Advice with moving to Chingford area

[Taybz]

Hi,

We're a couple with a young baby and are considering moving to Chingford. We don't know the area well but are considering it as it's sort of a middle point between our families' homes (Islington, Hackney, Enfield). We've seen some lovely houses and shoddy ones too. We're after an area with low crime rate, close to great schools and plenty of amenities.

If anyone could share what it's currently like living around there that would be great! Are there specific neighbourhoods we should avoid? Also, are there other potential close by areas we could consider? We're looking for a 3 bed with a budget of 550ish K.

Hi there
Bumped into this thread as we are also a couple with a baby (10 months old). We are looking for a 3 bedroom house in NE London and .. needless to say... we are finding it hard with a budget of about £600k. To make matters more complicated we live in a flat I own which can't be sold due to fire safety issues (if we could sell, it would probably be worth £450 min as 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms in E2) . We've known of fire safety issues for 3 years but there's no end in sight, time goes by and we couldn't wait longer to start a family... we also would like another child if we can afford it (starting to worry this may not be possible). We need more space esp as we are from different EU countries and need to be able to host our parents. Anyway... interested in hearing if you've had any luck in finding a home and if so where... any advice? Thanks!

How about Woodford? Central line stations and a nice area.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/Woodford.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E85302&propertyTypes=&mustHave=&dontShow=&furnishTypes=&keywords=

Hi - a bit off point here, but does anyone know anything about the retirement housing in Chelwood Close, just west of Sewardstone Road? Concerned mainly about crime and safety and possible flood risk, but grateful for any advice. Thank you.

@Badgersteeth There aren't any high rates of crime to be concerned about - is there anything you're particularly worried about.
Do you mean flood risks from the River Lea or the reservoirs? Again, I don't believe this to be an issue.
I don't know much about the care home itself but the area itself is fine.

Thanks. I’m not too worried about the accommodation itself, I can check that. But I live on the coast and have no idea about Chingford or surrounding areas. Moving to be near friend in Wanstead, which I can’t afford. I saw that there had been flooding recently on Sewardstone Road - but I don’t know which part. It’s the flood risk and the crime/noise/safety that worry me. Too old to be interested n schools, etc., but would be concerned about public transport. I can drive at the moment. Obviously I’ll drive up and take a look, but can save myself a journey if there’s any real problem with the area. Many thanks.

There are several buses that go along Sewardstone road (although I'm not sure how many go past the care home). It should be easy enough to get to Chingford Station (there's even a small bus that goes along the bottom of my road which is off Sewardstone).
Right at the end of the road towards the m25 is the part that usually suffers from small flooding but cars can still pass but it isn't severe enough to cause damage to properties.
I walk along Sewardstone road for exercise frequently and have never felt unsafe and, as mentioned, there isn't any high crime to call out other than car theft which you can deter by using a steering lock.
There are Facebook groups for the various areas of Chingford so perhaps it would ne worth looking on these as you can get a good sense of any issues you're worried about.

Chingford Mount and Highams Park are much better connected @Badgersteeth from a public transport and amenities perspective

Thank you. I’m glad to know where the flooding happens - I would never have guessed that as Chelwood Close is right next to the river and the reservoir and nearer the M25 is much further away. I suppose the street map doesn’t take account of different levels, etc.

Thank you. I’m looking for retirement housing really and am not sure what is available in the areas you mention. I’ve hit the impression that Chingford Mount might be a bit rough? And Highams Park too expensive?

What’s your budget? If you’re thinking about retirement etc I wouldn’t say Sewardstone is good, you want to be walking distance to the shops and bus routes I would imagine.

You’re right to look at flooding but the reservoir is a bit of a distraction, on the tiny chance that floods then most of Walthamstow and Edmonton would be under water too so people tend to ignore. Chingford is oddly not as bad! I do think those flats are built in the river flood plain though.

Lots of buses round there, some basic corner shops and cafes. You’d want the bus up to North Chingford for bigger shops. It’s not the richest part of North Chingford but perfectly safe!

I wouldn’t want to go much above 250-275 for a retirement flat. The lease would almost certainly need extending and the service charges are astronomical, so I prefer to hold on to a good chunk of the equity from the sale of my present house.

Thank you. I think given everyone’s comments, I might give these flats a miss. Maybe move a bit further out on the central line. Grateful for the advice.

There some mccarthy and stone retirement flats near Loughton Station, built a couple of years ago. They're a short walk from train, sainsburys and not too far from the high street. They might be a better fit.

We're in Loughton (well, Debden) and it is predominantly white working class, but changing. My kids school has a few children of other races (inc them) and quite a number of Europeans. The schools are OK, there are the disruptive elements. One thing to consider is that if you live in a London borough, your 18yo can apply for cheaper travel (sadly that stops from Woodford). Also, the schools can attract teachers more easily as they get the London weighting so literally 1 or 2 stops away and school teachers get a better salary, which leaves thise just outside London under (even more). pressure with recruitment.

Depends on what you're expecting regarding Chingford Mount being rough, it's pretty edgy if you're moving from a scottish island, but apart from occasional rumours about a stabbing some time the other year, it's mostly the usual annoyances about parking and dog mess/litter. Definitely agree checking facebook, although the usual warnings apply about social media busybodies.
The advantage of chingford mount is there are 6 different buses with better than 15 minutes frequency each way, so you can pretty much get wherever you like whenever you like. Plus a night bus to central london for the night owls.

Thank you. They would be fine! Sadly none available at the moment, but hopefully soon.

Thanks. I grew up in south London, but have been away some time and not sure how I’d adapt to somewhere even vaguely edgy. But good transport.