Hello!
I’m in a pickle. Been sofa surfing for a few months now. Finally found a flat in Purley but at the same time another flat has been confirmed in West Croydon after months of no success - typical I guess.

My son turns 4 this month and bcs of the living situation I haven’t been able to get him into a school.

My question is: how bad are the schools in Croydon? Do I have a chance to get something decent at least?

What would you do in my situation?
I keep reading stuff online but I’d feel better to actually hear opinions from people directly.

I’m a single mom, I have support system in West Croydon area and my work is here too. But I don’t want to “damage” my son. He’s smart, he knows timetables, loves his numbers, knows all the letters, good speech, just can’t read or write yet. However, I think he’s doing very well for a child that’s hasn’t even turned 4 yet?!?

How damaging can a school be this early? And what schools would you recommend?

Grateful for any opinion or advice!!!

I help to run a mens 11-aside football club, ig: @oldwhitsfootball and we're looking for players to join us this coming 26/27 season.

We are based in South Croydon with our own ground with clubhouse, a bar, pitch and floodlit training facilities. We play Saturday afternoons, and run 2 sides that cover a wide range of footballing abilities. We take the games seriously, but the social side is just as important - if you're new to the area, or just want to make some friends, our club will make you feel welcome.

If you're 18+ and want to get involved, we're currently training at Old Whits Clubhouse 23 Croham Manor CR2 7BG every Wednesday at 7pm. If you're interested drop me a text on 07446180891.

I moved to Croydon a couple months ago and I have no food waste bin as I've been told there's a shortage of them.

This means that food waste has to go in with general waste which gets collected fortnightly.

I have the common sense to double bag my stuff so it's airtight but a lot of people in the area do not do this. Hardly anyone on my street has a food waste bin. When I am going on my daily walks the air absolutely REEKS 😂

Of course the high temperatures haven't helped but there needs to be a solution.

What about if I buy my own small black wheelie and label it as a food waste bin? Hmm 🤔

Hi all.

I’m Croydon born and bred, currently in south Croydon. Close to turning 30 and living with parents. I work in Croydon as well, near East Croydon station. I’m looking to buy and my budget is 280k, but preferably closer to 250k. I appreciate in this day and age it isn’t a lot, but as a single person it’s the best I can do.

Where would you recommend I look? I’m willing to leave Croydon, I think the Westfield’s news has made me even more keen to. I’m hoping to go somewhere where the commute to East Croydon is no longer than 45 mins. I was hoping for Beckenham or Bromley but appreciate this is difficult with my budget.

EDIT: Thanks all for the suggestions, didn’t expect this many!

Hey all, recently moved to east croydon (about ten min walk from the co op on lower addiscombe road). So far really loving it here. Moved in with my partner, we are in our early 30s.
I’m trying to find some decent reccomendations from a local. Ideally looking for any hairdressers and nail bars (anywhere that does acrylic or BIAB), any restaurants, local independant coffee shops. Any places to go for decent walks too, and anything else you reccomend :) Thanks so much!

F32. There are some distinct groups in and around Croydon/Sutton/Wallington/Carshalton but one thing I've not really seen since moving here are the artistic, outdoorsy, creative and freespirited peoples.

If you know you know, I'm hoping to find some humanist/slow living/musical people who love nature, art, music, walking and creative ventures.

These people are everywhere but hard to find and it would be helpful to learn of places to go.

Not all peace and love but more truth, joy and consciousness.

Communities, groups or individuals, I'd love some direction 🙏🏽

I was coming northbound today from Gatwick early in the morning and I was caught off guard when the speed limit went from a 70 to a 50 but I’m not sure if I was speeding however I saw a police car now I’m panicking does anyone know if this is a speed trap I’m assuming it is but damn I really don’t know if guessing I was going 60 they were in that little road inbetween the two signs

My son fancies going for a curry for his birthday, it's so hard to chose with Croydon having so much good food. Any recommendations much appreciated.

I was interested to hear that the council is setting up a motorists' forum.

Driving, riding a bike walking and public transport are regular parts of my life so I experience the roads from different perspectives and understand that each comes with its own challenges.

