Living in Anerley What Locals Really Think About Their Hometown
Posted on 06/11/2025
Living in Anerley: What Locals Really Think About Their Hometown
Thinking about moving to Anerley? Located in the leafy London Borough of Bromley, Anerley is a residential district that often flies under the radar among the capital's neighbourhoods. Is it the next hot spot for homebuyers or renters? What's daily life like in Anerley? In this comprehensive guide, we'll uncover what living in Anerley is really like, sharing insights directly from local residents, exploring property, amenities, community spirit, safety, transport and more. If you want to understand the genuine pros and cons of Anerley, you're in the right place.
Where is Anerley? A Quick Introduction
Anerley is situated in South East London, sandwiched between Penge, Crystal Palace, Elmers End and SNorwood. It's around 7 miles from Central London and forms part of the Borough of Bromley--famous for its parks, Victorian history, and a suburban feel that offers an alternative to London's hustle.
Why People Move to Anerley
- Affordable housing compared to more famous South London neighbourhoods.
- Excellent connectivity via trains and buses.
- Proximity to parks and green spaces like Crystal Palace Park.
- Diverse, welcoming community with an up-and-coming vibe.
- Mixture of urban life alongside quieter residential streets.
Whether you're seeking your first London home or just looking for a new corner of the city, Anerley captures attention for its balance between affordability and convenience.
What Do Locals Really Think About Living in Anerley?
Perhaps the most valuable perspective comes from current Anerley residents. We gathered comments via community forums, local groups, interviews, and online surveys. Here's what locals shared as their honest opinions:
- "It's not as busy as other parts of London, which I love..."
- "Great for first-time buyers, still can find houses without breaking the bank."
- "I appreciate the cultural mix and independent shops."
- "Sometimes feels overlooked, but people are friendly and always say hello."
- "Transport is really good, I can get to London Bridge in under 30 minutes!"
- "More coffee shops and restaurants are opening all the time, it's changing for the better."
Anerley might not be as renowned as neighbouring areas like Crystal Palace, but it seems locals enjoy a strong sense of community, peace, and affordability.
Housing & Property in Anerley: What's On Offer?
From Victorian Villas to Modern Flats
Anerley's property market is surprisingly diverse. Prospective residents can choose from:
- Spacious Victorian and Edwardian houses
- Period conversion flats
- Modern apartment blocks, especially near Anerley station
- Traditional terraced homes and semi-detached houses
Property prices in Anerley are generally lower compared to Crystal Palace, Sydenham or Dulwich. This makes it attractive to both first-time buyers and families seeking more space.
According to Rightmove, the average house price in Anerley is around ?420,000-?460,000 (as of early 2024), much lower than many other London postcodes.
Renting in Anerley
The rental market in Anerley offers good value, especially for those who commute. Flats for rent range from around ?1,000/month for a one-bed to ?1,700/month for bigger two-bed or three-bedroom properties.
Locals appreciate the ability to rent or buy larger properties without the astronomical central London prices. As families outgrow flats in more expensive postcodes, they often look to Anerley as a next step.
Transport Links: One of Anerley's Biggest Advantages
For commuters living in Anerley, connectivity is a significant perk. Here's why residents rate transport so highly:
- Anerley Rail Station: On the London Overground (East London Line) connecting to Shoreditch, Canada Water, and Whitechapel.
- Direct trains: Southern trains go directly to London Bridge and East Croydon every 15-20 minutes.
- Nearby stations: Penge West, Crystal Palace, and Birkbeck are within walking distance, unlocking more routes.
- Trams: The Tramlink service at Birkbeck and Avenue Road connects to Croydon, Wimbledon and Beckenham.
- Multiple frequent bus routes to Bromley, Beckenham, Croydon and Central London.
- Easy access by road to South Circular (A205), A213 and A234.
Living in Anerley is convenient for both public transport users and drivers, making it easy to explore the rest of London or commute for work.
Parks and Green Spaces: A Nature Lover's Delight
One of the best perks of residing in Anerley is its access to superb parks and natural spaces.
- Crystal Palace Park: Just a short walk from Anerley, this historic park offers playgrounds, the famous dinosaur sculptures, a maze, sports facilities and open lawns.
- Betts Park: Smaller and quieter, a favourite with dog walkers and families, featuring a playground and outdoor gym.
- South Norwood Lake and Grounds: Nearby, this scenic area has a large lake, cafe, tennis courts, and lots of wildlife.
- Cator Park: Beautiful open space in nearby Beckenham, popular for picnics and football.
Local opinion consistently rates the access to green spaces very highly. Many families and outdoors enthusiasts choose Anerley precisely because of its parks.
Schools and Family Life in Anerley
If you're moving with children, schools in Anerley and surrounding areas are a big consideration. The area has a number of well-regarded options:
- Anerley Primary School
- Harris City Academy Crystal Palace (secondary, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted)
- Alexandra Infants' School
- James Dixon Primary School
- Numerous private nurseries and playgroups
Local families say they're happy with the education on offer, and the area is friendly and safe for young children.
