New Malden's centre was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with two and three bedroom terraced houses. As the population grew during the 1930s larger detached and semi detached houses were built. The most recent settlement grew up around the station on the main line to Waterloo.

Two miles south is the former village of Old Malden, whose origins go back to Anglo-Saxon times. Merton College was founded at Malden before being transferred to Oxford.

The neighbourhood constitutes about a third of the London Royal borough of Kingston upon Thames (the oldest Royal Borough in England and Wales).

The Duke of Cambridge also owned a lot of land in the area - which is why there is an historical association with Cambridge on road and pub names. New Malden and Coombe developed at the time of the railway coming to the area during the Victorian period. The railway links continue to make New Malden a very attractive town for commuters, offering easy travelling into London, with road links via the A3.

New Malden is bounded by Coombe Hill to the north and to the south and east by Raynes Park, Worcester Park and Tolworth. To the west, New Malden merges with Kingston upon Thames.

New Malden has a pleasant village atmosphere offering friendly local shops and an array of quality restaurants. It is especially renowned for its Korean restaurants. There are also a number of active community groups.