Which move, Ilford or Grays (only)

[Poppie2023]

Hi mumsnetters,

As the title states, if your only option was to move/buy in Ilford or Grays which area would you prefer to live in given the choice and these areas being the only choices? I know neither are particularly desirable but please do not suggest alternative locations to live . I have mentioned these specifically for a reason. So out of the two?. Also which is likely to see improvements?

I know Grays and would say a hard No to it so Ilford gets my vote (ignorance is bliss!).

Hi @Chewbecca if you don’t mind me asking whats is the cons of grays?

Ilford, but I'd want to be near Valentines Park (as its beautiful). I'd chose it over Grays partly because I know it better (I'm in Romford, for context), and its in a London Borough with lots of public transport options, quick to get into London, & easy to get to other nearby areas with lots going on.
To be honest I don't know Grays very well though, so that's just my personal stance 🙂

Thanks @AwkwardPaws27 for your input. Much appreciated

Ilford should gentrify in a few decades if you’re lucky. Grays and that whole area of estuary will always be an industrial hell hole.

What part of Ilford are you looking for ?
Eastern Avenue A12 you have the Central Line , in centre of Ilford you have the Elizabeth Line
So many new flats being built in the town .

Do you want schools? Transport? Garden with a house or flat ?
No idea about Grays but as it's further out it;ll be cheaper I'm guessing

I lived in chafford hundred which was next to grays. Though this was back in the 90s and 00s grays was pretty rough. Like a pp said its industrial estuary port town.

Ilford idk

Ilford as closer to central. Also as pp said valentines park is lovely, so is wanstead park and flats if you can cross north circular - easy to do via w19 bus. Elizabeth line too I think? I don’t know grays to be fair.

It's rough as a badger's arse

What's your budget?