The London Borough of Bexley is often described as one of Greater London’s best-kept secrets. Located in South East London, Bexley offers a rare combination of affordable housing, strong schools, green spaces, and a slower pace of life, all while remaining firmly within London’s boundaries.
For families priced out of inner London, professionals seeking value, or anyone wanting more space without leaving the capital, Bexley is increasingly hard to ignore.
This in-depth guide explores the best areas to live in Bexley, analysing neighbourhoods based on housing, transport, schools, safety, amenities, and overall lifestyle. Whether you are buying, renting, or simply researching, this article will give you a clear, honest view of what living in Bexley is really like.
Why Bexley Is Growing In Popularity
Bexley sits on the outer edge of South East London, bordering Kent. This position gives it a suburban, almost semi-rural feel, which is one of its biggest attractions.
More Space For Your Money
Compared to many London boroughs, Bexley offers:
- Larger homes
- More gardens and driveways
- Lower average house prices and rents
This makes it especially appealing to families and first-time buyers.
Strong School Performance
Bexley has a long-standing reputation for good schools, including selective grammar schools, which attract families from across London and Kent.
Commuter-Friendly Transport
While it does not have Underground services, Bexley benefits from:
- Reliable National Rail connections
- Reasonable commute times into central London
- Easy road access to Kent and the South East
Green And Family-Friendly
Bexley is one of London’s greener boroughs, with:
- Large parks
- Woodland areas
- River paths and open spaces
This contributes significantly to quality of life.
Bexleyheath
Best for: Families, first-time buyers, town-centre living
Bexleyheath is one of the borough’s main centres and a popular choice for those who want amenities, transport, and community in one place.
Housing And Streets
Bexleyheath offers a mix of:
- Victorian and Edwardian houses
- 1930s semi-detached homes
- Modern apartment developments near the town centre
Homes here generally offer good value compared to neighbouring boroughs such as Greenwich or Bromley.
Shopping And Amenities
Bexleyheath has a well-developed town centre with:
- A shopping mall
- Supermarkets
- Cafés and restaurants
- Gyms, cinemas, and leisure facilities
Transport
Bexleyheath station provides direct rail services into London Bridge, Cannon Street, and Charing Cross, making it popular with commuters.
Things To Consider
- Busy during peak shopping hours
- Traffic congestion on main roads
Bexleyheath suits those who want convenience without inner London prices.
Sidcup
Best for: Families, professionals, long-term buyers
Sidcup is one of Bexley’s most sought-after areas, known for its excellent schools and suburban atmosphere.
Residential Appeal
Sidcup is characterised by:
- Quiet residential streets
- Larger semi-detached and detached homes
- A strong community feel
It consistently attracts families looking to settle long term.
Schools
Sidcup is particularly popular due to:
- Well-regarded state schools
- Proximity to grammar schools
- Access to further education colleges
Transport Links
Sidcup station offers fast rail services into central London, with journey times often under 30 minutes.
Things To Consider
- Higher house prices than some other parts of Bexley
- Limited nightlife
Sidcup is ideal for those prioritising schools, safety, and long-term stability.
Welling
Best for: First-time buyers, renters, commuters
Welling sits between Plumstead and Bexleyheath and is often considered one of the best value areas in the borough.
Housing Value
Welling offers:
- Terraced and semi-detached houses
- Purpose-built flats
- Competitive pricing for London buyers
This makes it popular with first-time buyers and renters.
High Street And Amenities
Welling High Street provides:
- Supermarkets and independent shops
- Cafés and takeaway options
- Everyday services and healthcare facilities
Transport
Welling station offers direct rail services into central London, making commuting straightforward.
Things To Consider
- Busy main roads
- Fewer green spaces than Sidcup or Bexley Village
Welling suits people seeking affordability with good transport links.
Crayford
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, families, value seekers
Crayford is located in the eastern part of the borough and has historically been one of Bexley’s most affordable areas.
Regeneration And Change
Crayford has benefited from:
- Town centre regeneration
- Improved public spaces
- New housing developments
This has helped improve its reputation and long-term prospects.
Housing
The area offers:
- Victorian terraces
- Post-war housing
- New-build apartments
Prices remain lower than much of London, making it attractive to buyers on a budget.
Transport
Crayford station provides rail services into London Bridge and Cannon Street.
Things To Consider
- Some areas still feel transitional
- Fewer high-end amenities
Crayford is best for those prioritising value and future potential.
Bexley Village
Best for: Families, professionals, village-style living
Bexley Village is often regarded as one of the most charming parts of the borough.
Village Atmosphere
The area offers:
- A historic village centre
- Independent shops and cafés
- A strong sense of community
It feels distinctly different from many London neighbourhoods.
Housing
Homes in Bexley Village include:
- Period cottages
- Larger family houses
- Properties overlooking green spaces
Transport
Bexley station offers rail services into central London, though journey times can be slightly longer than Sidcup or Bexleyheath.
Things To Consider
- Limited housing supply
- Higher prices due to demand
Bexley Village is ideal for those seeking character, charm, and community.
Blackheath Border Areas
Best for: Professionals, families, premium living
While Blackheath itself sits mainly within Greenwich, parts of Bexley border this highly desirable area.
Why It’s Popular
Living near Blackheath offers:
- Access to Blackheath Common
- High-quality schools
- A prestigious address
Housing
Properties here are typically:
- Larger period homes
- Higher-priced than much of Bexley
- In high demand
Transport
Rail and nearby Underground connections provide strong commuter options.
Things To Consider
- Higher costs
- Competitive property market
This area suits buyers wanting premium living with Bexley council benefits.
Safety And Community In Bexley
Bexley is generally considered one of London’s safer boroughs, particularly compared to inner London areas.
- Crime rates tend to be lower
- Many neighbourhoods have strong community ties
- Streets are quieter and less densely populated
Areas such as Sidcup, Bexley Village, and parts of Bexleyheath are especially popular with families for this reason.
Schools And Education In Bexley
Education is one of Bexley’s biggest draws.
The borough offers:
- High-performing primary schools
- Well-regarded secondary schools
- Selective grammar schools
This makes Bexley particularly attractive to families planning for the long term.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Living
Bexley is one of London’s greener boroughs, with access to:
- Danson Park
- Hall Place Gardens
- Local nature reserves and river walks
This contributes significantly to mental wellbeing and family-friendly living.
Transport And Commuting Overview
Although Bexley lacks Underground lines, rail services are reliable and efficient.
Most areas offer:
- Direct trains into central London
- Commute times of 30–45 minutes
- Easy road access to Kent and the South East
For many residents, this trade-off is worth it for the extra space and affordability.
Who Bexley Is Best For
Bexley is particularly well suited to:
- Families prioritising schools and space
- First-time buyers seeking affordability
- Professionals happy with rail commuting
- Buyers looking for long-term value
It may be less appealing to those seeking nightlife-heavy areas or Underground access on their doorstep.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Bexley depend on your priorities:
- Bexleyheath for amenities and transport
- Sidcup for schools and family living
- Welling for affordability and commuting
- Crayford for value and regeneration potential
- Bexley Village for charm and community
- Blackheath borders for premium living
Bexley continues to stand out as one of London’s most liveable and underrated boroughs, offering space, stability, and strong long-term appeal.
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.