Living in Harlow

Community life in Harlow is shaped by its original New Town vision, with plentiful green spaces, residents’ associations, and social action groups fostering a friendly and inclusive spirit. The town is home to a diverse population, reflecting its proximity to London and role as a resettlement area in the post-war period.

Local events such as the Harlow Carnival, weekly markets, and seasonal festivals highlight the active voluntary and arts scene. The town’s extensive public art trail and parks, including the renowned Harlow Town Park, are central to local identity. Access to rivers, woodlands, and trails makes outdoor activities a highlight of life in Harlow, alongside well-attended community centres and sports clubs.

Crime rates in Harlow have historically been higher than the Essex average, particularly in central and night-time economy areas. However, recent years have seen focused efforts from local policing initiatives and the Safer Harlow Partnership to address anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

Neighbourhood policing teams are active throughout the area, with community engagement programmes aiming to make Harlow safer for residents. Outlying wards and villages typically report lower crime rates, offering quieter and safer environments. Ongoing regeneration and housing renewal projects further contribute to community cohesion and safety awareness.

Parking in Harlow is generally convenient, with a mix of public car parks, on-street spaces, and residential permit schemes in place, especially around the town centre and major shopping hubs. Supermarkets and retail parks normally offer free parking for customers, and new developments often include private parking for residents.

Congestion can occur at peak times on key arterial routes, particularly the A414 and junctions with the M11 motorway. However, the road network is well designed for local access, with clear signage and multiple entry routes into the town.

• Bishop's Stortford – approx. 20 minutes via A1184 (10 miles)
• London – approx. 40 minutes via M11 (25 miles)
• Cambridge – approx. 45 minutes via M11 (35 miles)
• Chelmsford – approx. 35 minutes via A414 (19 miles)

Harlow’s food and nightlife scene is diverse, with a mix of chain and independent restaurants, family-run cafes, and international takeaways. The Harvey Centre and Water Gardens shopping districts offer dining options including Italian, Asian, and traditional British eateries. The Moorhen and The Crown at Old Harlow are popular pubs that blend historic character with contemporary hospitality.

Nightlife in Harlow is centred mainly around the town centre, where bars, casual clubs, and the Harlow Playhouse host performances and comedy nights. While not as lively as larger cities, the area offers regular live music, themed events and has an active community arts scene. Local events and street markets also showcase local produce and independent sellers.

School Quality: Harlow features several Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ schools, with a choice of state and independent options ensuring provision for all ages.

Parks and Green Space: Town Park, river walks, and nearby nature reserves provide safe and spacious environments for children to play and explore.

Childcare: A range of nurseries and childminders operate in the area, many with extended hours to support working parents.

Safety: Community policing and well-designed neighbourhoods help maintain an inclusive and aware environment, though families often prefer quieter suburbs and fringe villages.

Family Activities: From playgrounds and sports centres to museums and libraries, Harlow offers a variety of activities appealing to children of different ages and interests.

Harlow is well suited to pet owners, with numerous dog-walking routes through Town Park, along the River Stort, and across local woodlands such as Netteswell Woods. Large open fields and play spaces offer plenty of exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners.

Pet care is well catered for thanks to several local veterinary surgeries, grooming salons, and specialist pet shops in the area. Many cafes and pubs—especially in Old Harlow—welcome dogs, and attitudes to pets in housing tend to be flexible in both rental and owned properties.

Harlow’s location near major transport corridors makes it convenient for commuting and travel across the South East. The town benefits from two railway stations: Harlow Town and Harlow Mill. Both provide frequent services to London Liverpool Street, Cambridge, and Stansted Airport via Greater Anglia rail services.

Bus services connect Harlow to surrounding towns and key destinations including Epping, Hertford, and Bishop's Stortford. Major road links include the M11 motorway, providing rapid north-south access between London and Cambridge, and the A414 which connects Harlow with Chelmsford and Hertford.

Stansted Airport is a short drive from Harlow, placing international travel within easy reach. Cycle routes and pedestrian pathways are also a notable feature, designed into Harlow’s original layout to encourage sustainable travel.

• London Liverpool Street – approx. 30-40 minutes via train
• Cambridge – approx. 45 minutes via train
• Stansted Airport – 25 minutes by car (15 miles via M11)
• Chelmsford – 35 minutes by car (19 miles via A414)

Harlow offers varied educational options, including a mix of state and independent schools and further education colleges. The area’s focus on education is evident in both established and newer schools, ensuring accessible provision for families.

Primary Schools in Harlow
St Nicholas' Church of England Primary School is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (as of 2014) and is highly sought after for its strong pastoral care and academic results. