Been dreaming of a cosy mix between vibrant city life and quiet suburban living? You might want to give Crawley a try. This borough of West Sussex is just 45 miles south of London, and boasts similar amenities with plenty of open space and elbow room.
Crawley is an excellent middle ground for students, couples, and families looking for a change of pace. But no two neighbourhoods are exactly alike. Which areas offer the best shopping options, amenities, and green spaces for you?
This blog discusses the best areas to live in Crawley, as well as their unique atmospheres and amenities, so you can make an informed decision.
The Top 10 Neighborhoods to Live in Crawley
Whether you’re drawn to its convenient location or its myriad of things to see or do, there are plenty of Crawley neighbourhoods offering the perfect atmosphere for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the top options now:
1. Ifield: Best for Golfing
Ifield is a lively area mostly known for its rich history, such as the Saxon iron works and a stretch of Roman Road. It’s also home to the Ifield Village Conservation Area, as well as the water mill and mill pond. If you’re looking for an affordable area surrounded by teeming nature and sprawling golf courses, this is an excellent option.
Nearby Attractions: Ifield Village Conservation Area, Ifield Barn Theatre
Schools: St. Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, Ifield Community College
2. Maidenbower
Named after one of the farms in the area, Maidenbower is a more rural neighbourhood located on the southeast corner of Crawley. It offers plenty of parks and green spaces to those who like their elbow room. But there are also plenty of pubs, shops, and cosy restaurants that are popular among the locals.
Average Rent: £1,834
Getting Around: Access to M23
Nearby Attractions: Community art project, parade of shops
Schools: Oriel High School
3. Bewbush
Many Bewbush locals believe it’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Crawley for raising a growing family. There are plenty of green spaces, parks, and kid-friendly shops to choose from. It’s also served by the Sure Start Children and Family Centre.
Average Rent: £1,695
Getting Around: 24-hour Crawley Fastway, Crawley Town centre, Gatwick Airport
Nearby Attractions: Bewbush Water Garden, Leisure Centre
Schools: The Bewbush Academy Primary School, Waterfield Primary School
4. Broadfield
One of Broadfield’s biggest claims to fame is having excellent schools for growing families. It also offers more affordable rent compared to many other neighbourhoods. Perhaps most importantly, it’s also extremely well connected. You’ll have easy access to M23, frequent bus routes, and a very close proximity to Gatwick Airport.
Schools: Broadfield Primary Academy, Atelier 21 Future School
5. Forge Wood
Forge Wood is an ideal neighbourhood for those who want to get into a new development before it’s widely occupied. Much of the area is still surrounded by rough pastureland, and its abundance of land means there’s plenty of space for custom home builds.
Average Rent: £1,967
Getting Around: Balcombe Road and Steers Lane, bus stations
Nearby Attractions: Arundel Castle, Weald & Downland Living Museum
Schools: St Ninian’s High School, Bishopbriggs Academy
6. Gossops Green
Many locals in Gossops Green appreciate its laid-back green spaces alongside its close proximity to local attractions. Both affordable and surrounded by greenery, it’s an ideal place for those wanting a slice of the countryside near the big city.
Average Rent: £1,333
Getting Around: Crawley Bus Station
Nearby Attractions: Gossops Green Park, Worth Park Gardens
Schools: Gossops Green Primary School, Holy Trinity C Of E Secondary School
7. Pound Hill
Pound Hill’s rental prices range on the higher side of Crawley’s neighbourhoods, and for good reason. This lively area is easily accessible via bus or taxi, and is extremely close to famous attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures and Wakehurst Botanical Gardens.
Average Rent: £1,893
Getting Around: Pound Hill taxis, Gatwick South – Pound Hill Metrobus
Nearby Attractions: Chessington World of Adventures, Wakehurst
Schools: Pound Hill Infant Academy, Pound Hill Junior School
8. Southgate
Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus, taxi, or car, you can easily reach Southgate, West Sussex, within a matter of minutes. This modern residential suburb is bordered by Goffs Park in the Northwest. It’s well known for its golf course, miniature railway, and pub and restaurant set inside a 16th-century farmhouse.
Average Rent: £1,741
Getting Around: Metrobus, rail travel
Nearby Attractions: The Hawth Crawley, Godstone Farm
Schools: Southgate Primary School, The Gatwick School
9. Three Bridges
It’s hard to ignore the convenience of the Three Bridges’ position to the Network Rail, which runs directly to London in less than 45 minutes. This growing neighbourhood offers more affordable rent options, thriving natural spaces, and convenient driving distances to local pubs, restaurants, and shopping centres.
Average Rent: £1,594
Getting Around: Three Bridges railway station
Nearby Attractions: County Mall Shopping Centre
Schools: Three Bridges Primary School, Hazelwick School
10. Tilgate
Tilgate is truly a ‘best of all worlds’ neighbourhood, with attractions and amenities for students, couples, and families alike. This community is well known for its high-quality educational options, as well as its attractions for children, like the Amberley Open Air Museum. But that’s not to say there’s nothing for older audiences. The Tilgate Park and Zoo, for example, also offers a Lakeside Café and Walled Garden.
Average Rent: £1,829
Getting Around: Metrobus station
Nearby Attractions: Chessington World of Adventures, Amberley Open Air Museum
Schools: Desmond Anderson Primary School, Thomas Bennett Community College
Preparing for Your Big Move
In a place as diverse and varied as Crawley, there are plenty of neighbourhoods that could match your unique lifestyle. Visiting local areas firsthand can help you find the ideal location for you.
No need to stress about the particulars, though. With the Bishop’s Move’s Crawley removals team, you can hand off all the practicalities, like packing, so you can dedicate all your focus to adjusting to your new home.
You can contact us at 0800 107 8422 to get your free quote today.
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