Living in Hackney Wick

Hackney Wick has developed a strong sense of community, with residents actively shaping both social and environmental projects. It’s recognised for its artistic and creative spirit, with regular open studio events, public art installations, and markets reinforcing the area’s collaborative ethos.

Local life is defined by its proximity to green spaces such as Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, encouraging an outdoor lifestyle. The canal towpaths are popular for cycling and jogging, while the Wick Woodland offers a tranquil, hidden spot for walks and meetups.

Community initiatives include Wick Wednesday (a regular showcase of art, food, and performance), the Hackney WickED arts festival, and creative workshops hosted by the White Building and Stour Space venues. Local food markets and independent shops further enhance the area’s communal and vibrant everyday feel.

Crime rates in Hackney Wick have mirrored broader East London trends, with ongoing regeneration positively impacting local safety. The area is generally perceived as safe during the day, especially near the canals and parks, though like all urban centres, some petty crime and anti-social behaviour can occur, particularly at night or around busier venues.

Hackney Wick’s growing community has fostered resident involvement through Neighbourhood Watch schemes and shared security initiatives. Increased police presence and CCTV have also been introduced on the back of wider investments in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, contributing further to local reassurance.

As regeneration continues, Hackney Wick’s reputation for safety is strengthening, particularly in areas closest to new developments, green spaces, and family housing.

Parking in Hackney Wick can be limited due to the area’s industrial layout and increasing residential density. Most streets are subject to controlled parking zones (CPZ), requiring permits for residents. Visitor parking is available in marked bays but is often at a premium, especially during weekends or events at the Olympic Park.

Access to main roads is a key advantage, with the A12 running north-south at the edge of Hackney Wick and providing a direct route to the M25 and central London. The A106 and A11 are also nearby, facilitating access to surrounding boroughs.

Congestion can be common at peak hours, particularly along the A12 and routes leading to Stratford. However, car-free developments and improved cycling infrastructure aim to reduce reliance on driving.

Nearby towns and cities and approximate journey times by car:

• Stratford – approx. 10 minutes via A106 (2 miles)
• Canary Wharf – approx. 20 minutes via A12 and A13 (5 miles)
• Islington – approx. 25 minutes via A12 and A503 (6 miles)
• City of London – approx. 25 minutes via A12 and A13 (5.5 miles)

Hackney Wick is celebrated for its independent food scene, quirky bars, and alternative nightlife, all set against the backdrop of converted warehouses and waterside terraces. The area is home to some of East London’s most innovative eateries and drinking spots.

Popular venues include CRATE Brewery, known for riverside pizza and craft beer, and Howling Hops, which offers a unique tank bar experience. The nearby Number 90 bar & kitchen hosts live events, art exhibitions, and relaxed weekend brunches. Silo, famed for its zero-waste approach, draws foodies from across London, while Randy's Wing Bar and Vietnamese Fusion serve up diverse casual dining options.

For nightlife, Hackney Wick combines late-night bars, club nights, and pop-up events, with spaces such as Studio 9294 and Grow Hackney attracting a young, creative crowd. Restaurants range from hipster haunts and vegan cafés to street food markets, offering a relaxed, informal social scene with plenty of choice.

School Quality: Hackney Wick offers access to several ‘Good’ rated primary and secondary schools. Mossbourne Riverside Academy and Mossbourne Community Academy are local education highlights, supporting families seeking quality schooling.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from close proximity to Victoria Park, Mabley Green, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, providing safe play areas, sports facilities, and family-friendly events throughout the year.

Childcare: Local nurseries and early years centres serve Hackney Wick, with both private and council-run options available.

Safety: Ongoing regeneration, increased community engagement, and visible security measures have enhanced perceptions of safety in recent years, especially near family developments.

Family Activities: Hackney Wick features outdoor festivals, cafés with play areas, workshops, and access to children’s programmes in the Olympic Park, ensuring a good selection of activities for young families.

Hackney Wick is a popular choice for pet owners, with plenty of green space and riverside walks. The proximity to Victoria Park and Olympic Park offers extensive areas for dog walking, while the Hackney Marshes provide wide open fields just a short walk away. Canalside paths are favoured by local dog owners for daily exercise.

Several independent pet shops and veterinary clinics are located in the nearby Hackney and Stratford areas, ensuring pet care is convenient. Many of Hackney Wick’s cafés and pubs are dog friendly, welcoming pets both indoors and in outdoor seating areas.

Housing in the area includes various pet-friendly developments, particularly those with outdoor communal space or balconies, reflecting the area’s overall inclusive and animal-friendly ethos.

Hackney Wick benefits from excellent transport connections, making it a strategic location for commuters and those wanting to explore London.

Hackney Wick Overground station provides direct services to Stratford (connecting to National Rail, Central and Jubilee lines), Highbury & Islington, and Richmond, ensuring fast access across East, North, and West London.

Numerous bus routes pass through the area, connecting residents to neighbouring districts such as Hackney Central, Stratford, Bow, and Bethnal Green.

The nearby A12 and A11 roads provide convenient links by car, while extensive cycling paths support London’s cycling culture, particularly along the Lee Navigation and through Olympic Park.

Key commute times from Hackney Wick by public transport:

• Stratford: 5 minutes by Overground
• Liverpool Street: 20 minutes by Overground and Central line
• Oxford Circus: 25 minutes via Stratford and the Central line
• London City Airport: around 30 minutes via DLR from Stratford

Schools in Hackney Wick cater to a range of educational needs, with primary, secondary, and further education options available in and around the area.

Primary Schools:

Mossbourne Riverside Academy is a prominent choice for Hackney Wick families. Opened in 2015, it has quickly established itself as a modern, well-resourced school. Gainsborough Primary School is another local favourite, praised for its community approach and improving performance (Ofsted rated Good, 2017). St. Dominic's Catholic Primary is located nearby on Ballance Road, providing a faith-based curriculum (Ofsted Good, 2021).

Secondary Schools:

Mossbourne Community Academy, situated near Hackney Central, is widely regarded for its academic standards and strong results (Ofsted Outstanding, 2021). The City Academy, Hackney, also within easy reach, is popular with local students (Ofsted Outstanding, 2015). Clapton Girls' Academy attracts students from a wider catchment (Ofsted Outstanding, 2019).

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

BSix Sixth Form College in Upper Clapton is known for a diverse academic offer and modern facilities. The nearby Hackney University Technical College focuses on STEM subjects for 14–19 year olds.

Universities:

While Hackney Wick doesn't have a major university campus within its boundaries, it's well connected to leading London universities. University of East London (UEL) and Queen Mary University of London are both a short journey away, and Central Saint Martins at Granary Square, famed for its arts focus, is easily accessible.