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New Malden – or “Little Korea” as it is affectionately known – is a wonderful melting pot of cultures in suburban surroundings. The areas biggest draw is perhaps its collection of top-rated state schools, which are testament to its family-friendly environment.
New Malden in South-West London: AKA “Little Korea”
Sandwiched between Kingston upon Thames and Wimbledon, this little slice of southwest London is home to the largest Korean community in Europe. Nicknamed “Little Korea”, New Malden is the best place in the land to sample Kimchi: Korea’s sour and spicy national dish traditionally made using napa cabbage.
When you are not immersing yourself in this fascinating culture, you will be hoping for some decent weather so you can make the most of the area’s green space: the local family orientated parks are complimented by Wimbledon Common and the vast green expanse of Richmond Park – both of which are a short distance away.
The convenient commute into London and its proximity to the A3 – a major artery that connects London with the south coast – together with its diverse housing stock and outstanding state schools add to New Malden’s appeal.
Transport in New Malden
- Train: trains from New Malden station (travel zone 4) whisk passengers to Waterloo in just 22 minutes, with the option of changing at Clapham Junction or Vauxhall for connection to the Victoria line. Other stations serving the local area are Berrylands, Motspur Park, Malden Manor and Norbiton.
- Road: the A3 connecting London and Portsmouth on the south coast dissects New Malden.
New Malden Property scene
With the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century came the development of spacious Victorian semi-detached and terrace houses in the area. Twenties and Thirties detached, semi-detached and terrace period properties dominate the New Malden property market. The area has gained a reputation for being a great place to look for family homes thanks to a housing stock that comprises nearly five times more houses than flats.
Schools
Regarding infant and primary schools, the area is home to several Ofsted-rated “outstanding” institutions: Burlington Infant and Nursery School, Burlington Junior School, and Coombe Hill Junior School.
Moving on to secondary schools, New Malden boasts three Ofsted-rated “outstanding” comprehensive schools: The Holy Cross School (Roman Catholic school for girls, ages 11 to 18), Coombe Girls’ School (ages 11 to 18), and Richard Challoner School (Roman Catholic school for boys, ages 11 to 18).
For grammar school education, nearby Kingston upon Thames is home to two “outstanding” grammar schools: Tiffin School (boys, ages 11 to 18) and The Tiffin Girls’ School (ages 11 to 18).
In terms of private education, the area offers two private prep schools: Westbury House School (co-ed, ages three to 11) and The Study School (co-ed, ages two to 11).
Things to do
- Shops and restaurants: New Malden High Street is a well-established shopping location where you’ll find a department store, Waitrose, chain stores, independent shops, cafes, and a selection of Korean restaurants.
- Open space: Beverley Park contains a playground, tennis courts, and football and cricket pitches. Locals enjoy waterside strolls along the banks of the Hogsmill River and Beverley Brook.
- Leisure: New Malden boasts three golf clubs, a bowls club, a table tennis club, a tennis club, and a public swimming pool.
Rental Prices
If you’d like to find the average cost of renting a property in London, check out The Simply London Guide to London Neighbourhoods. It includes the average rental prices for the top 20 neighbourhoods in London!
Article published 14th June 2021