Why move to Walthamstow?
Waltham Forest is a vibrant East London borough made up of the areas of Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone and Chingford.
In 2021, Walthamstow was named as one of London’s six best places to live in London by the Sunday Times and came top for being value for money in terms of average house prices. The number of Outstanding rated schools, community spirit, green spaces, local businesses and transport links were just some of the factors that it was judged on. It is a diverse borough and in 2019 was the Mayor’s first ever London Borough of Culture. Walthamstow Wetlands, Europe’s largest urban wetland reserve opened in 2017.
Location
Waltham Forest in situated in North East London and borders onto the North London and Essex boroughs. It is a borough of London that people have flocked to in recent years from more affluent parts of London due its attractive period homes which are more affordable in comparison to most London boroughs and for its phenomenal transport links.
Travel
Waltham Forest is quite simply a commuter’s paradise. Their tube, overground, railway and bus links are second to none. Walthamstow Central Station is located at the end of the super-fast Victoria Line which takes you into Central London through to South London. The Overground services take you into The City of London in minutes and bus routes take you directly to Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre. Student halls of residence have been built in Waltham Forest specifically to make use of their fantastic transport links within London.
History
Waltham Forest is a borough rich in history. British textile designer William Morris was born in Walthamstow and the Grade II listed home he once lived in is now the William Morris Gallery which is dedicated to his life and work. Frederick Bremner designed the first British racing car in his workshop in Walthamstow which is on display at the Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow. Waltham Forest hosted some of the events taking place during the 2012 Olympics. A number of celebrities have originated from Waltham Forest and perhaps the most famous sport star to have come from the area is David Beckham, who grew up in Leyton.
Property
Waltham Forest is filled with period properties. There is high demand for the attractive and high-quality Warner properties which are exclusive to Waltham Forest and were developed by Thomas Warner during the late 1800/early 1900 era. More recently there has been rise in new-build style apartments being built. The mix of old with the new has encouraged a diverse mix of first-time buyers and families into the area. Waltham Forest remains one of the more affordable London boroughs to live whilst at the same time seen a huge rise in the number of properties breaking the million-pound mark.
Shopping and Restaurants
Walthamstow High Street is dominated by its street market, reported to be Europe’s longest street market at approximately a mile long. There are a mix of well-known chain shops and restaurants in Waltham Forest in addition to the award-winning independently run businesses such as Eat 17 and Yard Sale Pizza. On the weekends there are fresh food and farmers markets being run which offer an incredible amount of variety. Westfield Stratford, Europe’s largest shopping mall is easily accessible by bus and foot.
