When you work in central London, striking the balance between affordable housing and a commute that doesn’t stretch on for eternity is becoming something of a fine art. Places in and around south London can provide the perfect harmony if you’re looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the capital city in the evenings and weekends.
Thornton Heath, located in the borough of Croydon, is an up-and-coming neighbourhood with plenty to offer commuters. Whether they’re young and at the outset of their careers, or have families and are looking to relocate, there’s plenty of reasons why Thornton Heath is a strong contender.
Starting out as a rural farming village, Thornton Heath found its feet with the introduction of the railway in the mid 19th century and continued gaining momentum with a boost in multiculturalism post-WW2. Nowadays, Thornton Heath continues to celebrate a strong sense of community while improving infrastructure for its residents.
Transport links are, of course, a top priority for a working professional, and Thornton Heath has many options available for those needing convenient access to central London. Thornton Heath Station offers fast trains to key locations such as London Bridge and London Victoria with an average time of around 25 minutes. Alternatively, for those needing to commute around central London, there are various bus services covering Croydon, Brixton, Crystal Palace and even Tooting. The regular timetables mean that commuters don’t have to worry about rushing for a specific service. Irregular hours or last minute meetings are almost never a problem for those that live in Thornton Heath.
One of Thornton Heath’s main selling points is its affordability compared to other London suburbs. For first time buyers, renters or for those with a tighter budget, this neighbourhood is a happy medium for those who want the short commute and the quieter lifestyle. There’s also less of a need to compromise on space, both indoors and out. While properties in Thornton Heath have much more space at a much lower cost than those in central London, there is also access to lovely open parks and green spaces.
Thornton Heath’s various parks and green spaces offer a boost in quality of life for commuters tired of the big city. Spaces such as Grangewood Park and nearby Crystal Palace Park offer opportunities to enjoy sports, dog walks, and leisurely strolls. On the other hand, Croydon town centre offers a range of entertainment amenities, from shopping centres to cinemas. The neighbourhood’s multicultural background means that residents of Thornton Heath have access to a variety of vibrant cuisines on their doorstep.
Thornton Heath is an area with growing potential that can continue to benefit commuters for years to come. As Croydon furthers its efforts to provide public transport infrastructure and become a business and shopping destination, Thornton Heath can look forward to benefiting from the boosts that come with spillover effects.
In conclusion, Thornton Heath is an up-and-coming area that deserves more attention from people wanting just the right balance between city and suburban life. With plenty to offer and plenty more to come, it’s worth investigating this often overlooked suburb.
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