Crystal Palace is an ever-changing neighbourhood with a rich past. While many Londoners feel like it’s quite far from the happenings of central London, locals know that it’s just an easy ride on the Overground to Crystal Palace station. Of the many families and young professionals that have flocked to the area in search of more space and better prices, few are eager to hop back on the train during their days off. On a typical weekend, residents can be found catching up over pints at The White Hart, enjoying a gourmet seafood meal at Crystal Palace Market, and trying out new bicycles at Cadence Performance. Beyond all of this, the neighbourhood is also home to the expansive Crystal Palace Park, where there’s plenty to do just on that one site. Whether it’s a jog or a dog walk through the park, a picnic, or a look into the area’s history at the Crystal Palace Museum, it’s easy to see why so many are considering the move!

Crystal Palace was created back in 1851 as a part of the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations. By the time the Great Exhibition was finished, over its 6-month period the palace had seen over 6 million visitors! The site was then redesigned and reopened in 1854, serving as a national centre for the education and enjoyment of Londoners.

At this time, the building had courts designed to honour different periods of architecture. Additionally, there were also fountains and many beautiful trees throughout the site. Londoners would gather there over the years to witness fireworks displays, hot air balloons, and football cup finals. Unfortunately, in 1936, Crystal Palace was destroyed in a fire and was never rebuilt.

Crystal Palace is home to the beloved Crystal Palace Subway - a hidden treasure of London. The stunning, tiled early-Victorian relic sits beneath the A212 and is a Grade II*-listed structure. The subway is believed to have served as an air raid shelter throughout the Second World War - equipped with bunk beds and chemical toilets. The station was closed in 1954, and demolished in 1961, leaving the subway in isolation. Later on, in the 1990s, the subway was popular amongst party goers. Today, it is in need of repair and open only on specific days of the year.

The Overground line that passes through this neighbourhood tends to get quite crowded - especially during rush hour. Luckily, since the Crystal Palace station is at the end of the line, riders in the neighbourhood tend to get seats.

Within this postcode, two low density residential projects are planned, with three-storey houses proposed between 1-6 Verdant Mews, and a collection of 14 flats between 69 and 71 Church Road. North of here, plans are in development to regenerate the rundown but much loved Central Hill Estate, with HawkinsBrown, PRP and BPTW architects all shortlisted to mastermind the project. All residents have been guaranteed a place if they wish to stay, and are assured to gain a higher quality of housing through increased energy efficiency in their homes, although many residents have urged the council to re-think their plans.