The London Borough of Bromley is often described as London’s most suburban borough, and for good reason. Stretching from the edge of South East London deep into the Kent countryside, Bromley offers a rare combination of excellent schools, large family homes, fast rail connections, and vast green spaces.
For many Londoners, Bromley represents the ideal compromise: all the benefits of London employment and transport, with the lifestyle, space, and calm more commonly associated with the Home Counties.
In this detailed guide, we explore the best areas to live in Bromley, breaking down neighbourhoods by lifestyle, transport, schools, housing, safety, and long-term appeal. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a growing family, a commuter, or someone seeking a quieter pace of life, Bromley offers something for almost everyone.
Why Bromley Is One Of London’s Most Desirable Boroughs
Bromley is the largest borough in London by area, and that scale gives it a unique advantage. Unlike denser inner boroughs, Bromley feels spacious, green, and distinctly suburban.
Space And Greenery
Bromley is home to:
- Over 175 parks and open spaces
- Woodland, commons, and countryside
- Easy access to Kent’s rural landscapes
From High Elms Country Park to Chislehurst Commons, outdoor living is a defining feature of the borough.
Excellent Transport Links
Despite its suburban feel, Bromley is exceptionally well connected:
- Frequent Southeastern rail services
- Fast trains into London Bridge, Victoria, Cannon Street, and Charing Cross
- Commute times as short as 15–25 minutes from some stations
This makes Bromley a favourite among City and Canary Wharf professionals.
Outstanding Schools
Education is one of Bromley’s biggest draws. The borough consistently performs well in school league tables and offers:
- Highly rated state primaries and secondaries
- Access to grammar schools in neighbouring Kent
- Reputable independent schools
This combination ensures long-term housing demand and stability.
Bromley Town Centre
Best for: Professionals, commuters, renters, convenience
Bromley Town Centre is the borough’s commercial and transport heart. It offers the most urban lifestyle within Bromley, while still retaining a relatively calm atmosphere compared to inner London.
Lifestyle And Amenities
Bromley town centre features:
- The Glades shopping centre
- Restaurants, cafés, and cinemas
- Gyms, bars, and everyday amenities
- A busy but well-managed high street
It is one of South East London’s strongest retail hubs.
Transport
Bromley South Station is one of the area’s biggest assets:
- Fast trains to London Victoria in around 16 minutes
- Regular services to Blackfriars and St Pancras
- Excellent bus connections across the borough
Housing
Housing around the town centre includes:
- Modern apartment developments
- Purpose-built flats
- Period homes on surrounding residential streets
Things To Consider
- Busier environment than outer neighbourhoods
- Higher rents close to the station
Bromley Town Centre is ideal for those who want convenience, transport, and an active lifestyle.
Beckenham
Best for: Families, professionals, long-term buyers
Beckenham consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in South East London.
Residential Appeal
Beckenham is known for:
- Attractive Victorian and Edwardian homes
- Tree-lined streets
- Well-kept residential areas
It strikes a perfect balance between suburb and city.
Transport
Beckenham benefits from excellent connectivity:
- Beckenham Junction station
- Trams to Croydon and Wimbledon
- Trains to Victoria and London Bridge
Schools And Community
The area has:
- Highly regarded state schools
- A strong community feel
- Plenty of parks and green spaces
Things To Consider
- Higher property prices than much of Bromley
- Strong competition for family homes
Beckenham suits buyers looking for long-term stability and strong resale value.
Chislehurst
Best for: Families, high earners, village lifestyle
Chislehurst offers a unique lifestyle rarely found within Greater London. It feels more like a Kent village than a London suburb.
Village Atmosphere
Chislehurst features:
- A charming high street
- Independent shops and cafés
- Traditional pubs and restaurants
The sense of community is one of its strongest selling points.
Housing
Homes in Chislehurst are typically:
- Large detached and semi-detached properties
- Set on generous plots
- Architecturally distinctive
Green Space
Chislehurst Commons provides:
- Miles of woodland walks
- Open fields
- A rural feel minutes from London
Transport
Chislehurst Station offers fast services into central London.
Things To Consider
- Premium property prices
- Limited rental supply
Chislehurst is ideal for those seeking space, prestige, and village living.
Orpington
Best for: Families, commuters, value seekers
Orpington sits towards the southern edge of the borough and offers excellent value compared to more central Bromley locations.
