New Eltham: A friendly and vibrant London location

New Eltham is located in South London, falling across areas of both Greenwich and Bexley boroughs. It's not to be confused with Eltham, which is to the north-west of the area. It is a place that has a fair bit of history and a good mixture of amenities.

As with most places in London, New Eltham has a good mix of culture and people, making it an interesting and vibrant place to live. 

History

Originally, New Eltham was a farmland suburb of Eltham. It has developed from a small hamlet to a thriving area of London, with the Pope Street railway station being renamed as New Eltham station only eight years after it opened in 1878.

This station is the main driving force behind the growth of the area, as New Eltham became a popular place to live, causing the redevelopment of farming land into housing. Despite the southward spread of new residential properties from Eltham, the area remained rather small up until the mid 1970s.

Only a few different shops and trades were open in the area, however, the bridge that crosses the railway line at Avery Hill Road to allow access to New Eltham was widened in 1974 to allow buses to cross, which brought in more people. This extended access meant it became easier for people to live in the area but work elsewhere in London, boosting the local amenities.

Recreation

There is quite a lot going on in New Eltham, providing recreational activities for a number of different tastes. 

The area has its own running club, the New Eltham Joggers, which claims to be the friendliest running club in the whole of the south-east. Members of the club can be identified through their rather distinctive green tops. You can find out about opportunities, events and training at the club through its website.

Another sporty endeavor available in the area comes in the form of Footscray RUFC, which is located on Footscray Road. The club has three men's teams as well as a ladies' team and children's teams. 

It is also open to any age and ability, priding itself on the fact that it follows strong rugby and social traditions. It hosts a number of different events, all of which have incredibly friendly atmospheres.

If sport isn't your thing, you can also benefit from a bit of culture in New Eltham by becoming a member of the New Eltham Operatic Society. This in itself is a member of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

The society organises a range of events, including a large production every April and an autumn concert. You can find out how to get involved and see what events are upcoming through the society's website.

The area also has a cricket club, football teams and dance classes among other activities for a range of ages, ensuring there is always something to do.

Travel

You're able to travel from New Eltham to Central London and Gravesend with relative ease via the train station, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of living in the area, while working elsewhere in London.

The area is also served by buses that connect it with numerous areas of the city, making travel incredibly easy and regular.

Housing

The cost of housing is below the average for London, meaning you can get a slightly larger property at a lower price than you can in other areas of the city. 

Council tax rates can vary depending on the area of New Eltham you live in, as well as property type. This is because houses can either fall under Bexley or Greenwich Councils, which have different rates for each band. On average, Bexley Council tax rates tend to be slightly more expensive than Greenwich.

You'll find a good mix of older and more modern housing in New Eltham, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to choosing the type of property you want to live in as well as the location.

Published 31st December, 2014

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