Living in Barking Riverside, London
What this article covers
- What makes Barking Riverside a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Barking Riverside for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Barking Riverside
Barking Riverside, located in Greater London, England, is an emerging residential area offering a mix of positives and negatives for both working professionals and families.
Benefits of Living in Barking Riverside
Barking Riverside offers unique advantages. For starters, there is a wide range of housing options and costs, with the average rental price being about £1,450 pcm and a flat’s average buying cost ranging around £300,000. Its transportation system is effective with the EL1 bus service providing a 24/7 service, this will also be improved with the extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking railway line.
Challenges in Barking Riverside
The area, however, has some drawbacks. For working professionals reliant on public transportation, the current lack of direct train services may pose a significant issue. Though efforts are being made to improve this, it could take some time.
Feasibility for Families
For families, Barking Riverside offers multiple schools and green spaces. Yet, some parents have raised concerns about the potential need for additional educational facilities in the coming years, due to the expected growth in the area’s population.
Safety Record
Regarding safety, Barking Riverside has a relatively low crime rate making it a safe place to live, though residents feel there is room for improvement in lighting and police presence.
Most popular areas
Thames View (IG11 0FJ)
Thames View is one of the most popular areas in Barking Riverside due to its direct access to the Thames River and a variety of local amenities. The area boasts several parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Great Fleet Estate (IG11 0YP)
As an area with newly built homes, the Great Fleet Estate is widely appreciated for its modern housing options. Its proximity to schools, shops, and public transportation services make it a convenient location for many residents.
Riverside Campus (IG11 0FJ)
Riverside Campus is another popular area in Barking Riverside, specifically for students and staff of the Riverside School. The area offers easy commuting to the nearby school, as well as a range of student-friendly facilities and services.
Least popular areas
Ripple Road (IG11 0TP)
While Ripple Road is still part of Barking Riverside, it often experiences heavy traffic due to the congestion from the Ripple Road junction. The noise and air pollution resulting from this traffic can discourage many potential residents.
Barking Industrial Park (IG11 0TJ)
Barking Industrial Park is primarily a commercial area rather than a residential one. It has fewer housing options available, with the available properties often lacking the residential amenities of other areas in Barking Riverside.
Leftley Estate (IG11 9PL)
Although the Leftley Estate has some residential areas, it’s generally considered less popular due to the isolation from essential community facilities, such as shops, schools, and hospitals. The area’s relatively older housing stock may also deter some prospective residents looking for modern housing options.
Share your thoughts