Advice about moving to Walthamstow

[Naomhan]

Hi,

My husband and I are looking at properties in Walthamstow to buy. We'd don't have a family yet, but might in the future so we are looking for a 2 bed place with a garden. We'd prefer a house but not wedded to the idea. A flat would be well inside our budget and probably more convenient in many cases. A house would be at the top of our budget.

We are looking at a couple of places on Saturday and are slightly torn between convenience and living in a nice leafy area. My husband will have a longer commute if we move up there so would prefer something within 10 minutes of the tube/BR.

Would it be better to go for something nice and family friendly but a long walk from the tube (parts of Lloyd Park springs to mind) or closer to the tube and the high street but in maybe not quite a nice area? Are there any areas to avoid?

Many thanks.

Hi, We rent in Walthamstow. I quite like it :)
You might want to consider catchment areas (early, I know). After living here for 6 years, I would say that for me it's important (given that I don´t drive) to be near the school, the park and the market; the church and the stations are bonuses. I cannot be more precise here, but you can send me a message if you wish.
I´ve been told that it´s best to avoid the area behind Highams Hill Rd, there is a council buiding called Priory court, I think. All the best for your search!

Thank you ChocFudgeCake! That's really helpful. Sent you a message. Any further comments welcome.

I've lived in the Church Hill/village area for 15 yrs and its been great. No plans to move, good neighbours and good schools, near restaurants, shops and transport.

The Lloyd Park area is great for bringing up kids, and the Warner flats/houses are lovely. The one and two bedroom flats usually have shared gardens - some are surprisingly large (we had 70ft shared with v nice neighbours). We have lived in the area for 8 years and facilities such as the nursery and school have been great - though you might need to put your future child's name down for a nursery place at the Lloyd Park Centre before they are born!

Priory park is fine - it has its troubles, but what area of London doesn't? The park and William Morris museum are being redeveloped and should be fab when open again this summer. We chose family friendly and a walk up the hill, but there are some lovely bits off Hoe street and in the village. We like the sense of community and quiet, but we are beginning to worry a bit about secondary school options.

We wish we had known about the area before we had children, as its a great place to live!

Good luck.

Thanks for all the comments - they are very helpful. We are still looking at properties but have decided to try and go for a house, which limits us somewhat. As does the fact we don't have a car so need to be within 10-15 mins of the tube. This has helped us to define the areas we might be able to find what we want. One area is around the St James Street railway station and the other is the area around the junction of Forest Road and Chingford road (though not on the main road). Does anyone have thoughts on those areas? We are still looking at flats too in the Lloyd Park and Warner Road areas.

We've lived around the Forest Road/Chingford Road junction for 2 years, and really like it. It is 10-15 minutes walk from the station, but there are also loads of bus routes, and we like being a bit further away from the town centre as it's quieter. It's handy for Lloyd Park and really good to be so close to Pool and Track, although it is closing temporarily for redevelopment. Feel free to send me a message if you've got questions!

Thanks EL. Unfortunately the property we had our eye on in that area wet under offer before we got a chance to view. We would still be interested in the area if anything else comes up. We have put an offer on a house close to Queen's Road station. We are just waiting to hear back from the the vendor. Will keep you posted!