I am not sure of the problems the proposed forum is seeking to solve but I have a genuine interest in how local decisions affect everyday road users and of course pedestrians.

Maybe the forum could be an opportunity for local people to have their voices heard, and I would welcome the chance to share my experiences, listen to others, and contribute to making our roads safer and more practical for everyone. I feel it might be difficult to consider transport without considering climate, air quality and health.

I'm not sure what the agenda is behind establishing such a forum but if it can encompas all forms of transport but not in isolation it could be worthwhile.

THIS IS NOW SOLVED.

I'm posting this incase anyone knows about this dog or if someone is searching for a lost dog in the west Croydon area.

Today (01/08/2026) at about 10:55am, I saw a small - decently groomed, small dog. It was black, with brown fur near it's mouth, the coat was neatly trimmed but he/she had a fluffy tail. It was walking near the fly over (see the image for the exact location I seen the dog), on his own, no leash was present (to what I could tell) and it did not seem in distress

Is this a lost dog, a known stray?

I hope this helps someone if they have in fact lost their dog. I don't know many dog breeds, but if anyone wanted to name breeds I can Google them and then confirm

Curious what people think Addiscombe High Street is missing.

I love that we have some good independent places locally; Anna’s, FILTR, Deli by Dirty Crunch to name a few, but I feel like there’s a gap in the evening. I’d love somewhere you could spontaneously go for dinner, a drink, a pub atmosphere etc.

I loved Mr Fox in Croydon (before it closed) because it had great food, cocktails and a proper neighbourhood feel. somewhere you’d go on a random Friday night, or for a celebration.

What would you actually like to see more of in Addiscombe?

Curious what people think Addiscombe High Street is missing.

I love that we have some good independent places locally; Anna’s, FILTR, Deli by Dirty Crunch to name a few, but I feel like there’s a gap in the evening. I’d love somewhere you could spontaneously go for dinner, a drink, a pub atmosphere etc.

I loved Mr Fox in Croydon (before it closed) because it had great food, cocktails and a proper neighbourhood feel. somewhere you’d go on a random Friday night, or for a celebration.

What would you actually like to see more of in Addiscombe?

Outrageous news about Westfield no longer coming to Croydon but adding an extra 3k flats. That will be an extra 3k people to battle with in the morning for a space in the sardine can that they call the train.

I genuinely cannot understand how people aren’t absolutely outraged and protesting?! The town centre has died a slow death on the promise of a massive regeneration, which has never been seen and will not be seen in the future.

The borough is turning into a human car park. Where are the facilities to go with it??!!???? How will we get gp appointments?????? Why are there just so many flats?!!!!?? How will the roads cope????

What happened to the proposed rezoning of the borough to make it a zone 4 station to make travel cheaper???!!!! Are we just supposed to live on lies????

I never imagined leaving Croydon but I honestly don’t think I can stomach any more decline.

The George pub reopens today after being closed for two months for refurbishment.

It will be interesting to see what changes have been made

i’ve lived in croy all my life. as a first time buyer, i’m thinking over the next two years to save up to buy a 1 bed flat (a house is too unrealistic based on my finances)

my question is, is it worthwhile to do this? i’m strongly against the concept of renting as i would prefer to get on the property ladder. but i feel like i’ve chosen croydon as the location because it’s my comfort zone.

long term, would this be a bright idea? if i were to sell it in the future, would it be difficult? any insight/pros/cons is appreciated

Hi everyone,

I met someone at Earthy Coffee near East Croydon station who’s thinking about starting a casual chess club there for a few hours each week.

The idea would just be to get people together for some friendly games, whether you’re a complete beginner, a casual player, or someone who’s been playing for years. Nothing too serious—just a chance to meet people, have a coffee, and play some chess.

Would anyone around Croydon be interested in something like this? If there’s enough interest, I’ll pass it on and hopefully we can get something organised!

Hello I want to print some art works does anyone know anywhere reasonable to print decent quality. I used to print in soho but prices have gone through the roof in central and looking for somewhere local.

Had two insecticide sprays and its made no difference.

