South Tottenham - should we move there?!

[Clarab0w]

We're hoping to buy somewhere in northeast or east london and have seen a few decent looking places within our budget around South Tottenham/ Green Lanes. Just wondering if anyone has any experience of the area, especially in terms of primary schools and safety? We've lived in Clapton for about 7 years now so don't expect Hampstead by any stretch but are raising our two young boys there so education and community are super important.

Thanks for any sage advice x

All schools in Haringey are at least rated ‘good’ so that’s something. I taught in two schools in South Tottenham so know the area pretty well. Are you looking round St Ann’s?

Having lived in East/North East London all my life, SoTo wouldn’t be my first choice I must admit. Mostly from a safety perspective for raising children, there is a lot of crime around there, particularly Green Lanes towards Turnpike Lane.

May I ask what your budget is and what you are looking to buy?

My ILs live in Tottenham. It's changed a lot and is much nicer than it was IMO. If you've been in Clapton I think you'd be fine in terms of crime and how urban it is. Great community vibe in SoTo and lots of lovely local businesses.

It's definitely up and coming but still gritty. I'd be concerned about children/teenagers travelling alone due to the gang problems.

I’d avoid like the plague - sorry Op

I grew up not far from there and I would also avoid.

Thank you, guys - that's super useful. Is it mostly safety issues @peachypetite @Ellieboolou27 that you'd be wary of or schools or something else? Are there other areas nearby you'd recommend instead?

Thanks again x

Clara what's your budget? Safety and gangs are a huge issue.

I look at Tottenham. Went out east to Z3 central line instead. Safety was a concern and I'm not one for being overly worried about gangs etc.

Is SoTo worse than Clapton for gangs, crime, drugs etc?

I think it's on a par with Clapton, so I guess if you're used to that environment then it's much the same in Tottenham. If you have a decent budget and are concerned about schools/safety, maybe think about moving further out?

Yes, there is a large gang culture which is very prominent in that area.

Ah, thanks - part of the reason for wanting to leave Clapton is for a bit more peace and quiet (I love the neighbourhood but have been broken into, had my bike nicked repeatedly and have a few local crack addicts that have had the police out on our street a few times lately...). I expect some crime anywhere in any city but don't want the kids to grow up looking over their shoulders constantly. I was hoping to stay relatively central since DS gets looked after in angel by his grandparents but maybe Walthamstow/ Leytonstone/ Wanstead are better bets after all...?

Thanks again guys!

At the schools (primary) I taught at we had intervention programmes to reach children we felt would be drawn into gangs and knife crime. This was South Tottenham, near Seven Sisters. I wouldn't personally choose to move round there, apart from Chesnuts Park ( which we couldn't use for sports day due to dog shit and needles) there isn't much green space or parks.
I moved to Walthamstow, near Blackhorse Road. I like it here, there's a nice community and most people who have moved here recently are from Clapton/Hackney way.

London Borough of Redbridge might suit you. All depends on your budget really.

The schools in Clapton/Hackney are definitely better.
What part of Hackney are you in? I was born and grew up there and lots of relatives still.
I wouldn’t leave Clapton for Tottenham!!

I’m in walthamstow. Still lots of crime and gangs but good community feel, nice parks, loads of kids events through the year, shops.

I was previously in Woodford which is more leafy but a bit dull.

What’s your budget?

We lived in South Tottenham until the kids were nearly school age then moved when we started visiting the primary schools. I'd avoid with school age kids to be honest.

I bought my first flat in Tottenham. It's changed a lot in 10 years but I wouldn't raise teenagers there. Once my kids hit 10 years old I'd be looking to move. It's mostly safe for anyone not involved in gangs. I've never been robbed or attacked, but I'd worry about the kids.

Also to add my car got broken into 3 times. My fault since I forgot to lock the car. There are a lot of opportunists there. As long as you've got your wits about you you'll be fine

In laws have a house in Tottenham. It’s awful! Scared to walk around at night . Lots of aggressive beggars and a huge gang problem. Really grimey too. Feels quite depressing and dangerous. Avoid like the plague!