Barking/Dagenham

[3littlefrogs]

Is this a good area to look for a first home?
Working in London, but can't afford to buy anywhere near work, so looking to commute.
Is it a nice place to live?

Speaking from personal experience, Barking really isn't a nice place to live. In fact I won't even shop there any more.

Dagenham has nice parts and not so nice parts.

I'd say the Becontree area is probably best, especially Valence ward, heading towards Goodmayes.

I know Barking really well and it's pretty horrible but may be ripe for eventual gentrification . I would look at the areas in the catchment for Barking Abbey secondary . You can get some lovely houses with big gardens for your money though.

OK - thanks.
I am looking for somewhere at an affordable (!) price nearish a station or tube line to make Kings Cross accessible. I realise it will have to be a long way out. I am looking tentatively at Barking, all the way round to Amersham - but Amersham looks more expensive.

I will have a look at Becontree.

If you give an idea of budget and what you want ideally we might be able to make a better selection for you .

Becontree has Chadwell Heath station, which will take you straight to Liverpool Street.

Or you could take a short bus ride to Dagenham Heathway station, which is underground.

2 bedroom flat, up to £250K.

Jeez you could get a really nice 3 bed semi house for less than £230k in Dagenham...not sure about Barking but imagine it's similar.

Well - £250 is the absolute max, provided I can get a mortgage! Obviously, would prefer a cheaper property, but I am just starting to look around.
London prices are so ridiculous - it is hard to know how far out I need to be looking.

Friend has just announced she is buying a 3 bedroom house in Manchester for £80K. It is really hard to know what is reasonable these days!

Sorry that should be £250K, not £250.

You might get one for £250 in Newham!

I did live in Newham briefly about 30 years ago. For about 2 weeks. I moved back to squatting at a friend's flat because I was really scared about coming back after a late shift. I guess it hasn't improved then?

Newham is much more desirable now due to the Westfield effect . You could definitely get a house in Romford or Dagenham with your budget .

I would consider Rainham, South Hornchurch or Romford with your budget. All have tube or train stations for travel to London. Dagenham is starting to look very neglected. If you want a bit of lifestyle with bars, restaurants etc go towards Hornchurch there are not many p,aces to go out for meals etc in Dagenham.