Beckton, formerly an industrial area dominated by Beckton Gasworks, has undergone massive changes in recent years. It is now largely residential, consisting mainly of new-build homes. Despite its residential character, the area also has a lot of local amenities, including numerous shopping centres, DLR stations and buses, and some green space.
This area is very ethnically diverse, and also attracts younger people who like an easy commute to Canary Wharf in addition to there being a fairly high percentage of children in the area. A high percentage of households are social rented. The area is not known for having many independent and locally owned businesses, and is dominated by national chains and shopping centres.
The area is rated by the Met police as having average crime, with high crime hospots a fair distance away at Barking and around Westfield Stratford City. The 2014/2015 crime rate was higher than for London overall, while the violence against the person rate was slightly high and the rate of deliberate fires was more than twice that of London overall.
Parking in this area is about average, though residents may compete for parking near more crowded buildings. The rate of car ownership in this area is just slightly under the London rate. Beckton has good road links to the A406, the M11, and the M25.
There's not much nightlife in Beckton, which is a primarily residential, quiet area. There are some chain restaurants and pubs around. Check out nearby Woolwich for nightclubs and bars, though the late-night journey can be a hassle.
A larger family home might be more difficult to come by in this area, and there are few Victorian terraces. However, a slightly higher proportion of residents in this neighbourhood are children aged 0-15 than in London overall. There are numerous schools in the area, including one of the borough's best peforming secondary schools, and there are private schools in neighbouring areas. Beckton District Park has a lake, woodland, children's play facilities, and football pitches.
Beckton is a fairly urban area, and much of the housing is new-build apartment housing, which may make it more difficult to own a dog. Beckton District Park offers green space for dog walking. The Docklands Equestrian Centre is nearby.
Beckton is in Zone 3 and is served by the DLR at Beckton and Beckton Park, with nearby Canning Town offering Jubilee Line access in addition to the DLR. The area is well-served by buses. Beckton has good road links to the A406, the M11, and the M25. London's City Airport is nearby.