A Guide to Living in North East London

Walthamstow

Walthamstow residents have plenty to say about the nature reserves, friendly locals and wealth of cafes, bars and restaurants. They also praise the parks and swift transport connections into central London:

The community is great in Walthamstow. There are so many different cultures that come together, whether it’s in the markets or just crossing people on the street. The amenities are great – you have every shop you could need on your doorstep combined with gems like the Village and Lloyd Park. The transport links are fantastic – friends are often surprised how quickly they can get to Walthamstow from central London.
– Sam, Verified Resident, Walthamstow Gateway

The location is great! Just a 2 minute walk to Blackhorse Rd tube (and so convenient as the Victoria line is so quick). There are 2 small supermarkets nearby, and lots of lovely new coffee shops/breweries and restaurants in Walthamstow. The area is very ‘up and coming’ which is fab, there’s always something new to explore.
– Sophie, Verified Resident, Fizzy Walthamstow

I love Walthamstow as a community as well as a location – fantastic transport links (Victoria line is incredibly efficient). The area reflects a strong melting pot of cultures where everyone and anyone can fit in, as well as lovely restaurants, parks and beautiful nature reserves.
– Amber, Verified Resident, Blackhorse Mills

Leyton/Leytonstone

Leyton and Leytonstone are also attracting an influx of new residents. These booming suburbs offer great value homes and some excellent schools. Leytonstone also celebrates its strong connections to renowned film director Sir Alfred Hitchcock, with colourful mosaics around the tube station celebrating his birth and residence in the area.

I like that it’s close to many local amenities, the bank, Tesco, Iceland and many Asian supermarkets as well as halal butchers. Fruit stalls line the streets. It is a 10 minute bus ride to Walthamstow Central on the Victoria line.
– Dinah, Verified Resident, Pearl Apartments

Families in Leytonstone enjoy close proximity to open green spaces such as Epping Forest, Wanstead Flats and Victoria Park. Meanwhile, the Red Lion pub is a local landmark with a rich history as a music venue. The tavern hosted Led Zeppelin’s first ever UK gig!

Just to the west, Leyton was once seen as Leytonstone’s cheaper, less well-to-do brother. However, redevelopment works there have meant house prices in the two areas are broadly similar.

Chingford

Tucked under the southern tip of Epping Forest and right at the northern tip of the Walthamstow extension of the London Overground, Chingford is named after the River Ching that runs through the district. Historically part of Essex, Chingford is now an urban district and part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Green Spaces

Walthamstow Marshes comprise just over 90 acres of fields, wetland, footpaths and waterways that attract locals seeking open green spaces, as well as flora and fauna rarely seen in the rest of Greater London. Just north of the Walthamstow Marshes, Walthamstow Wetlands is one of the largest urban wetland areas in Europe. It’s a major draw for anglers as well as birdwatchers drawn by the rich diversity of its resident and visiting species.

The ‘Lungs of London’, Epping Forest sits just north of Walthamstow. This ancient woodland offers 5,900 acres originally set aside by Queen Victoria for Londoners to explore. it is now a very popular spot for mountain bikers, with regular rides organised by local clubs on the weekends.

Transport

Overground services provide the most extensive travel options for North East London. Walthamstow Central station also provides connections into central London via the Victoria line, while the Central line runs from Stratford and up to the loop serving the area around Chigwell, Redbridge and Woodford. The Central line also runs further north up through Loughton to its terminus at Epping.

North East London celebrities

Celebrities connected to North East London include Alfred Hitchcock, who was born in Leytonstone. Singer-songwriter Damon Albarn, footballer David Beckham and acor Derek Jacobi were also born in Leytonstone. Celebrated Apple designer Jonny Ive and footballer Harry Kane are both from Chingford, while Winston Churchill was MP for Epping from 1924-45.