Is Deptford Safe? – An In-Depth Review

With 32 districts to its name, you’re spoilt for choice when choosing where in London to put down roots. If you’ve narrowed down your choices and Deptford has made it onto your list of contenders, you’ll want to know for sure that it ticks all the boxes.

Located in the borough of Lewisham in South East London, Deptford has experienced significant change in the past 20 years. The area is now known for its bustling indie scene and diversity - ideal for creative types and young professionals looking for an up-and-coming area to call home. An impressive array of new money and businesses have come to SE8 in recent years, and you won’t be stuck for things to do with local galleries and museums only a short walk away.

But while Deptford has plenty of perks, the deciding factor for many when choosing an area in London is safety. Is Deptford safe to move to? You’re about to find out. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide on Deptford’s safety, so you can decide if it’s the right location for you. 

What is Deptford like?

If you’re looking for a culturally diverse, vibrant area which is commutable from central London, you’re sure to find it with Deptford. Its streets are buzzing with energy and community spirit, with street art decorating its walls and the aroma of local coffee houses and delicious food filling the air. In fact, Time Out magazine named Deptford High Street one of the 33 coolest streets in the world in 2022. The area is well known for its naval history, from the knighting of Sir Francis Drake, to being home to Deptford Dockyard from the mid-16th to 19th century. 

Spend a Saturday afternoon browsing the unmissable Deptford Market Yard - home to cocktail bars and pubs including Taproom SE8, which has been brewing its own craft beer for over a decade. You’ll also find a variety of street food eateries and independent record shops. The area was once used to store horses and carriages before being an air-raid shelter during World War II. Today, it’s a bustling hub of local food, music and community spirit that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. 

If being in close proximity to green spaces is a priority, Deptford Park should tick all your boxes. For somewhere as urban as Lewisham, the area is spacious and green, offering a play area for little ones, an outdoor gym and a football pitch to get your body moving and boost those endorphins. If you want to escape the noise, the Thames is on your doorstep where you can grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and simply watch the world go by. 

If you’re looking for an area that’s a commutable distance to central London, with a local, community feel, Deptford is certainly a worthy contender. A perfect blend of old-world charm and modernity, living in Deptford certainly offers the best of both worlds for Londoners seeking a new location.

How safe is Deptford?

Before you make the move to a new area, you’ll want the reassurance that it’s as safe and crime-free as possible. Of course, it’s not possible to rule out crime entirely wherever you move to and Deptford, like many other urban areas, has its safety considerations. But while Deptford may have a higher crime rate than other areas, the area is known for its community spirit and Deptford’s regeneration project aims to improve the safety of the area. When MyLondon spoke to a local estate agent about Deptford’s safety, they confirmed that all kinds of people are now moving to the area and it’s as safe as any other London borough. 

If you’re wondering ‘Is Deptford safe at night?’, you’ll be pleased to hear the regeneration project installed new lighting to make the area feel safer. As with any area of the big city, it’s important to stay vigilant, particularly at night, and to always be aware of your surroundings. Try and stick to populated, well-lit areas and exercise caution like you would in any other area of the capital. 

Why should you live in Deptford?

With a strong sense of community, bustling streets and rich history, why wouldn’t you choose to live in Deptford? The area offers excellent transport links to central London and Canary Wharf, with trains from Deptford taking only eight minutes to London Bridge and 23 minutes to St. Pancras. 

If you’re the arty type, you’ll always have something new to explore thanks to Deptford’s vibrant arts scene and a variety of unmissable cultural experiences, including Goldsmiths CCA (Centre for Contemporary Arts), housed within what was once a Victorian bathhouse. Deptford isn’t slowing down anytime soon either - its ongoing regeneration efforts have resulted in new green spaces, improved transport links and upgraded amenities. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of old and new, and an urban feel without the central price tag, Deptford is sure to satisfy. 

Renting in Deptford with UNCLE

Wave goodbye to unreliable landlords and overpriced rent with UNCLE. Our new Deptford development opens 1st July 2024 and is sure to exceed your expectations. With plush designer furniture, extensive storage space and integrated appliances, UNCLE Deptford could be the home you’ve been searching for.

You’ll no longer wonder ‘Is Deptford safe?’ - instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that your security is our top priority. Renting somewhere secure and sophisticated has never been simpler. Reach out to join our Deptford waiting list today.