Why Thornton Heath isn't Croydon's 'least desirable' area

TikTok creator @adamlondontalks recently listed the most and least desirable places to live across all 32 London boroughs, placing Thornton Heath at the bottom for Croydon.

Such rankings come from factors like crime, but this paints a one-dimensional picture of an area without acknowledging its strengths.

Although it’s often overshadowed by neighbouring Crystal Palace, Norbury and Croydon town centre, Thornton Heath is a bustling, multicultural neighbourhood with strong transport links, an active community and a lively high street.

With its affordability, diverse food scene and ongoing community-led improvements, Thornton Heath remains a popular choice for commuters, young families and long-term residents.

Here are five reasons why Thornton Heath deserves more credit than it gets.

Transport links:

Thornton Heath’s transport network is one of the strongest in south London.

Thornton Heath station has regular Southern and Thameslink services, with direct trains to London Victoria in around 25 minutes and London Bridge in just over 30.

This makes it an easy choice for commuters who want London access without the central-London price tag.

On the roads, Brigstock Road are major bus corridors, with services like the 109, 250, 50 and 198 offering fast links to Brixton, Croydon, Streatham, Norbury and beyond.

For added convenience, residents are close to the Croydon Tramlink, giving quick access to Wimbledon, Beckenham Junction and East Croydon for wider connections.

Whether you’re heading into the city, travelling around Croydon or making weekend trips across south London, Thornton Heath’s connectivity is a major advantage.

Community spirit:

Thornton Heath is known for its close-knit, down-to-earth community feel.

Local groups such as Thornton Heath Community Action Team (THCAT) run regular clean-ups, street art projects and neighbourhood initiatives that bring residents together.

Events like the annual Winter Festival and outdoor arts showcases have helped strengthen local pride and identity.

The area has a long history of grassroots involvement, from residents supporting the refurbishment of Thornton Heath Library to community-led improvements at Thornton Heath Rec.

It’s the kind of place where people stop to chat to their neighbours, local shopkeepers know their regulars, and community projects actually get people involved.

That warmth and inclusivity is one of Thornton Heath’s biggest assets.

Food and culture:

One of Thornton Heath’s greatest strengths is its diversity, and nowhere is that more visible than on the high street.

People can pick up Jamaican patties from local bakeries, grab Portuguese pastries from cafés along London Road, or find Turkish grills, Nigerian eateries and Indian grocers all within a short walk of the station.

Popular spots like Blue & Orange, Mundo Lusitano and local Caribbean takeaways show just how varied the food scene is.

There’s also a growing creative culture, with murals and public art brightening up streets, community music events popping up at local venues, and small independent shops adding real character.

It’s a place where global cultures mix easily, creating an atmosphere that feels lively, authentic and unmistakably south London.

The Thornton Heath Festival is also hosted every year, celebrating the diverse cultural scene in the area.

More space for your money:

Thornton Heath stands out for offering significantly better value than many nearby neighbourhoods.

Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes are common, many with large rooms, bay windows and decent-sized gardens – features that would cost far more in Streatham, Balham or Crystal Palace.

Even flats tend to be more spacious, whether in converted houses or purpose-built blocks.

Renters and first-time buyers find they can afford an extra bedroom, a garden, or simply more living space than they’d get elsewhere.

House prices in Thornton Heath have an overall average of £390,481 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in Thornton Heath during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £434,697.

Flats sold for an average of £263,054, with semi-detached properties fetching £454,372.

Green spaces:

Despite its urban reputation, Thornton Heath has plenty of greenery and places to unwind.

Grangewood Park is one of the area’s gems.

The park is a large, wooded hillside park with walking trails, sports facilities and a rich history tied to the old Grange estate.

Thornton Heath Recreation Ground has wide open fields, a playground, sports courts and community events throughout the year.

Residents are also minutes away from Norbury Park, a spacious green area ideal for walking, cycling or simply sitting with a coffee.

Crystal Palace Park is just one bus ride away, so residents have easy access to one of the largest and most varied parks in South London.

For families, dog owners or anyone seeking outdoor space, Thornton Heath has more choice than its reputation suggests.