Upper Norwood is a popular family-friendly neighbourhood just south of Crystal Palace. With its past as a home for rich Londoners, many of the older mansions can still be seen throughout the town. While most of the beautiful Victorian buildings have been subdivided into smaller homes, the area’s aesthetic charm is still there. Even if not considering the move, it’s worth visiting the locality to see the homes and enjoy some of the delicious eateries. Locals love the Portuguese food at A Torre, and can often be found drinking a pint at The Postal Order or The Conquering Hero. The area is also home to the lush Westow Park and Upper Norwood Recreation Ground - giving local residents plenty of space to enjoy the great outdoors. Seeing all that the neighbourhood has to offer, it’s no wonder that so many families have happily made the move.

This neighbourhood began as quite a well-to-do part of the city; lined with mansions throughout the 19th century, the area was rather desirable. During the second half of the century, as nearby Crystal Palace grew as a destination, Upper Norwood became a popular spot for tourists, which led to the construction of multiple hotels and guest houses. More modest houses were slowly built in the area as well, leading to the construction of market and park spaces. Unfortunately, later on in the 20th century, the popularity of Crystal Palace declined - impacting the high-class status of Upper Norwood as well. Many of the former mansions have since been converted into flats.

Famous architect, Sir Ninian Comper (1864-1960), once lived in the neighbourhood at 67 Beulah Hill. He is most well known as one of the great Gothic Revival architects of the 20th century, whose works include parts of Westminster Abbey.

Unfortunately, this part of the neighbourhood doesn’t have its own rail station. Still, many residents enjoy driving themselves while others don’t mind the short trip to nearby Crystal Palace Overground station.

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. McCarthy and Stone have also recently completed a new retirement home capable of housing 26 new residents in the neighbourhood called Lewis House. 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.