I work in the City, so ease of travel is of utmost importance to me, East Croydon train station is a step away from my house and 12 minutes or so from London Bridge, or 15 mins or so to Victoria on the fast train. Another reason I opted to live in East Croydon is because a house in Clapham for example would be too expensive and besides the thought that I never have to go near a tube again makes my very happy.
East Croydon offers excellent facilities in terms of shopping, eating out, pubs and fitness facilities although a swimming pool wouldn't go a miss.
With the new tram lines that have been recently installed getting around locally couldn't be easier as well.
On a less positive note, I feel Croydon needs to improve its cultural depth and improve its image, which I feel is probably on a par with the kind of thoughts people have when areas in Essex are mentioned. I try to avoid the clubs in Croydon, the sort of people you meet there seem to be of a kind and not as friendly as people in clubs and pubs in London.
What you don't get in Croydon is a club where you don't have dress restrictions and music that has depth beyond commercial dance. I feel Croydon could really do with a lot more diversity, unfortunatley I don't see this happening just yet.
If you like your food then there are loads of eateries, you're spoilt for choice, pizza parlours, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, English, pub food, fast food the list is endless but I mustn't forget to mention the obligatory post-pub grub, the Kebab, you can get them too !
Finally the part of East Croydon I live in is very peaceful and quiet and up to now fingers crossed, trouble free. I still find it strange how the hustle and bustle of the town centre and nightlife is so close to me yet feels so far away.