Living in Walthamstow - all opinions & advice welcome

[Rocuronium]

Hi everyone

Our timeline to buy has been sped up a little after receiving some great news & finding we're further along than expected.

We're looking to buy a 2 bed flat, possibly a house if the finances stretch in Walthamstow. We were wondering if roads around Somers Road, Melville Road, Greenleaf Road in that general area were safe?

Whilst we love the village I'm leaning towards the extra space but obviously want to live in a relatively safe area

Any advice would be welcome!

I’ve always thought the Lloyd Park area of Walthamstow was overlooked, as people only think of the Village when it comes to Walthamstow. It’s very family friendly, has great primary schools and so much going on in the park. It’s like its own ‘village’ and feels so leafy.

Somers Road feels like it’s very within Walthamstow Central -but the new toy library has recently relocated there. Melville Road is quiet and the end closest to Greenleaf School feels nicer than the Hoe Street end. Either way, this side of Walthamstow is imo much nicer than the end that leads towards Leyton.

Perfectly safe,
But have a look around Stoneydown park area. There's Warner flats and it's very close to the markets and the tube at Blackhorse Road. If you want a house, consider the roads off Queen Elizabeth road like Roma and Bunyan. You're really close to Lloyd Park, and there's the wetlands and 'beer mile'.

I've lived around here for years and have children. It's honestly very safe.

Sorry to resurrect but would you say stoneydown is safe? I've just been to look at a flat near there that would mean walking through the park or down QE road at night from the tube - what do you think!"?

I'd go out to Highams Park or North Chingford (by the station) and get a house. You'll welcome the extra space and it will have more longevity.

I would say it’s say-given I walked back from Blackhorse Road tube at 11:30 last night! I’ve not heard of anyone being mugged or attacked at night in the ten years I’ve lived round here and I know several people who live on QE road. DM if you want more info.

@OhpoorMe I'm near Stoneydown and wouldn't walk through the park when it is dark - but then I wouldn't walk in any park when it is dark (PS are you sure you mean Stoneydown , as it is a tiny park and the another side of Forest Road to QE Road. Do you mean Lloyd Park? )

I regularly walk home from Blackhorse Rd tube (past, not through, Stoneydown Park) after 10pm 6 days a week due to my job, and never had any issues in the 10 years I've been here. That said, I don't dawdle, and I stick to the main road as much as I can and don't take short cuts.

Ah yes, I meant forest road! I was looking at a flat off Palmerston.

I think I'm leaning towards the Walthamstow Central side of town now though.

Best advice is You don’t.
It really isn’t the best of places.
Definitely do look at Highams Park and Chingford although I am biased having lived there 13 years.

I’m not one to argue, but Walthamstow can be a good place to live (depending on what you want) and places like Chingford and Highams Park leave me cold.
OP. Feel free to DM me if you want to know about specific roads. And don’t be put off by people who don’t even live round here.

All those roads are nice. Somers Road is a bit close to the high street for my liking (not really an issue but might be a bit more of a thoroughfare). The other two are perfectly pleasant, Walthamstow is safe for London - I live in the Lloyd park area and rarely feel unsafe.

Ignore @LonelyMomma - Chingford and Highams Park aren't London, and Chingford isn't even particularly nice. I'd take Walthamstow over it any day!

Chingford and Highams Park are E4, so very much London. And like everywhere there are good and bad parts. North Chingford by the station is lovely. Nice housing stock, real community feel where it is easy to slot in and get to know people and very safe. You can be in Walthamstow in ten minutes if you want, but you get so much more for your money house wise.

I don’t feel like I’m in London in Chingford, it’s the burbs! Wrong side of the North Circular.