Woodford Area Review

house_hunt

Hi All,

We are looking for 3-4 bedroom house within 1 hour commute to Liverpool Street/Canary Wharf. Budget is around 700k. We recently moved to London so no preference for any one area. Mainly looking for good state schools, low crime rate and educated middle class family neighborhood.

So far, we think Woodford Green and Stanmore look alright. We are getting a bit inclined towards Woodford green but couldn't find many good schools online. Is this a problem in this area? Is crime also an issue - read about some stabbings/burglaries recently.

Also, are there any other similar areas that you would rate above Woodford?

Many thanks for your time and help!

hazyjo

Woodford Green is nice in parts. Depends drastically on what roads you're considering. The Monkhams roads are in the millions. My sister lives in WG but nearer Charlie Brown's roundabout - not the nicest bit. A close friend is in Chiltern Way which is lovely, and another in Gladstone Road - not so good. South of Woodford train track is the 'worse' side. There have been lots of theft by scammers knocking on doors (they ask for a couple of quid for phone/oyster/petrol - my friend got conned), begging at the station, and a couple of stabbings. Police need to clamp down now before the area gets tarnished. My friend's little boy's primary school is around 50% Eastern European now despite people within half a mile or with siblings there being unable to get in as many are oversubscribed.

I'm in North Chingford. Generally a very nice area. Highams Park is a bit more 'London' but a happy friendly community (I used to live there).

The places with the better reputations have always been Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Wanstead, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Epping, Brentwood (lived there too) - although a bit TOWIE for me. I do very much like Epping though.

I'm moving to Leigh-on-Sea next year which I adore. Can walk to Liv St from Fenchurch Street.

Shout if you have any more specific questions.

Jx