Lea Bridge/Markhouse Rd area of Walthamstow

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Does anyone have any insight into what this area is like? We are looking to buy (2bd flats) & it seems that properties are cheaper here than other areas - I’m presuming that’s because transport is awkward - but wondering if there are other reasons (crime stats etc)? Any advice gratefully received

Disclaimer: we moved away 3 years ago so my information may be out of date. We lived near St James Street and it was a lot less gentrified than further north and quite run down. But it didn't feel dangerous or anything and we didn't experience any crime in the 4 years we lived there (aside from weed dealers in the stairwells). I loved living there.

Thank you. The property I’ve fallen in love with is further away from St James St (about 15min walk) but is also a fair walk from Walthamstow Central (25min) and a bus ride from Leyton. My partner isn’t keen on the area but it’s basically my dream flat!

Bump for the daytime crowd

It is cheaper because it is not super convenient transport - but the Lea Bridge train into Stratford or up to Walthamstow (runs very 30 mins) is actually pretty good if you time it right. Otherwise bus from Leyton or Walthmastow tube depending which line you've taken.

There is a long way to go on the gentrification path, but it is starting slowly.

People are looking out of Hackney into Lea Bridge due to cost and desirable type of houses (period). You can get a bus into Hackney Central (or bike) really easily as well for the restaurants, and in that respect I think it is better than Leyton proper.

I have quite a few friends around Lea Bridge.

Markhouse road certainly has its ... moments. There have been at least two stabbings and one fatal shooting this year. Having said that, I've never felt unsafe round there as a 'civilian' IYSWIM.

Thanks for replies. Partner is pretty convinced that he’s not keen on the area, and we’re used to being much closer to transport. We’re not in a rush so may just see what the market does over the next couple of months

Not the nicest by any means.

Is it just the property youve fallen for? The area is quite grim tbh what other areas were you looking at?

Run for the hills. Don't buy in lea bridge / markhouse / st james st way. We sold up last year due to the almost weekly stabbings, gang crime, even shootings, daily drug dealing. I felt totally unsafe leaving the house alone, partner insisted on meeting me at the bus stop or station. Constant abuse from men just walking down the street. I was only getting worse when we left at the end of last year. There's a reason your dream flat is still on the market!

Wow my friends haven’t experienced that thank goodness. That’s awful.

I would avoid the area too I’m afraid (I don’t live that far away and know it quite well). I don’t feel unsafe myself walking through the area, but I certainly wouldn’t want to live there. Echo what people say above, plus lots of traffic noise, rubbish, and general gritty/grubbiness. A teenage boy was stabbed in broad daylight on markhouse road only last weekend.

Yes so grubby, it's amazing how much happier we are as people now having moved away. Don't believe the Walthamstow hype, almost felt bad for our buyers :(

If you’re on a tight budget and want to stay in Waltham Forest, take a look in Cann Hall/south Leytonstone - I’m biased (as I live there) but it’s much nicer and no less connected (better in fact). Walthamstow is way overrated

Snap @musmusculus!

I’m up from there near Blackhorse Road station, not keen at all to be honest. It feels grim and unsafe round there (to me). The traffic is horrendous and there have been various shootings and unsavoury behaviours round there. My partner and I regularly say how we’re glad we’re this end of walthamstow. I’m not one to be unnecessarily negative about an area, but I wouldn’t live there.

What is it you want from your home / location?
If you're after a more family vibe, with green space, safe, friendly look into Highams Park, a few minutes on the overground into Walthamstow and direct into Liverpool street
If you're still after something a bit 'grittier' Leyton is considered cool like Walthamstow (I wouldn't personally live there, still rough).
Further up the central line Snaresbrook, South Woodford are nice and green with good high streets. None of the grit of Leyton or Walthamstow. Keep going up the central line and its a whole other world of countryside and space!

Also Chingford. We like Chingford :) (near the station)

I wouldn’t.......
Highams Park, Chingford or Wanstead are much nicer.

I’m really glad I posted this! I think you’re right, it’s the property I’ve fallen for where as DP is much more realistic.

We are also looking in leyton/Leytonstone. Main criteria for the area is near decent transport and safe/nice feel. We don’t have kids and are on the fence about whether we will, but near green space is always nice. I will look at Highams Park.

A friend is waxing lyrical about Lloyd park but it’s so much more expensive!

Lloyd park is really poorly connected, car territory. Just an estate agent term to sell the area, though it has nice warner housing stock.

With highams Park I’d take the overground any day over the central line we opted for lovely old Victorian homes, pubs, cafes and a good stock of new build flats cropping up. None of the grit of Leyton/stone. Best of all a few minutes to Eppinng forest on the overground at chingford. Highams Park is a good long term choice. Good luck!

Leyton is still pretty grim in parts. Def look at highams park. So much nicer.

You must live near me, Ypsilanti. Another vote here for South Leytonstone. I don't know what prices are doing, but the Cann Hall/Harrow Road area was traditionally the cheapest bit of Leytonstone. We really like living here - although Cann Hall road is a racetrack (there are meant to be 'improvements' coming to address that). It's very friendly, quiet and near transport.

If the OP wants open space, you can't do better than Wanstead Flats. The Olympic Park and Victoria Park are within easy reach too.

I don't really get the love for Walthamstow, although I can see why 'The Village' has appeal.

Leytonstone is nicer than Leyton IMO

I'm in SW Leyton and whilst it is great for transport (Leyton, Statford and Strat Int all

Leyton is still pretty grim in parts. Def look at highams park. So much nicer.

Thing with Highams Park is that it is much nicer, but you're looking at a different proposition. It is more geographically remote and outside the North Circular so if you're in the business of getting taxis home at all its pretty far.

Highams Park is nice, but less ‘london’ imo. (I’m in Walthamstow, but feel indifferent about a lot of it, would prefer to live elsewhere). Lloyd park is lovely and one of the better parts of the stow after the village, but is a longer trek to the tube and overground.
Can’t advise on Leyton as I’ve yet to venture that way!