... It was a good move as it seems that Raynes Park is becoming more fashionable and house prices have risen a lot, especially in the last few months since the new library opened.

Transportation is great, with trains to Waterloo and Clapham Junction every few minutes it's just like having a tube station. Also the area is extremely green and there are a lot of small independent shops and restaurants.

It's probably not the place for young partygoers and clubbers but for families, singles, and retirees it's a lovely area with a lot going for it.

... Near to Wimbledon, good restaurants and lovely parks. It's the ideal area for the commuter, family or singleton!

... We live in a 'Blay' house and converted the loft to have four double beds. We also had a new downstairs extension, so with three reception rooms and two bathrooms we have all the accommodation we could ever want.

The two children have settled into a local primary school and we are delighted with their academic progress. We have made so many friends in Raynes Park and are still only 19 minutes train journey to Waterloo.

We are close to the A3/M25 and can slip away at weekends to the coast and nearby National Trust areas in Surrey. We are near Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park and the River Thames at Kingston etc.

We love Raynes Park.

... that my partner is also buying a property in Raynes Park! Great area but latest news is that Starbucks IS planning on coming to Grove Park (Durham Road side) ... Nooooo!

The area is very well served by trains, buses and the motorway network. It seems to be getting a little more fashionable recently with the opening of the new library and some posh flats next to the pine shop. We who live here just hope that doesn't mean an invasion of chain shops and boring coffee shops. We have a reasonably quiet, safe manor and some quirky, independent outlets and we would like to keep it that way. Everyone who comes here says how nice it is. Starbucks - stay out.

Positive points - Street cleaning's good, Council Tax is OK, Fairly safe place at the moment, Smart new Library.

Negative points - You have to put your Childs name down at birth to get him or her in to a decent school (primary)! A computer finally decides which school your child goes too! Not a good selection of Sec. Schools and you would have to move out of the area! There are too many private flats/pubs in one area. Parking is appalling! Drivers need to take lessons again, to realize the meaning of the red light! Too many teenage kids hanging around the streets at night, as the government seem to think they need to be tucked home in bed by 7pm! Raynes PK, has become awful.

Overall Rating of area 7/10.

Merton Council is draconian with its parking and traffic violation enforcement whilst there is inadequate provision of convenient parking facilities.
The rail stations have wholly inadequate toilet facilities to accommodate the numbers of people that pass through each day/evening.
The nightlife attractions in SW19 include many bars that stay open late, and the inevitable drunken and unsocial behaviour erupts in the later hours.
SW19 is easily accessible via most forms of public transport and attracts many revellers from different parts of London.
Generally the area SW19 & Sw20 give a perception of well being and personal safety. This may be due to the people and financial demographics of the area and extreme poverty and destitution is not readily recognised.

There are excellent transport links to/from London and a reasonable selection of shops locally.

A brand new state of the art library just opened on Kingston road. The high street could do with a face lift and finally it seems to be happening with the imminent opening of a Wetherspoon's pub. There are also some great restaurants, Indian, Korean, and Chinese and a lovely diner.

The area is very safe and has a lot of green space and is a 10 minute walk from Wimbledon village and common. A deli would be great and I'm sure it will come. Someone's going to see the potential.

At the moment it's still relatively affordable but the houses sell like hot cakes specially those south of the rail tracks as it's about 30% cheaper than north.

A lovely little pocket on the London/Surrey borders, half country, half city. One to watch.

Great transport links to just about everywhere and the lowest crime in Merton. Reasonably priced property considering the areas nearby, although that is slowly changing with a new library and several new developments. A true hidden gem.

It is a wonderful location with everything so strategically placed. People stay here for years and years. It's so close to London and the countryside. If you find a house you like, grab it as fast as you can !

Great links to London (just 15 mins to Waterloo) yet lots of green space, close to Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park and the A3 for easy access to the country beyond. House prices, while not cheap, are less than many nearby areas, and the shops on the main road, are mostly NOT chains, which is so very refreshing.

Raynes Park will probably never be a mecca for hedonists but good schools, great transport links and almost a villagey feel so close to London coupled with good value property is definitely enough for me.

The area is very convenient. Wimbledon and Kingston are close by for shopping, only 20 minutes to Waterloo on what seems to be a pretty reliable line (every 5 minutes and you usually get a seat!) and the A3 so close by makes escaping London easy.

The Blay houses seem to be particularly good value with large rooms and gardens and lots have off street parking.

Raynes Park centre has a few good restaurants and everything you need during the week but could do with a decent pub.

It is quite a quiet place with a good range of shops and restaurants but could do with a decent bar/pub. There seems to be a deliberate attempt to develop the area by the local council.

Benefits from being situated between Wimbledon centre and the Kingston junction of the A3 which makes travelling very easy. Wimbledon village is about 30 mins walk (5mins by car)away and is great during the summer. The town is an equal distance. Raynes Park BR has trains every five minutes to and from London during peak times.

At the weekend lovely walks to small parks and Wimbledon Common. Still some individual friendly shops and peaceful and only a few steps from Coombe Road. Can't think of any disadvantages! - from a Cyber Gran.

...and we just loved it! The neighbours were friendly but not intrusive, lovely parks and good shopping facilities were nearby and it was easy to get to London or to the countryside.

It's a great area to get into London only 22 mins! Could do with a nice bar and more eating places...

Communications are great, Raynes Park and Wimbledon station only 20 mins from Waterloo (leaves on the line permitting!)

There are regular buses from Raynes Park to Wimbledon and Kingston. The A3 is 5 mins drive away so easy access to M25, and other major motorways.

Wimbledon Village with its range of cafes and pubs is a 10 min drive away.