Is Gidea Park nice and how different from Romford

[mucci]

We are considering moving to Gidea Park, on paper commute to london is good, property prices reasonable, schools OK (right?). We found a house we really like. However, we are a little worried that the environment might be so different from central london where we now live, not in a good way.

• Firstly, my husband is black and daughter mixed raced, I am european, but Gidea Park seems mainly white British, not sure why. Shall I be worried about potential for racism?
  
• Also, Gidea Park is so close to Romford, and I have heard bad things about it (chav town, racists, drunk people). It's so hard to judge when you are not from there: is Romford that bad and does it matter if we are in Gidea park? My daughter is only 3, but when she grows up she might go out in Romford, the idea frightens me a little...
  
• There does not seem much to do in Gidea Park (but perhaps I just need to get used to middle-aged style of life) and the closer place with amenities is Romford, which may not be so nice, see point above.
  
  Any views/comments/help really appreciated, we are SO confused.

[60sname]

Essex in general does strike me as very white (from Surrey/South London but lived a long time in London). Then again, the burbs are generally a lot whiter than central London.

DH is from the Havering area and lived for a while in Romford. I think he would agree with me that it is pretty rough. However, he has always said that Gidea Park is nicer and more upmarket. I know a mixed race/white couple who live in Elm Park, no idea if theyve had any hassle unfortunately.

FWIW we are moving to Chelmsford, which is a bit more upmarket (dont know how prices compare) and has a decent fast line into London  worth considering?

[60sname]

...Chelmsford, which is a bit more upmarket than Romford*

[BauerTime]

Gidea Park is nice but it is essentially just the expensive part of Romford. You wont have any racism issues and Romford's nightlife reputation is much worse than the reality. But who knows what it will be like in 15 years when your daughter is 18 and going clubbing!

Its also within the Oyster zones so travel into London isn't too expensive.

[Littleturkish]

Gidea Park is really nice- lovely school, multicultural and great transport links.

You're not too far from Brentwood for night life, so don't worry

[Spickle]

The trains into London Liverpool Street are slower from Gidea Park as the fast trains don't stop there. Don't know the area well but can't imagine there will be any problems at all with racism.

[MrsJBz]

Sorry if this is too late to be of any benefit to you. I live in Gidea Park and my husband and I are both Black. I love living here. Its not very multicultural in Gidea Park but Romford is down the road and opens you up to a plethora of culture. Its a good mix for us.