Walthamstow advice

[Flutterby63]

I'm considering moving to Walthamstow (to rent for now, newly separated) and have seen a new development on Brunner Road. It's closer to St James St station than Walthamstow Central but both are easily walkable.

Any thoughts on the Brunner Road area, particularly re safety? I will be coming home late on the tube by myself sometimes so more concerned about feeling safe out and about?

Thanks

[Murma]

Second time posting this message, hope it works this time.

I lived near St James st for many years, my family still live there. Would NEVER move back especially with kids. Lots of kids asking kids "what ends (area) you from" "what you looking at" etc.

St James Street is not great. Turf wars etc.

Sorry but i know it well.

[CrazyCatLady159]

I wouldn't .....

I'm a nanny in Walthamstow - very close to where you mention

I live in South Woodford area

If I didn't love my work family as much as I do; I would quit because the area is awful

[Bedforaweek]

Wow. Interesting, I’ve had so many friends move to Walthamstow and bloody rave bout it. They all love it

[KatherineJaneway]

I'd say choose the village area if you want to move to Walthamstow. Overall Walthamstow has improved a great deal in the last few years but there are still rough areas around the edges.

[peachypetite]

Is this a second thread? People gave you advice already.

[loutypips]

I grew up there. Moved away a couple of years ago, would never go back! Hardly any of my school-friends or family live there anymore either. I thought I'd miss the market, but went back a few months ago and it's changed so much. Was quite sad really.

[Flutterby63]

Thank you for the messages, pretty clear really!

[Wowzel]

I don't think it is that clear...

I still live in Walthamstow. I live fairly near to the development you are talking about. I've been here since 2004 and in that time there are a number of things that have made the area nicer - there are nice new restaurants, pubs, cafes and coffee shops. The provision for toddlers has increased.

I never feel unsafe, I walk around late at night on my way home from work. Yes, there is a gang problem - but there are gang problems all across London. The only thing about that particular area of Walthamstow is that there is frequently youths drug dealing at the very end of the High St near the Oxfam.

Have you been here?

If not, you should try coming here in the day and the evening to see if you like it.

I've got no plans to go anywhere, other than we have already fully extended our house and want a bigger one and so one day we will move somewhere with bigger houses.

[JimmyJazz]

Whoa, totally agree with Wowzel, and I’m really surprised by some of these reactions. I live there too, just by st james street station, and also absolutely love the area. We’ve lived here for 5 years and I’ve never had any personal safety issues, while friends in the village have - I’d rather get off at St James St and walk to Brunner after dark than Walthamstow Central and walk to the Village! Lots of development south of the railway recently, like CRATE (@cratestjamesstreet on Instagram) make it far busier than it used to be after dark too, and the new flats will only increase that. Also, you’ll love the community if you like that kind of thing, and beautiful public art, and ridiculous number of hipster cafes (5 have opened this summer alone...). Anyway, whatever you decide to do, good luck with your relocation x

[KatherineJaneway]

If you base yourself near Walthamstow Central, as I said village area and boarders is a nice place to live and quite safe all in all.

I think you also need to take into account what type of lifestyle you'll have there. Will you go out and about locally a lot or be in the City West End for nights out?

Look at the transport links, The Victoria line links to many major railway stations and is completely underground so does not stop once it starts to snow. You have a large bus station and the overground straight into Liverpool Street. It is a short drive to the North Circular and easy access to the M11 and M25 (via M11).

It has lots going for it if you choose the right area of it to live in.

[Flutterby63]

Thanks for this. Yes I grew up 20 mins from Walthamstow so know it fairly well as we went there sometimes, but prefer to get an up-to-date view from someone who spends time there every day all year round. I have friends in Walthamstow Village but they don't go near the market or St James that much (they said it had a bit of an 'edge'), so useful to hear a different point of view. I'll have a think.

Thanks again

[beguilingeyes]

We live in 'Upper Walthamstow' not far from Wood Street station. We love it. Wood Street is fantastic with loads of independent shops and cafes. Plus a fantastic indoor market