Anyone that has spent time in or around Crawley over the past few years cannot have helped to notice that there has been something in the air. The rising numbers of successful city commuters choosing to settle in the town has brought growth and investment in the amenities, businesses and services. There is a real positive air about the place. With such strong links to London and major road connections, great services and facilities, the town is fast becoming a key place for growing modern families to move to right now.
What was once a post war new town with a mixed reputation is fast becoming a sought after location for successful businesses. Many large multi national organisations have offices within the town and some leading companies are headquartered in Crawley. This has in turn created a thriving network of freelancers and contract experts who serve such organisations as well as the thousands of full time employees. Crawley, as a result is a hub of modern working and living. What once felt tired and forgotten is now at the forefront of technology and 21st century living driven by families that still want affordable living. Many newcomers to the town have come from London, bringing with them a city based sensibility that creates an upbeat culture.
This momentum is generating a rapid demand for properties in the area. It remains one of the more affordable areas in West Sussex and yet enjoys better transport links than more expensive nearby towns such as Horsham and Reigate.
Affluent families that have become tired of city living are moving out of London with young families just before their children reach school age. They are looking for better schools with smaller class sizes and great Ofsted reports. The seemingly unstoppable London market means that many are selling for vastly more than they paid. They are able to offer large asking offers to secure the right family home leading to rapidly rising values in what is known as the ‘London effect’. Crawley and surrounding towns have grown as a result of this effect. Neighbouring towns such as Horsham have seen some streets achieving record prices for the past 6 moves in one year! As established agents in Crawley for many years, we have never seen such demand for properties within the town. Many are being sold after one viewing and we have daily calls enquiring about properties yet to come on the market.
A 3 bed semi detached house with a garage in a family oriented area of Crawley will currently cost you between £400,000 and £425,000 depending on which area of Crawley you choose. This is substantially cheaper than neighbouring Horsham where a similar property will be in excess of £500,000 and two stops further away from London on the train.
With its new city dweller townies, Crawley maintains a feeling of being close to the city. With it bustling town centre and red buses, it can feel like a miniature Stratford. But London’s constant buzz is not nestled between the north and south downs with easy access to the coast and some of the UK’s most vivid countryside. Just 20 mins drive will bring you to a range of wonderful quaint Sussex villages and locations on the renowned south coast which acts as an antidote to the headiness of town life.
So Crawley does have it all and offers a great alternative to city living at a far more affordable level. It is perfect for young and growing families who want modern commuter belt living with easy access to the countryside.
Zoom 995 remains the most successful estate agent operating in Crawley. With over 20 years of experience of the town and surrounding areas, we are local experts. If you are thinking of moving to the area then call Zoom995 today.