Opinions on Brixton

So...to confirm your suspicions that are no doubt already developing; yes, I am another Aussie moving to London. Although there's a slight difference with me. You see up until about 8 months ago I was living in Oxford and loving it, but was dragged back to stupid Australia due to severe lack of pounds in the bank...or anywhere for that matter.

Now I am determined to go back and do it properly this time...and with money. I want to stick it out. So, to do that I guess it would be wise to find very cheap rent since that's where I got caught out last time and found myself homeless on various occasions.

I've been looking into Brixton and I've heard various conflicting opinions on it. I find it fascinating mostly because I love the Clash and I'm picturing it as this chic grungy community where they play The Magnificent 7 in the streets, but blatantly that's not such a realistic view.

So I want your god honest opinions. If it's seedy, dirty, rough, scary, kitsch; I want to know so at least I'm prepared. I've lived in some pretty smelly places in my life (ie St Kilda in Melbourne and Cowley in Oxford) so that part won't bother me...I suppose my main concern in priceage and proximity to central London (I know it's on the Victoria Line so that's pretty handy), but I never travelled further than Victoria on that line, so I don't know what it's like day-to-day.

Right then, I'll quit blabbing. Fire away. And feel free to shoot some other suburbs you recommend...for the record I haven't got a job lined up yet but I'll be looking into that before I leave.

Chars
Ren

Go on - give it a go. Some friends used to live on ColdHarbour Lane - they never had any problems. Yeah it can be all those negative things but it can also be many positive things. Where you live depends on how far you are prepared to travel once you have found work, but Brixton aint bad. And handy for gigs at the Academy.

I like Brixton. It's very alive. Also there is good public transport.

And if you don't like it you can always move.

Hope you enjoy your time in London.

Regards Rory

I agree with the above. Brixton is great (but I have a load of friends there and used to live there so maybe I am a little biased).

Great transport and you will find it is in the midst of "regeneration" if you like that kind of thing.

Brixton is fine. It's one of those places that maybe 20 years ago was a bit of a ghetto (and hence people who don't really know what they're talking about will tell you it's rough) but these days it's really not bad. Still lively and colourful but a bit yuppified.

If you are chosing it because of its slightly rough reputation and you think it will therefore be cheap, then think again. It may still be cheaper than neighbouring smarter areas like Clapham, but as you have noticed it's very well connected transport wise, and even the roughest areas don't come cheap in London if they're well connected.

If you want cheap you will have to go off the tube. There are areas which are 10 mins on the bus from Brixton which will be a lot cheaper. Try Streatham or Tulse Hill if you want cheap. Or Camberwell.

Bermondsey?

Cheers everyone, sound advice.

I've posted this in the Long Haul forum as well but the info you guys have given me is a lot more appealing. I guess I'd already made up my mind before I posted it :)

I don't mind the yuppy thing at all - I'm definitely not one myself (at least that's what I like to think) - but the only thing I want from the area I live in is a large choice of cafes to hang out in and somewhere to see a band. So...I shall start looking properly now. And if I get myself a well paying job then the rent in Brixton shouldn't be too extortionate.

The Inspector -- I'll be looking into Bermondsey. And wapsy, having lived there doesn't make you biased, it means you can actually offer a valid opinion!

Thanks again

Seriously, Bermondsey won't be cheap either, not since the Jubilee line extension put it on the tube, and swanky new developments keep springing up.

What downmarket Bermondsey gone posh? Oh, no! Is nothing sacrosanct.

yup - ever since Jade Goody moved out they are all talkin proper like.

Ha! As it happens I've lived both on the Cowley Road and in Brixton, and Cowley road is the only place I've ever been mugged!

Having said that, Brixton's not quite Oxford – you might bump into the odd "colourful" character on Cowley road, but Brixton is jammed packed full of them day and night, which can be a little bit tiring after a while. I never felt it was dangerous though, mainly 'cos it's so busy all the time. I'd say go for it...

Brixton = White middle class ponces thinking they're cool and lower class ethnic minorities who can't get out. High crime rate, full of nobs.

Wimeraux - shut yer gob. I'm the latter, but I'm not a nob and I don't have one either

OP - lots of places for music - The Academy, the Fridge etc. and smaller venues like The Windmill pub where you can see lots of bands