Hornchurch/Elm Park

[Pinkbrush]

Hi everyone, my partner and I are looking to buy a house in the Hornchurch/Elm Park area. I’m interested to hear from anyone who lives in the area on what it’s like, what you like and don’t like, roads/areas to avoid etc. We are childless at the moment, but kids will hopefully feature one day. We love Upminster, but can’t afford it, so this area appeals as it’s not too far.

We used to live in Hornchurch (RM11) and now live in RM7 (near Mawney primary school).
My DH grew up locally and refused to look at Elm Park when we were moving. Friends who live there have said they don't feel safe around the station area in the evening, whereas I've never felt unsafe in the evening around Romford Station. Based on that I'd say Hornchurch is the better option than Elm Park.

I’ve lived in Hornchurch for ten years. Elm Park is ok but Hornchurch is nicer imo. I guess your house budget will determine which type of property you can afford and therefore which roads to go for. There are lots of lovely 1930s semis around.

I also lived in Hornchurch RM12 Near St Mary's church. I loved it there due to divorce had to sell up I also moved to RM7 Rush Green area. I didnt consider Elm Pk at all because I've lived there many years ago I also felt unsafe there.

I live in Elm Park. I grew up in Upminster, then moved to Hornchurch, also near St Mary's, now I'm in Elm Park, which is actually still Hornchurch. I would rather have been in main Hornchurch or Upminster... but as PP has said, budget came into it and I favoured a bigger house. I don't regret moving here though, 5 years on, and even if I whack 100k on what my house is worth now I still haven't found a house I prefer (rightmove addict!), even in a marginally better part of Hornchurch.

I've never felt unsafe here at all. It's true I'm not often at the station at night, but on the few times I have been, there have been people about and I've not felt unsettled.

If you want to ask about any particular roads (PM me if you'd rather) I'm happy to help if I can.

You probably already know that Hornchurch has lots of good restaurants and bars, an excellent theatre and arts and crafts centre and good schools. It also has generous green spaces and brilliant transport links to London or to Southend. Of course it’s a pretty big place so you could live in a quiet cul de sac or right on a busy main road. Elm Park is a bit rougher around the edges but I’d never think of it as unsafe.

Hornchurch was identified as a “property hotspot” recently. I wouldn’t be put off from buying in Elm Park. Upminster is lovely and you can always visit!

I’ve lived locally for all my life and it’s fine. As a teenager the station area was a bit rough, mainly with groups coming off the train from bow/Stepney. It’s been pretty quiet recently. Certain roads are nicer than others. Happy to help if you wanted to pm.

Thank you so much everyone. Very helpful! I guess we’ll have to be careful about which road we’re on.

Most of it is fine. Really.

Hornchurch is great. A nice town centre, the Queens Theatre, Fairkytes arts centre, a new leisure centre and lovely 1930s semis with big gardens.

Elm Park is more affordable and a bit more rough around the edges but still fine. I have plenty of friends raising families there happily.

Lots of choice of decent schools in both.

Do you need to commute? Does the District Line work for you?

If you want to name specific roads/areas I'm happy to help. PM me if you like.