Tell me about the London Borough of Bromley. How is it as a place to live and work there?

Question

I've been offered a job in Bromley and will be relocating from the US. Two years ago, I lived in Charlton and worked in Woolwich, so I kinda know the SE area and know pretty much where NOT to live. I just don't know too much about this location.

I've been doing my research of the area, cost of flats and all that. I don't want to have to commute more than 30minutes to get to work which will be at the Bromley Civic Centre. I've seen some pictures of nice looking flats, but wonder about the areas.

I will be alone, mature-aged female, won't be driving, but like to be able to get out and about and feel reasonably safe. (Hey, I'm from So. Florida - it's all in the perspective)

If I get a place close to the Civic Centre, everything I need will be close by, including the shops, trains, buses, and work.

Beckenham is looking like a 2nd possiblility--how is that?

Or do I go more south to Chislehurst?

Or further west to Hayes, West Wickham?

Any suggestions or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I live in bromley!!

i live near a place called Petts Wood which is probably a 20 minute drive to the civic centre depending on traffic (rush hour traffic in south east london is AWFUL, id recommend leaving ur house to go to work BEFORE 7am) but if you dont drive there is a few buses you can get which will drop you literally off at the civic centre. you can also get a train from petts wood station to bromley south station.

Chislehurst is probably closer but the houses are more expensive and the roads tend to be a bit bumpy. a lot of it is for posh ppl so they dont bother sorting their roads out as they dont like people driving down them. blah blah. so watch out for that. if ur not driving you can get a train to bromley south station as well or get a bus.

Beckenham is very busy, probably cheaper but not as close to bromley although you could drive or get a quick train to bromley south station and then theres about a 5-10 minute walk to the civic centre.

Hayes and West Wickham are further away from Bromley if you dont drive, so i wouldnt recommend that. more expensive too.

there ARE new flats being built in Bromley near the Churchill Insurance place, and just opposite that big building with the massive clock on it (hope that is clear? haha) and they are literally 2mins walk to the civic centre and very close by to the shops in Bromley. plus right next door to a pub! woo! haha. im not sure how much they are going for though. there are also nice small places near Ravensbourne School. remember that the closer to bromley you are the more expensive it will be, so maybe a bit further out would be better, depending on how much you are able to spend.

REMEMBER: always leave ur house to commute before 7am, i know its early but you'll thank me when you get to work on time or early instead of leaving at 7.05am and it taking you well over an hour to get in. just a warning!

i hope i helped and that you find a nice place to live =]

its very safe for anyone, you have the benefits of being close to london, but further away enough to escape the hustle and bustle once in a while. there are a lot of policeman so ull never feel totally endangered. i would avoid walking through bromley high street on ur own at night, and i would avoid any odd looking alleyways. but thats common sense and im sure u have that =]

best of luck in the future!

xx

Answer 2

Bromley is a nice area about 20 mins travel from Central London.  It has great overground train connections to Victoria, London Bridge and Waterloo.  It has a bustling town centre with a Farmers Market every week as well as a good theatre and leisure centre.  Trains run till late in the evening so it's a great base for London nightlife and theatre.

Beckenham is more leafy suburb - very nice and possibly a bit cheaper then Bromley but only about 10 mins away by train.

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about the other areas but if I could afford it I would move back to Beckenham or Bromley without a doubt.

Answer 3

Beckenham is possibly the best for you as you say you will not be driving. It is well placed with good transport links to Bromley South and central London. It is a very pretty and green area. Possibly more affordable than Chislehurst and Bromley/Bickley. Hayes and West Wickham are less good in terms of public transport and you might feel you need a car there.