Walthamstow is a villagey, arty, and family-friendly Zone 3 suburb. The population is mixed in many ways, with an ethnically diverse population and residents ranging from young City professionals to families. The area is very well-connected, by Tube, rail, and road, and has a good balance of urban and leafy parts. Walthamstow is also a cultural hotspot, with a good range of local amenities that includes a thriving nightlife. The biggest surprise, therefore, is that Walthamstow is a relatively affordable part of London in which to live.
Walthamstow has a village feel, and a good mix of families and young professionals as well as City workers. The area also attracts artists who were priced out of trendy East End areas or looking to move up the property ladder. There is a strong sense of community here, and families tend to upsize within Walthamstow if they can afford to and can find larger houses with gardens. The area is known as #awesomestow on Twitter.
Walthamstow is a safe place to live, with the wider surrounding area being rated as having average crime by the Met police and lower 2014/2015 crime and violence against the person rates.
Parking can be somewhat difficult in the Village area especially, as the roads are narrow, and car ownership is about the same as in London as a whole. Road links are good, and include the North Circular and the A112.
There's a good mix of restaurants and gastropubs as well as bars and nightclubs in the area. Transport links are also excellent for a night out in Central London, with the Victoria Line being one of the Night Tube lines running 24/7 at the weekend.
Walthamstow is very family-friendly. Much of the housing in this area consists of larger terraces that are comparatively affordable and suitable for families. Schools, particularly primary schools, tend to be very good, and many are rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. There is no shortage of green and open space in the area, including walks along the River Lea or in nearby Epping Forest, and parks like Lloyd Park have dedicated children's play spaces. There is quite a high percentage of children aged 0-15 living here, approaching 25% in some of the wards comprising the neighbourhood.
Housing in this area includes many larger Victorian and Edwardian terraces that would likely be suitable for pets. There is no shortage of green and open space in the area, including walks along the River Lea or in nearby Epping Forest.
Walthamstow is located mainly in Zone 3 is well-connected, with Walthamstow Central and Blackhorse Road stations on the Victoria Line. Queens Road and Blackhorse Road stations are on the Overground. There are rail services to Liverpool Street from Walthamstow Central and St James Street in Zone 3, and Highams Park and Wood Street in Zone 4. The area is very well-served by local buses. Road links are good, and include the North Circular and the A112.