Local Area Guide

Streatham

Are you thinking about buying or renting a property in Streatham? Located in south London, Streatham is a culturally diverse suburb, with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian houses and excellent links into the city.

Roughly translated, Streatham means the 'hamlet on the streets'. The area has recently undergone a multi-million-pound regeneration, yet it still retains that peaceful atmosphere, while also providing access to a wide range of new and improved facilities.

As such, the area is becoming increasingly popular with families and young professionals. But could you happily settle down in the Streatham area? Read on to find out.

Are there local transport links nearby?

As mentioned, Streatham is well-served by several transport links. This includes a regular bus service to destinations around the city, as well as overland and underground train stations.

Nearby overland stations include:

• Streatham Hill (train to Victoria takes 25 minutes)
• Streatham Thames (Train to King Cross takes less than 30)
• Streatham Common (train to Victoria & London Bridge takes 19 minutes)

Nearby underground stations:

• Balham (Northern line, located roughly two miles from central Streatham)
• Brixton (Victorian Line)

What's the local food and drink scene like?

If you like to go out for a bite to eat, then Streatham will offer you plenty of choice. The newly refurbished Gastro pub ‘The Bull’, serves a selection of sustainably sourced Gastro and BBQ food. Meanwhile, Slurp is a restaurant with over 70 dishes from China, Thailand and Japan to choose from. Alternatively, the Whole Meal Café provides a fantastic choice of vegetarian and vegan food.

If you want to sample a tipple while drinking in some local entertainment, The Hideaway is a fantastic jazz bar that also hosts regular comedy nights.

How does Streatham rate for sport and leisure facilities?

If you like to keep fit and active, the redeveloped Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre has a wide range of activities that will help you to break a sweat. Facilities include a full size ice pad, two swimming pools, exercise studios and a gym.

Alternatively, there are a several sports and activity clubs in Streatham and the surrounding areas, including tennis, football, martial arts, rugby and more.

What can you do on a sunny day?

Streatham is home to some gorgeous green and open spaces, with access to both Streatham Common and Tooting Bec Common.

Streatham Common is located on the southern edge of Streatham, it's a stunning urban park when the sun is out. Other attractions include a paddling pool, a children's playground and regular events in the warmer months – including Kite Day.

The rookery offers the opportunity for a leisurely stroll through the gardens; local residents are invited to participate in a range of gardening projects, there are also open air theatre productions during the summer holidays proving entertainment for all ages.

Tooting Bec Common is the larger of the two parks, and its green expanses offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Attractions include a swimming pool, athletics track, sports pitches and a children's playground. Like Streatham Common, it also hosts regular events during the warmer months.

What can you do on a rainy day?

Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre includes a full size 60 by 30 metre ice pad, which is a fantastic venue for family skating. Plus, if you're an amateur, you can learn how to skate from one of the venues nationally acclaimed coaches.

What's Streatham like for food and retail shopping?

Streatham High Road is believed to be the longest commercial street in Europe at two miles long. As such, you will find almost anything you need from a retail standpoint – from independent businesses and high street stores to supermarkets and ethnic food stores.

The new Streatham Hub development – which is also located on Streatham High Road – includes a Tesco Extra, too.

What does Streatham offer in terms of entertainment?

For world-class attractions and an abundance of choice, you can try heading into central London.

In Streatham itself, there are a variety of things to do. For example, the annually held Streatham Festival offers a line-up that includes music, dance, theatre, comedy, workshops and more. Alternatively, movie-lovers and adrenaline junkies have the choice of the nearby Odeon cinema.

If you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained, there are a variety of play areas and Tooting Bec Lido.

Are there decent local amenities such as libraries and health centres?

Streatham is well-served by several health centres, including Streatham Hill Healthcare Centre, which is open Monday to Saturday for registered patients and a walk in centre located in central Streatham on Gracefiled Gardens.

Meanwhile Streatham Library, which recently underwent a £1.4m refurbishment, offers a range of services, including a collection of international books and free Wi-Fi.

What's the local traffic and parking like?

There are a number of pay and display car parks in the Streatham area, including Leigham Court Road, which is 0.4 miles from Streatham High Road. It's important to note that some off-street and residential parking spaces require a permit, which you can purchase from the local council.

How well is the area served by primary and secondary schools?

One of the reasons Streatham is such a popular area with families is because of the quality of the local schools

The Ofsted inspectors recently rated Woodmansterne Primary School as 'Outstanding. The school is also developing a Secondary School scheme. Sunnyhill Primary School and Julian's Primary School both received a 'Good' rating in their latest Ofsted reports. Similarly, Dunraven School offers excellent educational prospects for children of secondary school age, receiving an 'Outstanding' rating in their latest Ofsted report.

If you would like to find out more about buying or renting a property in Streatham, call or visit the local Andrews branch.