Croydon

There are two great reasons to live in Croydon, these go hand in hand to make it a compelling choice; its relatively cheap property prices and its excellent transport links into Central London. On top of that, numerous initiatives are transforming Croydon and helping make its once dowdy image a thing of the past.  Read on to discover developments that are the best places to live in Croydon. In addition, read reviews from residents who own or rent in Croydon.

The town is one of the first six Creative Enterprise Zones (CEZs) announced by the Mayor of London in 2018. Which has brought artists and creatives to the CR0 area to move into new studio spaces that have been opened here. Local leaders hope the borough’s practical support and investment in the arts will see it established as a music city. One of the most exciting commercial developments starting soon is the replacement of the Whitgift Centre – itself once the largest covered shopping venue in the UK – and the neighbouring Centrale mall with Westfield Croydon.

4.48
Average Location Score

Excellent

62%

Very Good

26%

Average

7%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

3%

Best places to live in Croydon

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Street art in Croydon

Where is Croydon?

The CR0 postcode area is less than 10 miles south of Central London, well inside the M25. Croydon sits half way along the major rail and road corridor between London and the south coast.

Development in Croydon

Croydon’s commercial and leisure developments have been matched in recent years by the creation of a range of residential schemes to suit all pockets.

Among the most impressive of these is Berkeley Homes‘ typically high-end Saffron Square tower. Its 43-storeys dominate the Croydon skyline and provide incredible views for miles around. From both the windows and the landscaped roof gardens.

The apartments feature high-end, contemporary designs looks such as glass staircases, and full-height windows flooding rooms with light. Residents are also well-served by the 24-hour concierge service. The building is just 12 minutes’ walk from East Croydon railway station. This development is rated as one of the best places to live in Croydon

Great facilities – concierge, gym and roof terrace… Out of hours contact provided for building issues – heating, leaks etc.” – verified resident at Saffron Square who is renting in croydon

For those on a tighter budget, Green Dragon House is a more affordable option for first-timers. By providing communal spaces including a shared lounge with a snooker table and cinema corner, and also a roof terrace, these ‘micro flats’ are designed to appeal to young first-timers who also appreciate opportunities to socialise with their neighbours. Only launched in 2017, Inspired Homes has created a building set up for today’s lifestyle, with hyperoptic broadband and lobby boxes to accept online shopping deliveries.

This is a great building to live in. We are a couple living in a one-bedroom flat and while it is small there is two great common areas. A common room with sofas and tables and a pool table and a rooftop terrace. The building is very secure.” – verified resident at Green Dragon House

Croydon from above

Even more developments…

The flats in Fairview New HomesCity House also benefit from ultrafast ‘Fibre-to-the-Building’ broadband but the technological innovations in this repurposed office-to-commercial space don’t end there. Wind turbines on the roof of the block provide electricity to the communal areas, helping to keep bills down and reduce residents’ carbon footprint. City House is another central development, about 10 minutes’ walk from East Croydon station.

New building and the facilities are of good quality. The security is good because they always do the walk around and you can call them 24h if you have any issues. It is safe overall. Maintenance is good and there are no delays in fixing things.” – Tolu, verified resident at City House who rents in Croydon

Security of the building is great with the cctv. I feel very safe living here. This was my first complaint when I moved in; there was no hot water. Only the shower, other faucets are good. The community is good and people are good.” – Mehvish S, verified resident at City House

Another Fairview New Homes development that comes highly recommended is Queens Gate, a listed conversion with apartments that range from one to four bedrooms.

