Woolwich Arsenal

[ANJ25]

Hello,

My husband and I currently live in Canary Wharf and are looking to move somewhere with a little bit more space but well connected and with a good infrastructure (supermarkets, cafes, etc) around. We will be renting for the moment. We are expecting our first child in July, and schools for the future are not a main consideration as we don't know how long we would stay in London (he is german and I am latin).

We went to see Woolwich Arsenal (the private development) yesterday and were quite impressed by what we saw. There seems to be a good housing stock, the rent would be within our price range; we saw a lot of young families, supermarkets and a few cafes/ restaurants.

We understand that there is a big divide between the private Arsenal and the main community and read that there is a lot of crime outside the Arsenal but wonder how exposed one would be living in the Arsenal.

I would love to hear from people living in the area as we are seriously considering looking further into the development and would like to hear about people's experience living there.

All best,

Ana

Unless you or your husband are planning to join a gang, I wouldn’t worry about any reports of crime in Woolwich. I lived near there for 5 years and always felt safe walking to and from the DLR. It’s always buzzing. You’ll get groups of teens and blokes in tracksuits hanging around the main square which I know my mum got a bit anxious about when she visited- but it never gave me any cause for concern.

There are some great restaurants in Woolwich, a really nice pub on the square, great affordable salons, a massive Tesco. Good bus links to greener parts of London for days out like Eltham. The market is very good too.

Woolwich Arsenal I always found to be a bit shit and soulless to be honest. There is one ok brunchy cafe with a handful tables, a fullers pub and a decent pizza place. And an M&S. it’s quite small offerings for the size of the housing stock. I have friends who live in a glossy flat there which they barely leave.

If you are going to be full fledged Woolwich residents and actually cross the road, I think it’s a great place to live. Lots of families. Lovely to see the kids play in the fountains in the summer.

However, if you or your husband are going to stay on your side of the road, gated community style- I can think of better choices. Have you looked at London city island?