Considering a move to Orpington? This comprehensive guide explores the top reasons to relocate, including excellent schools, convenient transport links, vibrant community life, and beautiful green spaces. Discover what makes this town such a great place to live, from its outstanding educational facilities and efficient train services to Central London, to its lively markets and parks. Whether you’re a young professional or a growing family, find out why Orpington could be your perfect new home.
Key Takeaways
- Orpington provides a vibrant lifestyle with diverse amenities including shopping, dining, markets, and extensive parks and green spaces, appealing to varied tastes and preferences.
- The town boasts exceptional educational facilities, with top-rated primary and secondary schools ensuring high-quality education for children at all developmental stages.
- Orpington offers excellent transport links, particularly efficient train services to Central London, making it an ideal location for professionals seeking a balance between suburban tranquillity and urban convenience.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Orpington’s lively high street, the town’s epicentre, is brimming with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It caters to a wide array of tastes, ensuring plentiful dining options for those craving a quick coffee, a gourmet feast, or a vibrant night out. The vibrant Orpington Market, located in The Walnuts Shopping Centre, is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, providing residents with a wide range of goods including fashion, household items, and fresh produce. With an annual footfall of 6.5 million visitors, the market is a central hub for the community.
Adding to Orpington’s distinctive allure are local businesses, which range from boutique stores to indispensable services, complemented by an assortment of sports and leisure facilities. If you are a history enthusiast, you’ll appreciate attractions like the Parish Church and the Orpington War Memorial, which add a touch of historical significance to the area.
Orpington’s parks and green spaces are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top parks in the area include:
- Priory Gardens: This park features a well-maintained playground and sports facilities, making it a favourite among families and history buffs alike.
- Goddington Park: With picturesque walking trails and sports amenities, this park is a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- High Elms Country Park: This expansive park offers beautiful landscapes, woodlands, and meadows, providing residents with ample opportunities to enjoy recreational activities and connect with nature.
FUN FACT
Orpington’s parks and green spaces are perfect for residents, including young professionals, to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. These areas offer numerous opportunities to connect with nature, making them ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Outstanding Schools
Orpington’s standout feature is the exceptional education it offers. The town is home to numerous top-rated schools, ensuring that children receive a quality education at every stage of their development. For instance, Newstead Wood School and St. Olave’s Grammar School both cater to students aged 11-18 and have received ‘Outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted. These schools are renowned for their academic excellence and nurturing environments.
For younger children, Orpington, including St Mary’s Cray, offers a range of outstanding primary and junior schools near St Mary Cray Station. Some of these schools include:
- Crofton Infant School
- Crofton Junior School
- Perry Hall Primary School
- Darrick Wood Infant & Nursery School
All of these secondary schools have been rated ‘Outstanding’ and provide excellent education for younger students.
The town’s dedication to quality education shines through its diverse selection of top-tier schools, accommodating learners of all ages. Midfield Primary School and Warren Road Primary School are additional examples of the town’s dedication to nurturing young minds. With such a comprehensive selection of outstanding schools, parents can rest assured that their children will receive the best possible education in a supportive and enriching environment.
Excellent Transport Links
The town’s top-notch transport links appeal to professionals commuting to Central London and further afield. The town provides exceptional train connectivity with various direct lines to Central London. With 120 daily services running from Orpington to London Bridge, commuters can enjoy a swift journey, with the fastest train taking just 15 minutes. This convenience allows residents to balance the tranquillity of suburban living with the hustle and bustle of city life.
The train services bound for London Bridge from Orpington Station are remarkably efficient, with the first train departing at 04:58 and the last at 23:50. This extensive schedule ensures that professionals have flexible commuting options, making Orpington an ideal location for those working in Central London. Additionally, the average journey time of 24 minutes means that residents can quickly and easily reach the heart of the city.
… extensive schedule ensures that professionals have flexible commuting options, making Orpington an ideal location for those working in Central London.
Beyond its superior train connections, Orpington offers numerous other modern conveniences. The town is well-served by other transport links, making it easy to travel within the Greater London area and beyond. Whether you need to reach major London hubs like Charing Cross, Cannon Street, or Victoria, Orpington’s transport infrastructure ensures a smooth and efficient journey. This connectivity makes Orpington a highly desirable location for professionals and families alike.
Family-Friendly Environment
Known for its family-friendly environment, Orpington is packed with parks, playgrounds, and a myriad of activities for children of varying ages. Families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the town’s well-maintained parks and green spaces. Some popular parks in Orpington include:
- Perry Hall Park, which features scenic walking paths and a well-equipped children’s play area, making it a favourite spot for family outings.
- High Elms Country Park, which offers beautiful woodland walks, a nature centre, and a children’s adventure playground.
- Goddington Park, which has a large play area, a skate park, and plenty of open space for picnics and games.
These parks provide a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the outdoors.
The town boasts numerous children’s play areas, ensuring that young ones have plenty of opportunities to play and explore. One such children’s play area can be found at Walnuts Leisure Centre, which offers a range of activities for children, including football, judo, and trampolining. During school holidays, the leisure centre provides swimming crash courses to help young swimmers improve their skills quickly. Additionally, the centre features a crèche and soft play area, ensuring that children are entertained while parents enjoy other facilities.
The town’s dedication to family-friendly amenities is mirrored in its abundant sports pitches and child-focused activities. Summer holiday camps at Walnuts Leisure Centre offer a variety of activities such as mini tennis, badminton, and table tennis, ensuring that kids are always engaged and active. With such a wide range of family-oriented facilities and activities, Orpington is an ideal place for families to grow and thrive.