This is a nice place for kids. There is a playground and lots of grassy areas.” – Grassy, verified resident at Queens Gate

Very happy with the price and the community is like a family and we get along. The community hall does activities for the mums and children. The facilities are great and it’s a great value for money. Maintenance is great.” – Hedwig, verified resident at Queens Gate

Trainline with new flats in the background

Transport

Croydon has three railway stations – East Croydon, South Croydon and West Croydon. The first two of these are on the same line. East Croydon is a major hub with frequent, fast trains to London Bridge (just 13 minutes away) and St Pancras (30 minutes) as well as stopping services to Victoria (16 minutes). Those heading south can get to Brighton in 35 minutes for work or for an easy day. Or even afternoon – out at the beach. And if you’re heading further afield, services to Gatwick Airport leave every eight minutes and take only 16 minutes to get there. There’s also the fast London Overground connection to Canada Water from West Croydon.

Getting around Croydon is easy, too, thanks to the three-line Tramlink network which even stops at Ikea. Further council plans to make the town greener include an electric bicycles hire scheme. Croydon road traffic can be congested and parking is in short supply; but drivers don’t have far to go to reach major roads such as the A23.

You can find out more about living in the Croydon by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and discover the best places to live and rent in Croydon. Moreover, If there’s a Croydon property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here

Reviews in Croydon

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The layout of my flat is wonderful

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Pros: Close to high street and transport links. Fun building activities for families

Cons: slow or lack of communication when it comes to repairs within the building. Lack of parking

Please review your development:

The layout of my flat is wonderful, it’s a 2 bed very spacious. Paintwork is a bit fragile, balcony is lovely. Lots of storage!! Beautiful views at night! Perfect for families, neighbours are lovely everybody is generally very friendly and courteous! Lovely sunsets!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That you can hire the top floor for functions and such

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

It’s had some issues with the lift that has been problematic in the past. To be honest it wasn’t managed well, communication with tenants was poor. But need to give kudos to front desk Carol, and Kevin were very helpful who handled the situation very well despite management not being there to support them. Arnold on front desk is wonderful too.

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Worst place

Review Date Mar 2024

The worst place to live.the lifts are most of the time not working. The bin area is in basement which is big torture for tenants who are disabled and have babies. You can’t see out side the windows because they never clean the windows. They only know how to increase rent every year. Parcels are stolen in mail area. If you complaint them they will not answer you even you are not allowed to see cctv cameras. It means you are living in theft area

Please review your development:

I wish they listen to tenants which they complain. Christmas times no lift was working people call 100 times no one care. Its been 4 days no lift is working but who cares? My parcel stolen many times there are random people who can enter the building anytime they took your parcels and no one cares .

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

When I moved in the previous company was really good since this new company take this they make it worst place .

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They don’t listen if you raised the issues. They never clean the windows put the bin in basement and never look after the building

1
Facilities
1
Design
1
Location
1
Value
1
Management
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I wish they listen to tenants which they complain

Review Date Mar 2024

The worst place to live.the lifts are most of the time not working. The bin area is in basement which is big hassle for tenants who are disabled and have babies. You can’t see out side the windows because they never clean the windows. They only know how to increase rent every year. Parcels are stolen in mail area. If you complaint them they will not answer you even you are not allowed to see cctv cameras. It means you are living in theft area

Please review your development:

I wish they listen to tenants which they complain. Christmas times no lift was working people call 100 times no one care. Its been 4 days no lift is working but who cares? My parcel stolen many times there are random people who can enter the building anytime they took your parcels and no one cares .

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

When I moved in the previous company was really good since this new company take this they make it worst place .

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They don’t listen if you raised the issues. They never clean the windows put the bin in basement and never look after the building

1
Facilities
1
Design
1
Location
1
Value
1
Management
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Great place to live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Great location of the building. Have everything you need in walking distance – shopping, restaurants, bars. Couple parks around great for dog walks.

Please review your development:

The design of the building is so well thought out. Everything is so modern and kept clean all the time. Building/property management are amazing. Always there to answer any questions and even say hello to in the early mornings and late nights! Also it being pet friendly is the best part.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Parking in Croydon centre is quite a expensive- living in a tower block you aren’t entitled to a street parking permit so you have to use private car parks which are quite costly.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very quick to act on issues raised (Maintenance issues mostly)

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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