Generally, residents and visitors highlight the two central features of Croydon; its affordable properties, including new builds, efficient transport links, and infrastructure that make a commute a thing to enjoy.
Moreover, Croydon has welcomed several regeneration initiatives in the past several years that transformed the once dowdy image of the town. Read on and dive into the new Croydon, explore its ambience, property market settings, and best places to visit. On top of that, check out the latest and most promising new builds in Croydon.
Croydon's Regeneration
Croydon is one of the first six Creative Enterprise Zones (CEZs), which brings a lot of attention from London creatives into CR0. In fact, local leaders anticipate the regeneration initiatives and investments will establish Croydon as a music city.
As a result, new demand attracted a lot of new build developers to Croydon. Excellent commercial and leisure developments welcomed new residential projects that suit all pockets, from affordable studio apartments to luxury properties.
All this means is that the modern ambience and feel of Croydon are about innovation, regeneration, creativity, and continuous development. And it seems its once ambiguous reputation is now long gone.
Property Market In Croydon
Croydon is a budget-friendly area, which is also relevant for the new build developments. A typical home in the town costs £386k, which is considered affordable given the London standards (£590k). In fact, Croydon is one of the most reasonably-priced London areas regarding buying new build homes and secondary properties.
Savvy buyers can find one-bed flats in Croydon for as little as £250k, which is in line with the UK average property prices.
As for the new builds, the market is constantly adapting to the rising demand from buyers with various budgets, with Croydon ranking in the top 10 London areas regarding the number of new build developments (our data).
Some new builds are already ready to move, while other developments are available via off-plan sales (buying before the construction completion). Cambridge House by Notting Hill Genesis Sales, Queens Quarter by L&Q, and Coppice Yard by Kingsbury Stone are some of the most promising and sought-after new builds in the area.
Transport Infrastructure In Croydon
There are three main railway stations in Croydon – West Croydon, South Croydon, and East Croydon. These hubs offer excellent transport links, including rides to London Bridge in 13 minutes and Victoria in 16 minutes. Heading south, Brighton sits just 35 minutes away, a perfect commute route or a weekend spot at the beach. In addition, Gatwick Airport sits just 16 minutes away.
The transport infrastructure inside Croydon is likewise on point, thanks to the three-line Tramlink network. There are also plans to implement the electric bicycles hire scheme that will improve the sustainability of Croydon as well.
As for the downsides, road traffic is rarely smooth, and drivers often have a hard time finding a parking spot. However, major roads are within easy reach, so there are advantages for drivers in Croydon too.
Top Places To Visit In Croydon
The Museum of Croydon
This Museum, owned and run by Croydon Council, highlights the historical and cultural legacy of Croydon and its community.
The main goal of The Museum of Croydon is to celebrate the diversity of people living in the area and explore how Croydon unites this community. Its collections represent every aspect of the town, be that a place, a culture, a lifestyle, or an identity.
Coombe Wood
Coombe Wood, perhaps the most popular local leisure destination, is a woodland and garden space sitting in the old village of Coombe in South Croydon.
This area offers peaceful and relaxing views of flowers and woods and seems like a perfect place to spend a weekend at any time of the year. Visitors often call Coombe Wood wood a hidden gem, which is only justified.
Bethlem Museum of the Mind
Describing the Bethlem Museum of the Mind as a fun activity in Croydon seems inappropriate, as it is not exactly entertaining. However, it is undeniably fascinating to delve into the complexities of the mind and gain insight into mental illness.
The museum's displays are one-of-a-kind, showcasing the triumphs of individuals with mental illness and featuring a range of exhibits, from beautiful artwork to intricate installations that delve into the workings of the mind. Additionally, the museum sheds light on how society has historically and currently approached mental illness.
Shopping and Retail in Croydon
Croydon stands out as a premier shopping destination in South London, offering a diverse and extensive retail experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
The Whitgift Centre
At the heart of Croydon's retail scene is the Whitgift Centre. Opened in the late 1960s, it has been a cornerstone of shopping in Croydon for decades. The centre boasts a variety of high street retailers, ranging from fashion and beauty to electronics and home goods.
Shoppers can find popular brands like Marks & Spencer, H&M, and Boots, among others. The Whitgift Centre also provides a range of dining options, ensuring visitors can enjoy a meal or a quick snack during their shopping spree.
Centrale Shopping Centre
Adjacent to the Whitgift Centre is the Centrale Shopping Centre, another significant retail hub in Croydon. Centrale complements its neighbour by housing a mix of high-end fashion stores, speciality shops, and well-known chains.
Stores like House of Fraser, Zara, and Next offer shoppers a plethora of choices. The two centres are connected by a covered walkway, creating a seamless shopping experience.
Boxpark Croydon
Adding a contemporary twist to Croydon's retail landscape is Boxpark Croydon, an innovative pop-up mall made from repurposed shipping containers. Boxpark is renowned for its eclectic mix of street food vendors, boutique shops, and entertainment spaces.
It has quickly become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors to explore unique dining options, catch live music, and shop for one-of-a-kind items.