Whilst the arrival of the railway in 1862 brought an inevitable housing increase, it wasn't really until an electric train line made its way here fifty years later that the residential spread of modern Thornton Heath took shape. The London County Council bought up land to the east of the line and wasted no time constructing a suburban outpost. There is a scattering of 18th and 19th century buildings around town however, and despite the 1920's housing boom, many properties have held on to Victorian and Edwardian architectural details.
Prices in Thornton Heath are marginally cheaper than in surrounding towns and there's a good mix of properties on offer. Around the High Street you'll find turn of the century and older period houses rubbing shoulders with recent developments. There are plenty of conversions, and this is a popular area with first time buyers. For those with kids in tow, the 1930's estates of 2 and 3 bed semis towards the Croydon border are a favourite, whilst on the other side of town, the Grove Estate, running west of the London Road, offers a smart suburban prospect. There's little in the way of top end luxury in Thornton Heath, with the wide avenues of the Americas area presenting the most upmarket option. Sizeable 1920's semi and detached houses here start at around £250,000.
The High Street offers local shopping, with Tesco's being the most visible chain, and there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the area. Nearby Croydon is the place to head for nightlife and a wider choice of retail and entertainment facilities. There are plenty of parks providing lakes and greenery, with Norbury Park, South Norwood Country Park, and Streatham and Mitcham Commons all nearby. Green Belt Countryside is also within easy reach. There is a selection of good sports facilities around town, with swankier health club options available in Croydon. For those who like their football doused with perennial heartbreak, Selhurst Park Stadium, home of Crystal Palace and Wimbledon, is just around the corner.
There is a good selection of state and private schools in the area.
Railway Lines and Stations encircle Thornton Heath and trains into London take around twenty minutes, with extra lines heading in just about every other conceivable direction. Roads are also good, with A23 passing nearby and the motorway network easily accessible. A good bus service operates between local towns.
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