Mixed couple buying property in East London / Essex

[Londonlife1234]

Myself and my partner are looking to buy a 3 bed house in East London / Essex area with a budget of £550/600k. I am white and my partner is black so we want to make sure we buy in an area that is very accepting of this and we will feel comfortable.

A few places we like the look of so far are:
Woodford
Gidea Park
Shenfield
Epping
Billerichay

Can anyone who knows East London / Essex well recommend a few other areas or confirm if any of the above are nice as well as being suited to a mixed couple?

We haven't had a look on the Hainault loop on the central line just yet but houses seem to be a little cheaper. Let me know if any of those areas are worth considering too. :)

Thanks so much for any input!

[FlissMumsnet]

Hi There Londonlife1234

We've no insider intel on these areas unfortunately but we wanted to wish you luck with your search and give this a bump for you.

We hope you find the perfect place for you and your partner.

[Shirtyllama]

Hello, I know Woodford end of Redbridge pretty well - lots of neighbours are in couples with different ethnic backgrounds, doesn't seem unusual at all, and schools have kids whose parents or grandparents originally came from loads of different places. As far as I can tell (white with white partner so no direct experience) it is friendly and welcoming and you certainly wouldn't be the odd ones out. Schools in Redbridge are good too.

[Shirtyllama]

Don't know the other places so well, but hope you find somewhere you really like, with lovely neighbours!

[smileannie]

Definitely woodford/south woodford. Great mix of all types of creed, colour, religions (Or not), LGBT etc etc etc.
I’m in mixed.race/mixed religion relationship with grown up children. Have lived very happily here for over 30 years and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Lovely people, schools, shops, restaurants - the list is endless- central line, 30 mins to west end.
Truly hope you will be as happy as we have been.

[Gooseysgirl]

Yes to Woodford, and definitely Highams Park! Chingford also worth a look, (although still a bit right-wing for me), it is quite diverse and things are starting to change for the better.

[KoalaandRabbit]

I know mixed race couples living in South Woodford, Buckhurst Hill and Epping and all have found it fine as far as I'm aware - all been living there 10 years plus. All nice areas, South Woodford has more of a London vibe and Epping / Buckhurst Hill have more greenery / forest around.

[Londonlife1234]

Thanks so much guys for all your thoughts and insights! It's great to hear some of the areas we are considering would be a great fit! Now time to start the viewings :)