Thinking of moving to Walthamstow

[hackneybird]

We're being priced out of Stokey, and have accepted we need to move to another area. Walthamstow seems to have a good vibe about it with decent property prices. However, which bit of the area should we look at? Obviously we want to be near decent parks, schools, transport links etc. We have a 2.5yo so would need to find a nursery/childminder. I know that the village is regsrded as the best bit, but is it overpriced and are there any nice parks within walking distance?

Many thanks.

yes, it's a Victorian area so there are quite a few small parks. Have a look in the A-Z or Google Earth and you will see the patches of green. It is also a bike- or bus-ride from parts of Epping Forest, for example near Whipps Cross, and the "River Lea Linear Park" some parts of which are very green.

Walthamstow is lovely, very near to me...and I love it here

OOps sorry, school are fantastic, the quality of life is fab.
It really is underrated. The village is the best part, but surrounding it is not to be sniffed at either. There really isn't a bad bit, so you would be quite safe whereever you choose. I would go for the largest house you can afford...

OOh, and definitely not overpriced. Especially in this glorious sunshine

Oh Walthamstow is brill. Here's why (a short list): it has it's own little vibe (arts festivals, great pubs, lovely independent cafes, lovely super-involved MP), lots of green open space (right next to the Marches and easy to get to Epping Forrest on a bike), great market, all the usual high street shit shops and it's soooo cheap compared to Stokey. I think it's more interesting as a result - you get a fair few Stokey / Islington refugees (after they have kids normally, trading up to get a house with a garden!) but lots of artists, musicians and recent immigrant communities too (hence the great shops and cafes). Totally recommended by me anyway (sadly, no longer live there myself but do still have a flat there I can't bare to part with).

In terms of area I'd say have a look by the Coppermill Road area - it's in between Blackhorse Road tube and St James Street. It's next to the market and next to the marshes and there are a couple of parks / play areas so good for kids. Cheap as chips too.

We've just bought there - moving from N16. We did buy in the village, still a lot cheaper than hackney/Stokey. Not moved yet but everyone is pretty positive and have got 3-bedroom house with garden for not too much more than 2-bed flat in Stokey.

I've lived in the Stow for 14 years, Higham Hill to be exact. The local JustLearning nursery is good and has a lovely outdoor space. My local primary school is 'outstanding', Lloyd Park and the River Lea are within walking distance and the tube station is a ten minute walk away.

I'm just about to put my two bed terrace on the market because we are moving out to Redbridge to be closer to our family (read that as free childcare). I'm pretty sad to be leaving the area, there is a good local community feel, and although it's not the prettiest or affluent place in London the vibe is generally good.

The village is lovely, but overpriced and the schools are way over subscribed. Lots of my friends have had trouble getting their kids into the local school, catchment can be as little as 0.2 miles :(

Check out walthamstowscene.org.uk/ for a starting point to find out about whats going on in the area.

I lived near Lloyd Park ( Blenheim Road) before I was married, loved Walthamstow and could afford a house with a garden - even an apple tree-when I was young and quite impoverished.

I too think it's great. I live in the village (just), and there's such a lovely community feeling. I see people I know all the time out and about, and in the nearby park and playground. The nurseries are all good, as are the schools - though I think we're in a catchment area black hole about which I'm beginning to fret. (DS is 2.8). Secondary schools not so hot, but no doubt improving with all the pushy middle-class parents moving into the area!

Also lots of council-run leisure centres, a soft play place, and really well connected to anything eastwards. I spent the day in Southend today, and it took me less than an hour to get to.

And it's close to the new Westfield at Stratford!

And if that weren't enough, it's spawned the hilarious 'celebrities that look like mattresses' Facebook page.

And what do you all think of secondary schools in the area?? sorry to hijack

Thanks for all the positive and helpful feedback guys, feeling much more inclined to moving there than Hither Green in South London, which is where we were thinking of moving to! (waaay too quiet and in the middle of nowhere).

We spent a bit of time looking at south east London too Hackneybird. Saw some ok places round Honor Oak/Forest Hill but am glad we ended up going for the 'stow as its near enough to our old friends and neighbourhood to be able to keep in touch easily. Also means I can keep my childminder for the time being while I look for alternatives.

That's interesting to hear, Stokey. Hope it goes well for you! I'm looking forward to house hunting now. x