Overview of Merton

In my local area I like mostly the quietness and friendliness of people. I can just cross the street to find myself in a park. I have everything what I need to live happily - public transport, shops, cafes, take away's, great people, veterinary, laundry, churches, a pub, nursery, GP, pharmacy, a dentist, Polish shop, Post Office - what else? I am just a bit worried about the teenagers here who might find this place boring as the nearest youth centre is about 20min walking away. The library is about 2 miles away. The same with elderly people who needs to travel if want to play Bingo etc - but travelling is good for them at the same time, I believe. I do not like when some people take advantage of my street and throwing away some litters, that's disrespectful and no warnings helps. Seem to be hopeless in that matter. Most people here are in their productive age, with children and other older family members. It helps to build a friendly and safe atmosphere as people are watchful and on guard. New flats were build just two years ago and few new finished just now. I have new neighbours too, they moved about 2 years ago - a whole family with an adult children. I feel safe here although thieves can operate anywhere and anytime. Luckily I haven't hears of any robbery on my street or any other crime. I'd recommend to live in my neighbourhood id I was asked.

Transport

I can access 4 different buses and two different train stations. It is convenient as the bus can take me anywhere and I need to walk from 7min to 10min to get to central London on a train. Frequency for arrivals is convenient too, depends if there are some works on the rails, of course - in that case, a replacement bus is always provided. My area is a bit quiet so I don't think that more buses are necessary or more trains provided. All buses and trains are always clean, maybe during school days can be smelly and crowded, but children in the bus makes this world alive and I don't mind really. During the lockdown I miss the noise and people in general. Drivers seem to be known people as always we say hello and share greetings. Always I feel safe. Buses usually arrive on time, as scheduled - the world is not a perfect place and I get it. There is one night bus which travel to central London I think it is enough, a longer walk is necessary if want to get to Victoria station at night. During the rush hours some buses do not even stop but usually an extra bus is provided, or with an extra floor, so not much waiting for the next chance. All in all, the public transport is doing its job and I'm grateful for what I have.

Community

As in most places, it is a bit difficult to find a parking space if you don't live here. Residents have their usual spots and usually it works just great. Perhaps some households could have some limits for owning the cars as 3-4 cars seem too much, but it shouldn't be my business actually. Some neighbours are coming from other streets to park on my street, which seem unfair. When I move here, my car was scratched badly, don't know the reason - I can guess it was about taking someone's parking spot - but parked just next to my house anyway. Some teenagers seem to have too much free time and not enough parents attention, as during bright and warm days, they make a lot of noise and use the road inappropriately. again, I understand it as I used to be a teenager too and there must some way to release the energy. There are scooters who are extremely loud even in the middle of the night, a dog barking sometimes at night, neighbours making some fires when my laundry is outdoor, laud neighbours making a party almost every evening in a summer time etc. Despite this all, it is not happening all the time and every day. I take it as a part of life, where I just need to deal with it calmly as I'm not perfect either. I know my neighbours pretty well and we try to support each other. Most houses are occupied by families, seem like most people are owners and live with an extended family members. There is a mix of age, from babies to elderly people. I feel safe in my neighbourhood although I wouldn't walk too far away when its dark and late. The traffic is annoying sometimes but when I work from home, I have a good window sight so no complains.

Amenities

I have local 'off licence' shops well equipped and with good prices. About 7 min walking distance is a big Lidl shop. Local two cafes and a pub, delicious Chinese takeaway, good chicken shop, further away is a Polish café with great meals and amazing Italian Pizzeria and restaurant. Everywhere stuff is friendly and serve good drinks and good, warm, quality dishes and snacks. I think that local pub is very popular as it is the only place where people could meet and watch sports together in a safe and friendly atmosphere. also, Italian restaurant as they have good prices and lovely food. I think that my area missing some space for a teenagers, even though there is some open area like parks. In my opinion, they need something with the roof above, where they can play table tennis, do their homework's etc. All in all, my area is not so bad as there is a tennis court, football ground, parks, shops, take aways, pharmacy, train station, buses, friendly neighbors. I just realised where I live, thanks!