Croydon is 17 minutes by fast train to Central London( London Bridge and London Victoria) from either East or West Croydon stations as well 30 minutes to London St Pancras International (Euro Star trains to Europe).
And also about 30 minutes by train to Gatwick Airport.
There are Tram services as well as bus. The main Bus Terminal is next to West Croydon Train station, with buses to various parts of London and an Express Bus to Heathrow Airport.
The town centre which has Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centres is about 5 minutes walk. It also has the High Street with various shops and restaurants.
The famous Fairfields Hall is about 15 minutes walk as well as BoxPark