London’s largest regeneration scheme, Barking is something of a work-in-progress. For instance, project milestones include a brand-new town centre completed in 2007, as well as an ongoing riverside neighbourhood that’ll be packed with restaurants and shops when complete. But where are the best places to live in Barking? Discover the top rated developments to buy or rent in Barking in our area guide.
HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area
Barking is a suburb in East London. Ilford is to the north, the River Thames to the south, Dagenham to the east and Wall End to the west. The postcode for Barking is IG11.
Barking Station is in Zone 4, with tubes on the District and Hammersmith & City lines. Likewise there are also London Overground and National Rail services.
The plans for Barking are ambitious to say the least, with BeFirst now dedicated to the regenerations. There are 50,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs in the pipeline in the coming years. The biggest of the scheme’s many projects, Barking Riverside, is a huge, purpose-built suburb that stretches down to the banks of the Thames in place of an old power station. Building began on the site in the mid-90s and continues today. Bellway Homes’ City East at Barking Riverside is one of many developments here, offering studios, apartments and houses with a waterfront view.
“The house is very spacious and modern. A very good quality. The facilities are great. The neighbourhood is very nice and safe. There’s parking around. There are some restaurants around 5min walk. Dedicated management is helpful if there are any issues.” – John, verified resident at City East at Barking Riverside
Additionally, Weavers Quarter has more than 400 modern apartments in a central location. The development is a joint project from L&Q and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
“The summer has been loud with kids which I don’t mind (it reminds me of my own youth) but the windows are triple glazed so noise can blocked out. All the flats come with outdoor space, either a private balcony or terrace. It’s big enough for table chairs and a small cheeky bbq…The Landlord looks after the building well; if there are any issues with the flat it is usually resolved within a few days.” – Chi, verified resident at Weavers Quarter
HomeViews reviewers have rated their top developments in Barking. One of the best places to live in Barking is the handily located Abbeville Apartments, a Grainger property near Barking Station with an onsite Asda supermarket.
“I enjoy living here, my apartment is very spacious, clean and large.” – Alice, verified resident at Abbeville Apartments
Furthermore, a brand-new town centre was introduced in the last decade. Its collection of neon-hued buildings include the award-winning apartments of Barking Central. Another highly rated development in Barking, this development is a project by Galliard Homes and RedrowHomes. It includes a library and a gallery, and The Broadway Theatre, whose packed events programme spans comedy acts, theatre and Latin dance classes. At the centre of it all is Barking Square.
“Both the area outside the apartment block and inside the building are clean and well maintained. The quality of the apartment is also good. There is great broadband connectivity for both lined based broadband and fibre optic.” – Anonymous, verified resident at Barking Central
The Rivermill Lofts is a chic development from Weston Homes, nestled on the banks of River Roding. Close by is the Discover Apartments, a colourful development with its own canoe club.
“The apartment is nice, spacious modern and well built. Good quality materials were used in the apartment. Great floor design with a lot of natural light flooding through.” – Anonymous, verified resident at Rivermill Lofts
“I’ve been living here for about six months now and I really like it. I love that is a quiet location however it’s close to the station and shopping centre.” – JJ, verified resident at Discover Apartments
Barking Park is a massive space with tennis courts, a skate park and a lake to hire pedal boats. It’s also home to The Big Friendly Coffee, which stocks delicious cakes and pastries.
Get to know the locals at Barking Street Market, which spills over three town centre roads. Find the market open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition, Abbey Green is a parkland area showcasing the ancient ruins of Barking Abbey and a 12th-century church called St Margaret’s. It’s the setting for open-air events like the annual classical music concert.
Want to find out more? Read reviews from residents by clicking on the developments below.
ASDA, LIDL, ICELAND, Poundland, are nearby. All banks such as Lloyds, Nationwide, Halifax are close. Medical stores such as boots, super drug are so close
Helping team with quick response. Clean property, availability of gym, community area for family functions, TV room. We celebrated festivals like Diwali and birthdays in the communal area. The reception team helps to coordinate with bookings. The music is available on request.
I believe we were told pretty much everything before moving in
Positive response, they replaced/ maintain appliances quickly
Amazing location if you work in Canary Wharf or in the city. Local markets and proximity to shops are an added bonus
Flats are decent size and apt for couples . The internal furnishing is of decent quality too. The overall development is quite fresh and airy as compared to some of the other blocks in this area. Added bonuses are gym, cycle storage and the communal space
At times the area in general is quite crowded and wish we knew that
Always responded timely to any maintenance issues we had
Good area for shops, ideal location for transport and the park and green spaces are not too far away
Building is beautifully presented, a clean and bright reception area with different routes up to the floors, the flat is clear, modern and spacious, perfect for socialising and hosting, would recommend, balcony provided and a green space which is shared
We knew everything we needed to know when we moved in
Yes, any maintenance was reported and fixed in an appropriate timescale
Location is spot on. Right by the new Islington marina, 5 mins from Ancoats and 10 mins from Northern Quarter.
Flat works really well for 2 people with bedrooms and ensuites on opposite sides of the flat. Nice big communal area, open kitchen and living space. Not enough room for a dining table is only drawback. Concierges are all lovely, very friendly. No buzzer system to let friends in though
I wish i had known about the waiting list for parking
The design of the flat is the best bit. Modern, spacious and private even with 2 living there
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