This neighborhood has a tight-knit community vibe and a major shopping center.
Catford has a high violent crime rate and a high property crime rate for London.
While most Londoners know Catford Shopping Centre, very few of them have ventured into Catford proper to really embrace what it would be like to live there. While this is a more urban area and has some rougher sections, it is still a nice place to live. And if the surrounding areas are any indication, a regeneration is in the neighborhood's near future.
Catford boasts a friendly and community-oriented population. Bird watching, book clubs, and other community activities are organized frequently. And residents take an active part in local issues to make the area better. Thanks to this tight-knit atmosphere, many long-term residents are now seeing their children come back to raise families here.
Away from Catford's shopping center, you’ll find beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes, including some absolutely gorgeous ones from house hunters who are trying to be ahead of the curve. These homes are characterized by their proper backyards and space for kids (or pets) to roam. For those looking for something a little more unique, the Edwardian homes in the Culverly Road area are beautiful, though you’ll be hard pressed to grab one of these houses because they don’t go on the market often.
Catford has a nice selection of restaurants that range from cheap takeout to great ethnic cuisine. Most of the restaurants are quite affordable. The same thing can be said of the pubs, many of which have rotating beers on tap.
The neighborhood has all the basics you'll need, including markets, a library, sports clubs, butchers, salons, and parks. Mountsfield Park is a great place to go for a walk or run and is often used for community events.
Catford is bordered on the north by Ladywell, on the east by Hither Green, on the south by Bellingham, and on the west by Forest Hill.
Commute:
The City: 7.1 miles / 35-70 minutes by car / 35-45 minutes by transit
Canary Wharf: 7.9 miles / 30-55 minutes by car / 35-50 minutes by transit
Southwark: 6.3 miles / 30-50 minutes by car / 30-50 minutes by transit
Westminster: 7.9 miles / 35-75 minutes by car / 35-45 minutes by transit
Shoreditch: 8.4 miles / 40-85 minutes by car / 45-55 minutes by transit
Catford LOCAL schools
Photo Credits: Thanks to @Moxette, @Elise Cavicchi, @Stephen Colebourne, @gingerbadger, @vsnagek, @Matt French, @Terri Harrington, @analogkultur, @Road Photgraphy, @matt_lyckin, @Laura Cracknell, @nstandsforenergy, @number_219, @Beds of London, @helenoftheways, @Benjamin Willard, @Mat Barnes for your great photos of this neighborhood!
