Wanstead was recently voted one of the best places to live in Britain, and it's easy to see why. Located in Zone 4, and on two branches of the Central Line, transport links into Central London and the City are very good - and yet, this neighbourhood as a villagey feel with a strong community vibe. There are the conveniences of chain supermarkets, but also the pleasure of local, independent shops. It is a good place to raise a family, but also enjoyed by young couples. Attractive period property abounds, and is a relative bargain. And adding to the village charm is the abundance of green space - Wanstead Flats, Wanstead Park, and Epping Forest make it easy to forget that you've got a London postcode.
Wanstead is a neighbourhood with a village feel and a strong sense of community. The area has staying power, and those who can afford to tend to upsize within Wanstead. There are a number of independent shops.
This is a very safe neighbourhood. The 2014/2015 crime rate was slightly lower than for London overall, while the violence against the person rate was significantly lower. The Met police currently rates the area as having average crime, as well as the wider surrounding area. There are no high crime hotspots anywhere nearby, except for the fairly distant area surrounding Westfield Stratford City.
Parking in this area isn't an issue. The rate of car ownership is relatively high, with a little more one car per household. There are good road links, with the North Circular, the A12, and the M11 cutting into the area, but this may also mean the traffic is too close to some properties for comfort. There is frequently a lot of congestion on the North Circular meaning that good road links are not necessarily quick road links.
Wanstead is home to several popular restaurants and pubs, but isn't exactly a nightlife destination. However, it is a short Central Line journey from the West End and other nightlife hotspots, which is especially useful with the introduction of the Night Tube.
Wanstead is popular with families. There is a good variety of larger, family homes available in this area. There is also excellent access to green space, including Wanstead Flats and the listed Wanstead Park offering 140 acres of woods, a grotto, lakes, and a visitors' centre housed in the 18th century Temple. Epping Forest is just to the north of Wanstead Park, offering miles of walks. Primary schools are good, and while the somewhat underperforming Wanstead High has been improving, there are 'outstanding' high schools nearby in Ilford. There are several options for private schools in the wider area. About 1 in 5 residents is a child aged 0-15, the same as in London overall.
There is a good variety of larger homes available in this area. There is also excellent access to green space, including Wanstead Flats and the listed Wanstead Park offering 140 acres of woods, a grotto, lakes, and a visitors' centre housed in the 18th century Temple. Epping Forest is just to the north of Wanstead Park, offering miles of walks for both dogs and humans to enjoy. This would be an excellent place to own a pet.
Wanstead is located in Zone 4. There is access to the Central Line, on both the Hainault loop and the Epping branch, at Wanstead and Snaresbrook, and it takes approximately 25 minutes to get to Central London. Wanstead is also well served by buses. The area has excellent road links, with the A12, M11, and North Circular.