moving to Aldersbrook... good place to live?

[Jessamelb]

Hi there,

my partner and I are expecting our first baby and looking to move from our flat in Islington to a quiet, green area.. (like everyone!) we've discovered Aldersbrook, and love the look of the area and the size of the houses. My only concern is there seem to be no local cafes or shops you can just walk around the corner to. I don't know anyone in the area.
I'd love to hear from any young couples / families and who live around the area and how they enjoy life there! thank you! :)

Yes we looked at Aldersbrook- lovely area full of period houses/parks. The major downside is an ancient religious covenant which means there are no shops/pubs/cafes within a mile. Trust me it'll be such a faff!
Preferred South Woodford as it's SO practical. Shops/tubes/cafes/playgroups/good schools.

Aldersbrook is lovely enough with the beautiful old grand houses (so sad that so many have been divided up!), Wanstead on one side is much nicer, manor park at the other end is a complete pit!

The bus routes are regular so wouldn't take long to get to Wanstead (provided no road works on Blake hall!).

If budget allows I'd look at Wanstead or South Woodford if cafes and shops are important to you x

Also just to add it's very difficult to get planning permission if you want to extend your house as it's a conservation area. Something to bare in mind for the future.

Aldersbrook is lovely with a good community spirit. Great green spaces. However shops and cafes and the tube are a fair hike away. For this reason, we chose Walthamstow!

thanks for the responses. I love living locally and being able to walk to cafes and shops and friends nearby, so the idea of having to jump on a bus or trek is not so appealing. this may sounds spoilt of me! but I suppose it's a lifestyle I've gotten used to and love