ianpinder, just to add. Generalising alittle but if you come out of E.Croydon station and turn left its alot different than if you turn right..
Its no rougher than other parts of London to be fair and there are good houses/properties to be had in Croydon. I live in Manchester and for the secondtime in a year someone has been shot in my local area. True, whilst I was in Croydon 3 men were shotdead in a drinking den (cross from WCroydon station) but these things happen EVERYWHERE.
I liked it there. My local (the Oval) was spot on. I miss that place, a real mix of characters in there and many many a night I almost fell over with alcohol!
Oh yes, on the North Downs- stunning riding to be had. I still think its one of the best places to ride in England.