Leisure and Recreation
Orpington offers its residents a broad spectrum of leisure and recreational facilities to relish. The Walnuts Leisure Centre is a state-of-the-art sports facility that caters to fitness enthusiasts and families alike. It features two swimming pools, a 120-station gym, and a variety of fitness classes, including Aquafit, Zumba, and yoga. The centre also offers group exercise classes like LES MILLS, providing a wide range of options for those looking to stay fit and healthy.
For those interested in martial arts, the Walnuts Leisure Centre includes a specialist dojo where various martial arts can be practised. The centre also boasts a five-court sports hall for badminton, a group cycle studio with Keiser cycle bikes, and relaxation facilities such as a sauna and steam room. These amenities ensure that residents have access to comprehensive fitness and recreational options year-round.
The leisure options in Orpington include:
- The Walnuts Leisure Centre
- The Orpington Golf Centre, featuring an 18-hole golf course and a driving range
- The Orpington Odeon Cinema, offering a wide range of film screenings
With such a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, residents can always find something enjoyable to do, regardless of the weather.
Safe and Secure Living
Orpington, located in South East London, ranks among the city’s safest neighbourhoods with safety as its top priority. According to Met Police data, Orpington South and Crofton average just 29 crimes per 1,000 people, highlighting the area’s low crime rates. This reputation for safety provides residents with peace of mind and a secure living environment.
Despite the town’s generally safe environment, recent concerns about burglaries have surfaced, particularly targeting charity shops. In response, local efforts have been made to enhance security, including recruiting more police officers to patrol Orpington High Street. These measures aim to address any concerns and maintain the town’s reputation as a safe place to live.
Residents have noted a lower police presence since the closure of the nearby Petts Wood police station, but ongoing efforts continue to ensure that Orpington remains a secure community. With its low crime rates and proactive safety measures, Orpington is a desirable location for those seeking a safe and secure place to call home.
Thriving Community and Events
Orpington, located in the London Borough, is home to a vibrant community, fostered by a variety of events and activities that imbue a strong sense of belonging among its residents. The Priory Live Festival, held in Priory Gardens, is a boutique music event that brings the community together for a day of entertainment and enjoyment. Another notable event is the BR6, which presents The Super Bowl, which showcases local talent and provides a platform for community engagement.
The Orpington Market is not only a place to shop but also a hub for community activities. It offers:
- Special rates and incentives for local entrepreneurs to test new business ideas
- A welcoming atmosphere for new residents and businesses
- Community-focused initiatives and events
- A central gathering place for the town
These features enhance the market’s role as a central hub for the community.
Local parks also play a significant role in community life. Activities such as litter picking and support for residential homes are common in these green spaces, further strengthening community ties.
Through its vibrant events and active community involvement, Orpington ensures that residents feel connected and engaged with their neighbours.
Property Options
Offering a vast array of property options, Orpington caters to a variety of needs and budgets. From single-bedroom flats to spacious five-bedroom houses, there is something for everyone. Properties in Orpington are available across a broad price range, starting from as low as £50,000 and going up to over £3 million, ensuring that both first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners can find suitable options.
For those looking to get onto the property ladder, Orpington offers Shared Ownership homes, which are ideal for first-time buyers. Help to Buy homes are also available, providing affordable options for buyers who need financial assistance. These schemes make it easier for individuals and families to invest in their dream homes without financial strain.
In addition to traditional property purchases, Orpington also offers properties through auctions and recently sold properties, providing a variety of ways to secure a home. With its diverse property options, Orpington caters to a wide range of preferences and financial situations, making it an attractive place to invest in real estate and work with estate agents.
Proximity to Nature
The town’s close proximity to nature, offering residents abundant opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, is among the most attractive features of Orpington. The town boasts 271 parks and playgrounds, providing numerous options for outdoor activities and family outings. Perry Hall Park, for instance, offers orienteering and other outdoor learning activities, making it a great place for both recreation and education.
Petts Wood is another popular spot for nature lovers, known for its vast network of walking trails and scenic woodlands. Residents can enjoy peaceful walks and explore the beautiful natural surroundings. Nearby natural areas such as Scadbury Park and High Elms Country Park further add to the appeal of living in Orpington, offering stunning views and diverse wildlife habitats.
The town’s green spaces are perfect for picnics, family outings, and various outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or an adventurous hiking trail, Orpington’s proximity to nature ensures that you can always find a spot to connect with the great outdoors.
Summary
In summary, Orpington offers an exceptional quality of life with its vibrant lifestyle, outstanding schools, excellent transport links, and family-friendly environment. The town boasts diverse leisure and recreational facilities, safe living conditions, a thriving community, and a wide range of property options. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a close-knit community, Orpington provides the perfect balance of suburban tranquillity and bustling town vibrancy, making it an ideal place to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Orpington a good place to live?
Orpington is a great place to live because of its vibrant lifestyle, excellent schools, transportation links to London, family-friendly amenities, and diverse property options, making it an ideal location for a range of individuals and families.
Are there good schools in Orpington?
Yes, Orpington is home to several top-rated schools, including Newstead Wood School, St. Olave’s Grammar School, and others which have ‘Outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted.
How convenient is commuting from Orpington to Central London?
Commuting from Orpington to Central London is very convenient due to the excellent train connectivity, with 120 daily services to London Bridge and an average journey time of 24 minutes. The town also offers convenient transport links to other major London hubs, making it ideal for professionals.
What family-friendly amenities are available in Orpington?
Orpington offers a multitude of family-friendly amenities, such as numerous parks, playgrounds like Perry Hall Park, and facilities like the Walnuts Leisure Centre, which provides a range of activities for children including football, judo, and swimming crash courses. Summer holiday camps with various sports activities are also available.
What property options are available in Orpington?
Orpington offers a wide range of property options, including houses, flats, and bungalows, catering to different needs and budgets, with prices ranging from £50,000 to over £3 million. Shared Ownership and Help to Buy homes are also available for first-time buyers.
