Croydon has recently been ranked the 19th worst place to live in the 2023 survey by the satirical website ILiveHere, but there is plenty of redeeming qualities about Croydon, and much to celebrate.

We asked YourLocalGuardian readers why it definitely should not be named in the top 20 worst places to live.

From their favourite places to visit, to the nightlife in the borough, to its rich history and famous faces – we have gathered the most prominent comments from Facebook.

 

People had plenty of positive to say about Croydon, and listed their favourite things in the borough, which included:

• “The David Lean Cinema.”

• “Now I’m retired I just love the green spaces, great diverse restaurants, tram link, bowls clubs.”

• “Love Surrey Street Market, St. Augustine's Church, Boxpark, Little Bay, the Ship, the Green Dragon, Matthews Yard.”

• “Crystal Palace FC and Wednesday evening quiz night in Purley Wetherspoons.”

• “Unique architecture, including a windmill, two Palaces, (three if you include the football team) Tudor almshouses, Gothic Pump houses, water towers, tudor shops, Georgian homes, Victorian shops, 1930's Art Deco and the Brutalism of the 60s and 70s.”

• “Croydon is one of the greenest boroughs in London, it has some great pubs/bars/restaurants, but the best thing about Croydon is the people who live here. The ones who are working really hard to make it better.”

• “Stormzy & Cat Burns - performing at The BRITs Saturday night. Huge successful global artists from Croydon and The Brit School.”

 

However, many people also highlighted issues within the area, with locals saying, “it isn’t the place it used to be” but looked back fondly on the good old days.

Here are some key comments about the more negative aspects of Croydon: • “Such a shame - The blue orchid days were brilliant. Croydon pubs, market shops, remember fads the clothes shop? Now it’s a ****hole. RIP Croydon.”

• “The 90s and early 2000s were great then everything went pear shaped when the clubs and bars started closing down to be taken over by soulless buildings and increase in crime.”

• I worked in Central Croydon from 1977 to 2012 in most of the 60’s blocks above the Whitgift Centre.

“I loved the fact I could shop at lunchtime - lots of cafes, restaurants and pubs, transport links are fabulous. But it started to deteriorate in the centre when the Australian Developer Westfield pulled out of redeveloping the Whitgift Centre.”

• “I like Croydon town centres latest offer. Every Saturday night spent there comes with a free mugging.”

 

Croydon has “improved” by a whole two spaces this year according to the Survey as it ranked 17th worst place to live during the 2022 survey.

Surprisingly, the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea ranked number 15, making it the worst borough in London according to the list.

Barking and Dagenham came in at 23 and Hounslow sits at 40.

Top of the list across the whole of England is Luton.

Did anything else come to mind when you were thinking about the highlights of Croydon? Be sure to leave us a comment.

 

Before you go, we’ve compiled the top five things to do in Croydon according to TripAdvisor.

1. Croydon Airport Visitor Centre Location: Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon CR0 0X

The London Croydon Airport was Britain’s first major international airport.

It played a major role in the development of global air travel after World War One and has a significant place in early 20th century British history, according to its website.

You can arrange a visit to the museum as it is open on the first Sunday of each month throughout the year.

2. Museum of Croydon Location: 1918 Katharine St, Croydon CR9 1ET

The Museum of Croydon is a museum located within the Croydon Clocktower arts facility.

It showcases historical and cultural artefacts relating to the London Borough of Croydon and its people.

The museum is currently closed in response to Covid, according to its website.

3. Wandle Park Location: Cornwall Rd, Croydon CR0 3RD

Wandle Park is located in the Broad Green Ward of Croydon.

A well-kept park with lots to do for both adults and children.

There is also a gazebo to sit under and enjoy a meal or sit to read a book.

4. Croham Hurst Woods Location: Upper Selsdon Rd, South Croydon CR2 7BL

A great place to go for a walk on the evenings with an amazing view of the town from the top of the hills.

5. Shirley Windmill Location: Postmill Cl, Croydon CR0 5DY

A visit to the windmill is a must in Shirley.

It was built in 1808 by William Alwen until October 1854, when it was destroyed by fire.

A £218,000 grant was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund towards further extensive restoration and developing the site as a multi-media visitor attraction for both educational and leisure use.