Dinosaurs still roam (well, kind of…) in this terrific suburb.
Crystal Palace has a high violent crime rate and an above average property crime rate for London.
The name "Crystal Palace" sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, but this all-glass structure was built in 1851 for London's Great Exhibition. Alas, the palace that gave this neighborhood its name was relocated and ultimately destroyed in a fire.
Despite that dramatic history, this is a much-loved place to live. It was a bit of a backwater until the London Overground train line arrived in 2007, making the City a reasonable commute for professionals. These days interest is skyrocketing in this leafy area with a village-like atmosphere.
Three roads, Anerley Hill Road, Gipsy Hill, and Church Road, form a triangle that is chock full of restaurants, pubs, shops, and services. You can go to yoga class in the morning, head a few doors down for brunch, stroll another hundred feet to get your groceries, and go out for a pint…all within a 5-10 minute walk.
One of the best features is the 81 hectare (200 acre) Crystal Palace Park. It's got plenty of grassy areas to hang out and have a picnic, walking trails, a playground, sports facilities, and life sized dinosaur sculptures lurking behind bends in the trails.
For housing, you'll find a mix of large Edwardian-style semi-detached homes, more modest rowhouses, and apartment buildings.
Crystal Palace is bordered on the north by Dulwich, on the east by Penge, on the south by Clock House, and on the west by Upper Norwood.
Commute:
The City: 7.9 miles / 35-75 minutes by car / 40-50 minutes by transit
Canary Wharf: 9.6 miles / 40-70 minutes by car / 40-45 minutes by transit
Southwark: 7.1 miles / 30-60 minutes by car / 35-40 minutes by transit
Westminster: 7 miles / 30-60 minutes by car / 45-55 minutes by transit
Shoreditch: 9.2 miles / 45-100 minutes by car / 50 minutes by transit
Crystal Palace LOCAL schools
Photo Credits: Thanks to @anthony_mensier, @autumnpuku, @coleflower, @uniquepropertycompany, @jordansaflor, @steffibarks, @vinnyuk, @jennabegood, @paulgajewski, @extrra_, @alexfawks, @ellensilvey, @mattjwarren, @jeffanderson921, @klev_m, @adrienneleighp, @playinaction, and @matilda.rose.hamilton for your great photos of this neighborhood!