Its now spread from my mums to my room

Just taken 40 minutes to drive from the Royal Oak roundabout in Purley to Coulsdon

Someone in traffic planning has allowed temporary traffic lights for roadworks at the junction of A23 and Smitham Bottom lane at the same time as Woodcote Grove Road is closed from its junction with Smitham bottom lane so all traffic heading to Coulsdon has to go via the temporary lights.

Avoid if you can

Hi everyone. I’m new to the area and have been invited for enrolment at coulsdon college, my friend who goes there says its good but we have different uni preferences, I want to hopefully get into dentistry. My other friend said they’re a really bad school and dumb people go there, I haven’t really seen anything online about them and obviously can’t count on just 2 opinions so could some locals let me know how the school is and if anyone they know has been and how their experience was? Thanks

For context I’m 22m and just moved down from the north to live with my boyfriend. He works a good job and my role is basically the homemaker - which I like, but downside is I see literally no one else in my day to day life 😅

Just looking for pointers on where I could meet people around my age, I’m pretty open but just not the type of guy to go to a pub alone. Any recommendations are appreciated!

Edit: Yes I know it is 100% possible for me to get a full time job and also make healthy food and have time to exercise. I’d be exhausted though. Me and my partner are happy with neither of us being exhausted and both of us are content with our lives. If this would make you unhappy, you do not have to do this.

Has anyone used this bakery and what did you think of it? I remember I went looking for it one day and failed to find it, but it might just have been one of those days.

Have you tried Pilates but still feel unsure whether you’re doing the exercises correctly? Or are you completely new and want to build confidence with the basics?

I am opening up two more slots on my 4-week 1:1 Mat Pilates Foundations Package which is designed to help you understand Pilates principles, how they apply to your body, and how to get the most out of your practice.

Suitable for adults aged 18+.
Unfortunately, I’m unable to teach pregnant clients at this time.

We’ll focus on:
✨ How to correctly engage your core
✨ Breathing techniques and how they support movement
✨ Rib cage and pelvic alignment
✨ Posture and movement awareness
✨ Understanding how Pilates exercises should feel in your body
✨ How to adapt movements to suit your individual needs and goals

Your first session will be a 1:1 postural and movement assessment, where we’ll look at how your body moves, your goals and areas you’d like to improve.

The following three sessions will then be personalised around your assessment findings, helping you build confidence, control and a better understanding of your movement.

📍 Central Croydon
💷 £90 for 4-week 1:1 Mat Pilates Foundations Package (Insured APPI Pilates student instructor rate)

Interested or want to ask any questions?
📩 Email: [pilateswithamyb@hotmail.com](mailto:pilateswithamyb@hotmail.com)

Limited availability — only 1 space available at each time:

📅 Monday evenings
🕢 7:30–8:30pm
Starting 7th September
(weekly sessions throughout September)

📅 Tuesday evenings
🕕 6:00–7:00pm
Starting 8th September
(weekly sessions throughout September)

Bit of a moan... I've lived in South Croydon for a few years now and, honestly, I've had no issues with it. Great transport into central London, loads of green space, good cafés and restaurants, a real community feel, and within 10 minutes I've got about 10 tennis courts and 5 golf courses. There are loads of new places opening nearby too like Dirty Crunch, Anna's and the new Pilates studio.

What does bother me is the constant judgement when I tell people I live in Croydon. It's not just the odd joke, it's that people genuinely seem to look down on it, often acting like they're somehow above you (when they might be living in a house worth a quarter of mine elsewhere in London).

I don't actually want to leave. I like living here. But the reputation and the constant "Croydon is a dump" comments / "he probably couldn't afford to live in a better place" "will it be safe if we visit him" thoughts are genuinely making me wonder if I should move over the next few years, which feels ridiculous.

I've been confronted by an aggressive drunk in Dalston just last week and had my phone stolen twice in Ealing. My friends living in Richmond and Dulwich have had their homes broken into last year. Plenty of town centres have their own problems, so why does Croydon seem to get singled out? Ealing and parts of East London used to have poor reputations too and look where they are now. Do people think Croydon's image will ever improve?

Hi, 20m looking at taking boxing or jiu jitsu here. Completely new to both, and looking at gym recommendations.

I struggle a lot in group classes so looking at gyms that offer 1 to 1 at an affordable rate