Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by myriamoblogger
Is Croydon safe? Is Croydon in London? Is Croydon a nice place to live? These questions dominate the rankings when that side of London is concerned. It’s fair to say that this London suburb doesn’t have the best rep due to its crime rates and news headlines. For this post, let me go beyond that to tell you about the Croydon I know and my 5 favourite things.
Diversity
You probably know a little about me after reading my about me page, but as a sentimental person, Croydon holds an important place in my heart. At 13, I moved there from France with my mum. It was my first “London experience”. Growing up in Southern France as a Black girl, I was certainly not used to seeing diversity. In my birth city, Toulouse, there was only one main African (and Asian) market. Let’s not even mention the total lack of representation on television. In France, being Black AND Ghanaian was not that popular.
So when I moved to South London in 2008, I was happy to see more diversity. Seeing Black women dress however they liked and wear their hair how they liked was refreshing. I felt a sense of freedom and sometimes felt out of touch because I wasn’t showing a similar confidence. In Croydon, I learnt that style is limitless and can be an extension of our creativity.
The Town Centre
I admit that I’m a little biased with this one, as Croydon, especially the city centre is not the prettiest place. And on my recent visit, I realised that the attachment I have is heavily reliant on nostalgia. But still, it’s one of my favourite things about Croydon. In the 2010s, the city centre was our youth hub. It is where students would hang out after school to just roam around. No responsibilities, little pocket money, but still happy.
Open Markets
Markets are not my go-to areas; however, I’m fond of Surrey Street Market. That notable market in South Croydon, not too far from the library. I learnt recently that it is one of the oldest street markets in Britain. Located just behind a KFC restaurant, the smell of delicious chicken transpires into the alleys. Going back there as a 30-year-old, it was great to see the streets still as vibrant.
Easy Transportation
It was only when I left Croydon for South East England that I realised how easy I had it. When in Croydon, I could wake up and decide to hop on a train to Chinatown or London Bridge for the fun of it. On the train, I would barely have time to read two chapters of a book that I’d have arrived. As soon as I moved out, that became a different story. Now, to travel to Chinatown around Leicester Square requires thorough planning.
From Croydon, transportation to any part of London is very straightforward. The main stations are West Croydon Station, South Croydon Station and East Croydon Station.
Those stations provide quick links to Central London. The best part about it, though? It’s relatively cheap (£5-£9), and you can use any contactless card to get in. At arm’s reach to any train station, you can also find buses. That is, if you don’t mind a longer ride.
Croydon Central Library
When I was younger, libraries were my safe place. I wasn’t going to change my habits once I relocated to England.
After school and on free days, I would go to Croydon Central Library to read as many fiction books and use the computer. Oh, it is in that library where I introduced my friend to Facebook. She had no idea how to sign up and how it worked. Gosh, I feel old now, and I felt so cool back then.
Croydon Central Library is situated perfectly. It is right at the famous clocktower and is easily perceivable.
BOXPARK
This is certainly the odd one out on my list. BOXPARK is a food and retail park that is not unique to Croydon. It came to Croydon in 2016 and wasn’t around when I was a teen.
This place takes you away from city life, and for a few hours you feel like you’re in another country. Like somewhere on holidays with the routines of daily life behind you. If you’re thinking of visiting, don’t forget your phones. Many of the food chains require you to scan a QR code to look at the menus and pay. This my least favourite thing about it. The best thing about it, though: it’s open every day from morning till evening. But it can also get busy on the weekends or soccer nights.
Conclusion
Just like that, we’ve gone through a sort of mini photo album. I’m blessed to have more than one hometown. I wrote about Ghana, this beautiful country in West Africa, and now I’m doing it with Croydon, London’s little Black sheep. In this blog, I will discover and write about new places, but I wanted to start by sharing the ones that have shaped my journey.
What feelings did this post evoke in you? Do you have a special hometown as well? Is Croydon on your ‘travel list’ now? Let me know!
These photos were taken on a recent trip to Croydon, in October 2024.
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