Crystal Palace, the scenic South London neighbourhood that sits in four boroughs, including Croydon, where modern urban living meets wholesome suburbia, has been voted the best place to live in London by The Sunday Times.

More than the namesake of South London’s biggest football club, Croydon-based Crystal Palace boasts a rich history that’s been lovingly preserved over the years to deliver an attractive urban community suitable for all.

Crystal Palace beat out stiff competition from King’s Cross, Victoria Park, and Teddington to clinch the top spot, and it’s not hard to see why.

The neighbourhood is named after the Victorian Crystal Palace exhibition hall. The dazzling behemoth sadly burnt down in 1936, but you can still view its foundations at the crown of Crystal Palace Park, alongside Egyptian-style sphinxes, life-size dinosaurs, and the television transmitting station.

House prices have jumped in Crystal Palace in recent years due to its connections to the capital and its community offerings.

Explore the hilltop triangle of Westow Hill, Westow Street and Church Road and you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are more independent shops, boutiques, antiques, pubs, restaurants, and cafes than you can shake a Victorian stick at. In fact, it’s this winning combination of London urbanism and community that won over the judges at The Sunday Times who credited the neighbourhood’s “bohemian vibe” and “welcome urban edge”.

Crystal Palace sits on the London Overground, connecting it the furthest reaches of the capital and making it a commuters’ paradise.

If it’s culture you’re after, look no further. Crystal Palace Park has become a mecca for music since the restoration of the Crystal Palace Bowl, with both Wireless and South Facing festivals heading south this summer.

Stunning architecture your thing? Then why not marvel at the eclectic ensemble of Victorian, Georgian, gothic and brutalist buildings that make up Crystal Palace’s homes and businesses. There’s even a huge restoration project underway to reopen the stunning Crystal Palace Subway to visitors.

For all its splendour, SE19 is a worthy winner for Best Place to Live in London.