlesdown and Shirley are perennial favourites.
Looking for larger homes and a more suburban lifestyle? Kenley, Purley and Coulsdon continue to attract buyers who want a little more breathing room.
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is focusing solely on the property and not the area around it. A house can be changed. Its location can't.
3. How Good Are The Transport Links?
Croydon shines in this department!
East Croydon is one of South London’s key transport hubs, offering frequent and fast connections into Central London. Direct trains to London Bridge typically take around 15 minutes, while services to Victoria take between 16–20 minutes. During peak hours, trains run every few minutes, making commuting highly convenient.
Beyond central routes, there are also regular services to places like Clapham Junction (around 10 minutes) and Gatwick Airport (about 15 minutes), adding to the area’s appeal for both professionals and frequent travellers.
The Tramlink network is another major advantage that many only fully appreciate once living here. It provides easy, reliable connections across Croydon and into surrounding areas such as Wimbledon and Beckenham, reducing the need for a car.
For buyers who need regular access to Central London but want to avoid Central London prices, Croydon consistently hits a practical and well-connected sweet spot.
Train links from areas like Sanderstead, Riddlesdown and Purley are all circa 20-25 minutes into London with regular trains.
4. Are The Schools Any Good?
In short, yes.
There is a strong mix of popular and well-regarded state primary and secondary schools along with a large selection of private schools.
Schooling is one of the main reasons families move into the area, and certain catchments can be incredibly popular.
The key thing to remember is that schools can influence property demand significantly. We regularly speak to buyers whose search area is determined almost entirely by where they hope to secure a school place.
If schools are a priority for your family, it's worth doing your homework early and understanding how catchment areas work before you start viewing properties.
Trust us, as a family also living here, we know it best that it can save a lot of frustration later.
Our area guides at www.soldbuysimon.co.uk can help here too.
5. How Much Does It Cost To Live In Croydon?
This is often where buyers are pleasantly surprised.
Compared to many London boroughs, Croydon generally offers excellent value for money. That could mean an extra bedroom, a larger garden, a driveway, or simply more living space for the same budget.
Of course, prices vary considerably depending on the area and property type, but many buyers find they can afford more than they initially expected.
The Bottom Line
Croydon isn’t just one of London’s largest boroughs — it’s one of the most varied, and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.
You’ve got everything here: fast, reliable links into Central London, period homes on quiet, tree-lined streets, modern developments, green open spaces, and pockets with a real neighbourhood feel. But just as importantly, each part of Croydon offers a slightly different way of living.
That’s why it works for such a wide range of buyers. First-time buyers looking to get onto the ladder without sacrificing connectivity. Growing families needing more space, better schools, and a stronger sense of community. Even London movers who simply want more for their money without feeling cut off.
But here’s the key — Croydon isn’t a one-size-fits-all borough. Where you choose to live here matters. Some areas are all about convenience and commute times. Others are quieter, greener, and more family-focused. And some strike a balance between the two.
So the real question isn’t “should I buy in Croydon?” — it’s “which part of Croydon suits the way I want to live?”
And that’s where local knowledge makes all the difference.
