If you are looking to live in London and avoid having to share a house fit for two with half a dozen other people, you’re pretty much going to have to look at outer London (Bromley).
Bromley has perfect green spaces, easy commuting routes and plentiful shops, so the borough has got a lot to offer everyone, from families to couples and singletons looking to escape the overly of central London.
123estateAgent have listed a few of the reasons why we think Bromley London is a borough which more and more people are going to want to move to in the years ahead.
1. The town centre is getting a makeover
In recent years the town centre has been undergoing some regeneration. But with a lot of that work finished, the town centre is starting to look fresh and new, and what’s better than an enjoyable town to have a shop in now Covid has hopefully come to an end.
2. The Bakerloo line extension plans
Although connections to Central London are already pretty good, with more than 25 overground stations providing an easy route into the city, Bromley is set to become even more accessible.
Sadiq Khan, has said he is “committed” to extending the Bakerloo line past Lewisham into Bromley.
Transport for London has already announced the Lewisham extension plans, with a route via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate chosen as the best option.
A further extension into Bromley would make life easier for thousands of commuters in South East London. bakerloo extention
3. Good schools
More than 90% of Bromley schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, and all the schools inspected in 2017 and 2018 got one of those two top grades.
St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, in Mottingham, has been revealed as the best school in the borough, with Raglan Primary School, in Bromley, and Valley Primary School, in Beckenham , following closely behind.
4. It’s a leafy retreat within the hustle and bustle of London
One of the greenest of the London boroughs, Bromley is also home to a nature reserve, Jubilee Country Park, in Petts Wood. Who would have thought you could get lost in 62 acres of wildflower meadows so close to London?
And with over 50% of Bromley made up of green space, there are plenty of other places to soak up the fresh air, including High Elms Country Park, in Farnborough, and Chislehurst’s Scadbury Park.
5. The shopping
The Glades has such a good selection of shops that even the Queen couldn’t resist a visit
The Glades shopping centre, a stone’s throw from Bromley North and Bromley South train stations, is a perfect destination for those wanting to browse, eat and drink, as well as a great spot for an all-out shopping spree.
For those looking for something more artisan, Bromley’s historic Charter Market has stalls selling fruit, food, clothes, food, jewellery and other items not available on the high street.
Once you’ve worked up your appetite, you could stop at one of Bromley’s many restaurants, for some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, or grab a burger and chips at family friendly American restaurant. For those lazy Sundays, head to The Imperial Arms pub in Chislehurst for what Tripadvisor reviewers rate as Bromley’s best Sunday lunch.
6. There’s no shortage of options if you like to keep active
Bromley’s green spaces are a haven for joggers, dog walkers and those who enjoy exercising outdoors.
If running is not to your taste, Bromley Cricket Club boasts courts for tennis and squash alongside its cricket pitch. The club also organises classes and events for players who want to socialise.
For those who enjoy a slower pace to their outdoor activity, Bromley Golf Club welcomes new members and the Bromley Pavilion offers a gym and swimming pool.
7. The variety of houses and flats is vast
Bromley attracts a range of house hunters, from singletons looking for a rented flat to families looking for a new home.
From quaint cottages and Victorian mansions to modern high street developments, there are areas and choices to suit all ages and tastes.
Whilst it might cause a sweat to break on the brow of new buyers, locals have benefited from the steady increase in house prices that makes buying in the borough a worthwhile investment.
First time buyers should look to Chatterton Village, just south of Bromley town centre, which has Victorian terrace houses and plenty of two-bedroom properties from £350,000. 123estateAgent Bromley
Those looking to splash out can look to Garden Road in Sundridge Park, with large detached Edwardian houses within walking distance of a golf course.
Young professionals might prefer the new St Mark’s Square development. The modern block of one, two and three-bedroom flats is in the heart of Bromley, and the building also features a Vue cinema and nine new restaurants.
8. You can go to the theatre without paying West End prices
The Churchill Theatre in the middle of Bromley High Street hosts performances for a wide range of tastes, from orchestras and themed dining experiences, to comedy nights and the ballet.
The theatre even holds playwright competitions and youth theatre classes for those who would rather be on stage than in the audience.
9. You are following in the footsteps of some seriously cool people
Even if there weren’t any other reason to live there, it might be enough to persuade budding renters and homeowners that to live in Bromley is to live in the borough once inhabited by the likes of H.G. Wells, Enid Blyton and David Bowie.
10. Easy links to Kent and beyond
With Kent and the south coast just a short distance and easy transport links away, it’s really easy to enjoy a day out in the countryside. Or to even visit a historic place like Canterbury.
For the truly adventurous (and no COVID permitting!) you could even make a trip down to the Eurotunnel and easily pop over to France or Belgium for the day.