When I think of North London the names Highgate, Camden and Belsize Park trickle through my mind like a babbling brook. When I think of South London the names Catford, Brockley and West Norwood feel like a conker slapping against my cranium on a blustery November morning. But it doesn’t need to be that way, conkers used to be fun remember?
The area has some great and affordable properties, a brank spanking new leisure centre and the West Norwood Feast (from the good people who brought you Brixton village) which is giving the place a heart and soul of its own.
Yep there are still loads of chicken shops, but chicken is nice that’s why there are loads of these outlets.
The area sits in a bowl surrounded by hillsides on its east, west and south sides. Crystal Palace and Streatham are near-by; two places that have been on the up and up for years. West Norwood wants a bit of that action and is willing to let you come along for the ride, embrace it.
Famous for
Maxi Jazz from Faithless lives here, but don’t blame him if you can’t get no sleep… (sorry)
Positives
Cheap, and will improve over the next few years. Could it be the Clapham of the South East, and is that even a good thing?
Negatives
The centre is a bit grim but there are plans to regen it all up. A few new eateries would be welcome.
Transport Links
Four trains an hour to London Bridge and London Victoria (both 21-31 minutes).
Schools
Primaries, Elm Wood and Kingswood are both “outstanding”. Secondaries, the Norwood School and Virgo Fidelis Convent are “good”; St Joseph’s College for boys is “satisfactory”.
Drink/Eat
Beamish & McGlue, a great deli/coffee bar, and the Rosendale Pub is great (but actually in West Dulwich)
Property All properties correct via www.zoopla.co.uk on 13th October 2014
Photocredit Wikipedia
To buy £475,000 A three bedroom modern terraced house
To buy in West Norwood click here
To rent £1,050 pcm (£242 pw) two double bedroom period conversion located less than 10 minutes from West Norwood station
To rent in West Norwood click here