Transport Advantage
Orpington Station is one of South East London’s strongest commuter hubs:
- Fast trains to London Bridge in under 20 minutes
- Services to Cannon Street and Charing Cross
Housing And Space
Orpington offers:
- Large family homes
- Semi-detached and detached properties
- Good-sized gardens and driveways
This makes it especially appealing to families moving out of inner London.
Schools
Orpington benefits from:
- Well-rated local schools
- Proximity to Kent grammar schools
Things To Consider
- Less nightlife than Bromley or Beckenham
- Feels more suburban and quieter
Orpington suits buyers prioritising space, schools, and transport value.
Shortlands
Best for: Professionals, families, commuters
Shortlands is one of Bromley’s most underrated residential areas, offering excellent transport and a calm village feel.
Location And Connectivity
Shortlands Station provides:
- Fast trains to Victoria and London Bridge
- Reliable peak-hour services
This makes it ideal for City and West End commuters.
Housing
The area features:
- Attractive period homes
- Quiet residential streets
- Smaller apartment blocks near the station
Community Feel
Shortlands is known for:
- Friendly neighbourhood atmosphere
- Local cafés and amenities
- Easy access to parks
Things To Consider
- Limited nightlife
- Smaller high street than Bromley town centre
Shortlands is perfect for those wanting commuter convenience without the bustle.
Hayes
Best for: Families, affordability, suburban living
Hayes offers one of the best value family environments in Bromley.
Residential Character
Hayes is largely residential, with:
- Semi-detached family homes
- Quiet streets
- Plenty of green space
Transport
Hayes Station provides direct services to London Bridge and Charing Cross.
Schools
The area has access to:
- Strong state schools
- Grammar schools within commuting distance
Things To Consider
- Limited entertainment options
- Car ownership often useful
Hayes is ideal for families prioritising schools and affordability.
West Wickham
Best for: Families, retirees, peaceful living
West Wickham is one of Bromley’s most established suburban areas.
Lifestyle
The area offers:
- Quiet residential roads
- Local shopping parades
- A slower pace of life
Housing
Homes are typically:
- Semi-detached and detached
- Well-maintained
- Suitable for long-term living
Transport
West Wickham Station provides regular services into central London.
Things To Consider
- Less vibrant than Beckenham or Bromley
- Limited nightlife
West Wickham suits those looking for peace, space, and stability.
Safety And Quality Of Life In Bromley
Bromley is widely regarded as one of the safer London boroughs, particularly in its outer neighbourhoods.
Key factors include:
- Lower population density
- Strong community presence
- Well-maintained public spaces
Areas such as Chislehurst, Beckenham, Shortlands, and West Wickham are often viewed as especially family-friendly.
Schools And Education In Bromley
Education is a cornerstone of Bromley’s appeal.
Parents benefit from:
- High-performing state schools
- Access to selective grammar schools in Kent
- Independent schools across the borough
This creates consistent demand from families and long-term buyers.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Living
Bromley stands out for outdoor living:
- Country parks and woodlands
- Local commons and recreation grounds
- Walking and cycling routes
Few London boroughs offer this level of access to nature.
Transport And Commuting Overview
Bromley is exceptionally commuter-friendly:
- Fast rail services to central London
- Multiple stations across the borough
- Reliable peak-hour capacity
This combination keeps Bromley firmly on the radar for professionals.
Who Bromley Is Best For
Bromley is particularly suited to:
- Families seeking space and schools
- Professionals commuting into London
- Buyers wanting long-term value
- Retirees seeking calm suburban living
It may be less suitable for those wanting nightlife-heavy areas or dense urban living.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Bromley depend on your priorities:
- Bromley Town Centre for convenience and transport
- Beckenham for prestige and family living
- Chislehurst for village lifestyle and luxury
- Orpington for space and value
- Shortlands for commuters
- Hayes and West Wickham for affordability and peace
Bromley continues to stand out as one of London’s most balanced boroughs, offering a quality of life that is increasingly hard to find elsewhere in the capital.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Information about areas, property, safety, transport, and amenities may change over time and can vary by location.
Nothing in this post should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or property advice. Readers should carry out their own research before making any decisions.
London 33 accepts no liability for reliance on the information provided.