Bow is a residential area of East London that has undergone much development in recent years, especially since the arrival of the London 2012 Olympics. With good transport links, access to green space, and local amenities, the area attracts everyone from students, young professional singles, couples, and sharers to young families.
This diverse and unpretentious area is easy to grow attached to, but because it is popular with renters and families sometimes leave when their children reach secondary school age, it can have something of a transient feel.
Bow is a safe place to live, with the neighbourhood being rated as having average crime by the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were just slightly higher than for London as a whole, although lower than the borough average.
Bow is a built-up area and parking can be difficult and costly. The rate of car ownership in Bow is half that of London overall, with about one car for every two households. The area has good road links, including the A12, which connects Bow with the M25, the M2, and the M11.
Bow is part of the East End, and has numerous bars and pubs. Transport links for nights out in other areas, including to the West End, are good.
There are a number of very good primary schools in the area, though its secondary schools have been judged 'satisfactory' by Ofsted in recent years. There are private schools nearby in the City. The area has good access to green and open space, with Victoria Park, Mile End park, and the canals, as well as the Olympic Park, surrounding the area. The area has fewer children than London as a whole, and is dominated by working-age adults.
Though there are houses available, much of the available housing is rented flats, which may make it more difficult to own a pet here. The area has good access to green and open space, with Victoria Park, Mile End park, and the canals on your doorstep.
Bow is in Zone 2, and is exceptionally well-connected, especially to the City, the West End, and Canary Wharf. Bow Road station is on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines. Mile End is on the Central line as well as the District and Hammersmith & City Lines. Bow Church Station and Pudding Mill Lane are on the DLR. Hackney Wick is on the Overground. Bow is well served y local buses, including night buses. The area has good road links, including the A12, which connects Bow with the M25, the M2, and the M11.