Any information or advice on Tower Hamlets, Stepney, London

[MissWickham93]

Hi there,

I'm looking for some advice and information on a particular area. What are your thoughts on the area, Tower Hamlets?

I have a potential interview with a school in that area, specifically Stepney London, E1 0BD.

I am a South African, and would be starting a new chapter in my life. I would like to investigate and research enough to know that I'm making a good life changing decision.

Any advice or information will be greatly appreciated.

TIA

I don't know what it's like to live there. It's urban, central, diverse population with a large Muslim community,, probably trendy, traditionally working class but probably being infiltrated by young people with money to spend. If you want somewhere quiet and suburban then this isn't it but it could be fun to live there for a few years. Good luck

I taught in Tower Hamlets for 5 years. It's a great area to work in - most of the schools are excellent and you are very well placed to take them on loads of amazing free trips. You are also very close to the centre for meeting friends after work etc. It's a very deprived area so you get the normal issues associated with that in terms of pastoral care for your class. You may well not be able to afford to live locally as it is very expensive - I saw an article in the paper yesterday saying average rent for a 1 bed flat in Tower Hamlets is £1500 per month. But somewhere like East Ham should be more affordable and you wouldn't have too long a commute.

Lived there as a twenty something very happily. Central, buzzy, great transport, diverse - all the ethnic restaurants & shops you can shake a stick at. Close enough to good parks, but not very green compared to other parts of London- & easy access both to Central London, the City & Canary Wharf for jobs etc. Night buses and taxis not too expensive for late nights out.

We moved when I got pregnant after 10+ years in that part of town. Schools concerned me, as did pollution.

It really depends on how you feel about urban living. Your interview- is that for school for your children, or as a teacher?