Woodford Green/Buckhurst Hill?

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In a nutshell - DH and I have been house hunting forever! We are finally accepting that we will not get the type of house we want unless we move a bit further out of London. We need to be able to commute to Canary Wharf and Liverpool Street so Essex seems the most likely candidate - although I think Woodford Green/Buckhurst Hill might not technically be Essex - while keeping travel time to a reasonable limit.

Does anyone have experience of these areas? We have an almost 3yo DD so good schools are an important consideration. We also like nice restaurants, cafes...maybe some other nice local shops...have not yet decided whether DD would commute as well to continue going to her nursery a few days a week.

We are going to look at some houses this weekend hopefully but would really welcome some views! Please?!

Hello,

I love this area, specifically buckhurst hill. My ex husband and I lived there and I think it was probably the best place I've ever lived, I really miss it ( not the ex!). I'd move back there in a heartbeat.
Queens road is lovely little boutiques, little restaurants, very few chains, although I think a costa or Starbucks is there now.
We didn't have children, but there are quite a few good private schools.

Thanks Karbea that sounds promising! Also might explain why houses in Buckhurst Hill are more expensive!

I live in Buckhurst Hill and can highly recommend. Previously lived in Woodford which is also great, Loughton more choice of houses and standard high street shops and Chigwell.

We commute to Canary Wharf which takes 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes on tube. Commute is easy and easier still to Liverpool Street.

Schools are good although my DC are in private school there are good church and state primaries.

Epping Forest on your doorstep. It's a great area to live in.

Thanks GinandChocolate!

A shameless bump for the Sunday night crowd! Saw a great place in Woodford Green yesterday and the whole area seemed lovely...have we been misled by the sunny weather?! Is it as friendly as it seems?! We are planning on exploring the area more next weekend but would love more views from anyone familiar with it...

I live in Loughton and have previously lived in Buckhurst Hill. It really is a great place to live, I don't have any complaints.

We live in Woodford Green, have not regretted it (ex-Highbury.) We still go back and see friends in Islington a lot - takes about twenty five minutes by car to get to them.

Great schools, excellent access to the City for work. Affordable house prices. Also try Snaresbrook (Firs Estate). Good state schools are Churchfields (South Woodford) and Snaresbrook primary and St John's Buckhurst Hill - although good luck getting into that one. Lots of private schools but...the waiting lists are long and it may be too late for your DD for reception year for many of them.

Access to Stansted and City Airport also a plus BTW. Heathrow is a big pain though. If you or your DP travel a lot for work you might want to consider this.

Thanks harrietthespook that's really helpful. I don't think the house we are looking at is in the Churchfields catchment unfortunately. The closest school is Woodford Green Primary which does not have a great Ofsted...Woodford Green Prep is also convenient but sounds like we would be lucky to get a place. Ah the stress of moving! We are in a really convenient spot now for work and nursery but just need more space. I can put up with a longer commute but it's sorting out childcare etc for DD is the issue as I am not sure she would cope well with commuting to nursery. Anyway, I am sure it's one of those things you just figure out as you go along!

Thanks again everyone!

Oh forgot to add - thanks citybranch as well!