Old Ford is a small locality in the north of Bow, which benefits from being surrounded by canals and parks. The area is more dominated by council-built flats than other parts of Bow, but has the same good transport links, local amenities, and affordability that the larger neighbourhood enjoys. Those who live here are likely to find it is a good area for value for money.
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.
Old Ford 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.
Old Ford and Bow generally 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.
As part of the East End, Bow generally has numerous lively bars and pubs. Transport links for nights out in other areas, including to the West End, are good.
This area mainly has council-built flats for housing, rather than houses, which might not suit some families. There is excellent access to green space, with Victoria Park just to the north of the area, and the Olympic Park to the east - numerous places for children and families to play can be found there. There is also the River Lea and the Hertford Union Canal, offering riverside walks. The area has fewer children than London as a whole, and is dominated by working-age adults. Bow's primary schools in particular are well-reputed.
Old Ford has great access to green space, with Victoria Park just to the north of the area, and the Olympic Park to the east. There is also the River Lea and the Hertford Union Canal, offering waterside walks. However, much of the housing in this area is council-built flats.
This Zone 2 area is 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.Pudding Mill Lane is on the DLR