Child-Friendly Activities
- Library events and story times at Anerley Town Hall
- Crystal Palace Park Farm
- Youth football, swimming, and clubs nearby
- Community arts and music lessons
Living in Anerley with a family means access to both educational and recreational resources, helping to keep children entertained at weekends and school holidays.
Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife: Anerley's Quiet Transformation
Traditionally, Anerley's high street (Anerley Road) wasn't known as a food and retail destination. That's changing fast:
Shopping in Anerley
- Independent grocers, international food shops, and local convenience
- Larger supermarkets in nearby Penge, Beckenham and Crystal Palace
- Popular weekend markets in Crystal Palace with food, flowers, and craft stalls
Eating and Drinking
- Brown & Green: Lively cafe chain for breakfast, brunch, and coffee.
- Ozone Coffee: Renowned coffee and cakes.
- Lover's Lounge: Stylish bar for cocktails and music.
- Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean eateries reflect Anerley's vibrant cultural mix.
- Great takeaways--Chinese, Indian, Turkish, pizza and more.
Locals suggest that while Anerley itself is still developing, the neighbouring hubs of Crystal Palace Triangle, Penge and Beckenham offer dozens of restaurants, pubs and bars just a 10-15 minute walk or short bus ride away.
Safety and Community Spirit: What Locals Say
Is Anerley a safe place to live? According to residents and latest Met Police statistics, Anerley is considered one of the safer parts of southeast London. Of course, any London suburb will have the occasional issue, but locals emphasise:
- "I feel comfortable walking home at night."
- "Good streetlighting and neighbourliness."
- "Active local police and neighbourhood watch."
- "Family atmosphere, lots of kids outside after school."
The community spirit in Anerley stands out in online testimonials and conversations. There are annual street parties, active residents' associations, gardening groups, and small festivals. If you want somewhere where neighbours smile and you'll soon recognise faces, Anerley delivers.
Cultural and Leisure Amenities
While living in Anerley is more residential than touristy, there's plenty to explore. Residents enjoy:
- Nearby Crystal Palace's music and cultural venues like Upper Norwood Library Hub
- Crystal Palace Park's historic dinosaurs and maze
- Sports clubs--football, tennis, swimming, rugby
- The Anerley Town Hall--home to community events, fitness classes, markets and networking
- Art and music workshops, yoga, dance
- Cafes with live music and poetry evenings
Many locals say they appreciate being close enough to the culture of Crystal Palace and central London's theatres while enjoying a quieter suburban lifestyle at home.
The Downsides: What Locals Don't Love About Anerley
No honest guide to living in Anerley would be complete without mentioning the negatives. Some of these are:
- High street is less vibrant compared to Crystal Palace or Sydenham
- Few big-name chain stores or restaurants, so trips to nearby towns may be needed
- Some side streets and older council flats can appear less well-maintained
- Parts of Anerley Road can be busy with traffic, especially during school hours
- There are still a few issues with antisocial behaviour at night (though generally low compared to inner city areas)
For most residents, these negatives are outweighed by Anerley's affordability, friendly locals, and access to green spaces and transport.
Is Anerley Right for You? Locals' Final Verdict
Living in Anerley suits a particular type of Londoner: people who value space, greenery, good transport and a community feel. It offers all the basics--access to the city, schools, parks and affordable housing--without the pretensions or high prices of trendier nearby districts.
- If you want quiet residential streets within reach of London's action, Anerley ticks the box.
- If you're seeking early investment in an "up-and-coming" area, Anerley has clear potential.
- If food and nightlife are your top priorities, you'll want to supplement with trips to Crystal Palace or Sydenham.
- If safety, green space, friendly neighbours and cost are important, Anerley delivers strongly.
Frequently Asked Questions: Living in Anerley
Is Anerley affordable compared to the rest of London?
Yes, property prices and rents in Anerley are much lower than most London zones, especially compared to neighbouring postcodes like Dulwich or Crystal Palace.
What is the best thing about Anerley?
Locals consistently praise Anerley's community spirit, peace, green spaces and transport connections.
Are crime rates high?
No, Anerley is considered relatively safe for families and individuals. As with all London areas, a normal level of caution is wise at night or in unfamiliar places.
Is Anerley a good place to raise a family?
Yes, with good schools, parks, affordable homes and a welcoming vibe, Anerley is a solid choice for young families.
Conclusion: Anerley's Local Appeal
Living in Anerley may not yet have the buzz of some trendier London districts, but for many locals, that's exactly why they love it. The area combines affordability, community, green spaces, and excellent connections to the rest of London. As London evolves and house prices continue to soar elsewhere, Anerley retains its reputation as a solid, promising and underrated gem. If you're searching for a welcoming London neighbourhood where you can build a future, Anerley deserves a closer look.
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