Moving From Islington to Greenwich
Kelley asks:
We live in Islington now and are looking at buying a flat in Greenwich, on Blackheath Road. I know the Estate agents want to make it sound fantastic, and the flat itself is fab, but what do you say about the location? It's about five minutes from the Greenwich centre, but how about the Lewisham part? Any thoughts about the area?
The Phantom replies:
What a sound move - Islington to Greenwich. I applaud you, Kelley.
Blackheath Road is, I believe, part of the A2, so, be prepared to see traffic jams outside your window on a regular basis, and check the pollution levels. For noise, check the DEFRA noise mapping site ; (thanks Stevie) I'm not sure if there's a corresponding pollution level site.
Contrary to popular belief, there are are whole swathes of 'Lewisham' that are almost posher than Blackheath and Greenwich - where Blackheath and Lewisham merge, it's extremely smart, though the smartness does tail-off as the roads reach the town centre.
Having said that, Lewisham has good shopping - a vibrancy of chains and independents, and stuff going on. I guess it's much like Islington - in that there are swanky areas and really poor bits, though the shopping does tend towards the downmarket - more Chapel Market than Upper Street...
There are good transport links - and in Blackheath Road, you're a cough and a spit from Greenwich town centre (though five minutes would be pushing it unless you're in a car), Blackheath, Deptford (with a great market and a growing artistic community) not to mention The Point (a splendid vista over London) and Greenwich Park.
But go and see the place - and ask around. Try the various local estate agents too.
Good luck moving in such uncertain times...
We live in Islington now and are looking at buying a flat in Greenwich, on Blackheath Road. I know the Estate agents want to make it sound fantastic, and the flat itself is fab, but what do you say about the location? It's about five minutes from the Greenwich centre, but how about the Lewisham part? Any thoughts about the area?
The Phantom replies:
What a sound move - Islington to Greenwich. I applaud you, Kelley.
Blackheath Road is, I believe, part of the A2, so, be prepared to see traffic jams outside your window on a regular basis, and check the pollution levels. For noise, check the DEFRA noise mapping site ; (thanks Stevie) I'm not sure if there's a corresponding pollution level site.
Contrary to popular belief, there are are whole swathes of 'Lewisham' that are almost posher than Blackheath and Greenwich - where Blackheath and Lewisham merge, it's extremely smart, though the smartness does tail-off as the roads reach the town centre.
Having said that, Lewisham has good shopping - a vibrancy of chains and independents, and stuff going on. I guess it's much like Islington - in that there are swanky areas and really poor bits, though the shopping does tend towards the downmarket - more Chapel Market than Upper Street...
There are good transport links - and in Blackheath Road, you're a cough and a spit from Greenwich town centre (though five minutes would be pushing it unless you're in a car), Blackheath, Deptford (with a great market and a growing artistic community) not to mention The Point (a splendid vista over London) and Greenwich Park.
But go and see the place - and ask around. Try the various local estate agents too.
Good luck moving in such uncertain times...
Labels: Ask The Phantom, Moving to Greenwich
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
09:48
8 Comments:
What's The Point? Could find it in google. And which market you think is better for fruit and veggie shoppers? Lewisham or Deptford?
Lewisham market is great for fresh fruit and veg; great prices eg. 2 pineapples for £1 this week.
I would imagine Blackheath Road to be blighted by noise, vibrations , and air pollution. I always feel pity for the residents as I drive by; such nice houses next to a horrible road!
My husband and I moved from Islington to Deptford a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. The markets are great for fresh fruit and veg (similar prices to Lewisham), and there's a very strong sense of community - the shops are family owned and run and the owners know me by name.
Blackheath Rd is really busy, so if you don't already have double glazing I suspect you'll want to install is pretty quickly. That said, it puts you delightfully close to the Heath and Greenwich Park, two of the best things about this area.
Having lived on (and now moved away from) Blackheath Road for a number of years I would say think carefully - it is a *really* busy road with buses, huge trucks, etc. thundering down it night and day. You might get some respite if you have back rooms away from the road (our old flat's layout had all its room adjacent to the road) but when one of those monster trucks goes past, the whole building will shake. I'd avoid it unless the flat is absolute doozie. Just don't let the cat out!
Can we start a conversion society to convert all these north Londoners to move to our lovely southern shores?
Perhaps not -- we wouldn't want to be totally overcrowded.
I actually live in Forest Hill but *dream* of living in Greenwich and go the gym (Arches Leisure Centre) in Greenwich.
The Point is the north-western corner of the Heath, to the north of Blackheath Hill and adjoining Point Hill.
My boyfriend & I bought a masionette flat on Blackheath Road in August 07 (having renting on Circus Street in central West Greenwich for the previous year) & love our place. There is no denying that it is an extremely busy road with a lot of pollution in the air & noise at the front of the building. Our sitting room & master bedroom are at the back which makes a world of difference. We are at the Deptford end of the road, and it is a 10-15 minute walk to central Greenwich & the park, & 10 mins to Blackheath Common. I quite like being on the border of Deptford & Lewisham which are a bit more gritty! but still essentially in lovely Greenwich.
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