Highams Park - What's it like?

[MrsSnoops]

We are thinking about moving to Highams Park, but want to get an idea of the area.

Specifically I was wondering about schools, particularly primary, but also secondary. Do they have a good feel and are they warm and welcoming?

Are there any particularly good bits to live and bits to avoid?

What is the general vibe like? Is it a friendly area? I have 2 young children and obviously want to feel like it is safe for them.

It looks like a lovely area and the park and having Epping Forest on your doorstep are definite plus points and it would also seem that the secondary school is good, but I would love to hear from people who live there.

Thanks in advance.

Just moved here a couple of weeks ago and seems very nice - although pretty quiet. Can't advise on secondary schools as DS is too young at the moment.
Best of luck with the move

Hello,
I was there doing supply teaching today at Handsworth Primary which seemed lovely. Seemed like a nice area too (we are about to move to Walthamstow), though the train station was a little eek (subways and crossings). People were friendly in the cafe too!

Thanks for that both of you.
I think it may be a move for the future if we stay in London.
Adair, can I ask if you have taught in the primaries in Leyton or Leytonstone? I am doing applications for my DS and am trying to pick as many brains as I can before I put my choices down. Thanks.

Aw, I haven't! Am about to do applications for dd (once we actually move). Am going for nearest,smallest school.

Thanks anyway and good luck with the move.

cheers, good luck with your applications.

Hi

I moved to Highams Park a few weeks ago and so far we love it. I have a young DS almost 2 and been to a couple of local groups which have been nice like gym tots. The actual Highams Park has a nice under 7s play area and a large lake with lots of ducks and Chingford is so close with more of Epping forest on your doorstep. I recommend La Trevi the Italian restaurant next to the station which loves children they really did not mind when DS threw his potatoes all over the floor and the food is great too. No kids menu but you can buy a starter size of pasta. we arenot ready for primary shools but have had Handsworth primary highly recommended to me

Good luck with the move

Lived there all my life until 10 years ago.

Lots of pals still there so feel qualified to comment.
Good choice of 3 primary schools in the area Oak Hill, Selwyn and Handsworth. Handsworth and Oak Hill were always considered better schools in terms of results but not sure that is the most relevant.
Highams PArk School is grant maintained secondary with a good sixth form, for a girl you can have the option of the 11+ to get into Woodford High, a grammar school just a few miles away. Good rail links to City and West End - direct line to Liverpool St.
Awful pubs etc but plenty of good choices nearby and you are very close to forest lake etc. Lotsof playgroups, NCT groups and all the stuff you would expect. Shopping for everyday stuff is OK but until new Tesco is bult not really a place to do the big shop each week.

Swimming, cinema etc all no more than 10 minutes away by bus or car.

Hope this helps, very nostalgic for me to write this!!

I would avoid the end between the North Circular and the 'village', the Selwyn Avenue end and look at the bits bordering on Chingford and Woodford.

Particularly popular are the roads off Hale End Road, the Avenue, Charter Raod, Oak Hill,
Coolgardie Avenue.

Hope this helps

Parking is a nighmare if you live within a 10 minute walk of the station too!