Living in Ilford, London
What this article covers
- What makes Ilford a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Ilford for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Ilford
Ilford, located in the northeastern part of Greater London, is a thriving suburban town only 20 minutes away by train from central London. A culturally diverse place with a vigorous mixture of commercial and residential spaces, it truly reflects the energy of London life at a more affordable price.
What makes Ilford a good place to live
Ilford provides a buzzling town centre with a multitude of shopping centres, restaurants, and leisure facilities that cater to families and young professionals alike. Good transport links into central London make it an attractive location for commuters. Another pulling point is the excellent selection of schools, making it appealing for families with school-aged children.
What makes Ilford a bad place to live
Despite its perks, Ilford suffers from congested traffic due to its high density of population. Some areas, unfortunately, also encounter issues with litter and a lack of cleanliness.
Buying and renting in Ilford
The average buying cost for a home in Ilford is £400,000, whilst the average monthly rental cost stands at approximately £1,200. The property market offers a mix of houses and flats appealing to a wide range of tenants and buyers.
Public transportation in Ilford
Ilford is well serviced by public transport with Ilford railway station offering fast services into Liverpool Street. It’s also anticipated that the Crossrail development will further enhance the ease of commuting into central London. Multiple bus routes are also available throughout the region.
Safety in Ilford
Like any urban area, safety can vary. Widespread regeneration over the past few years has helped improve the safety across Ilford, though some areas need more attention than others.
Most popular areas in Ilford
Cranbrook (IG1)
Home to the famous Valentines Park and close to the town centre, Cranbrook is a popular residential area.
Goodmayes (IG3)
With the expansive Goodmayes Park and many good schools, Goodmayes is an ideal place for families.
Least popular areas in Ilford
Loxford (IG1)
This area, located towards the south of town, suffers from a relative lack of good public transport connections and amenity spots.
Little Heath (RM6)
Less developed than other areas and located further from the town centre, Little Heath is slightly less desired than other areas.
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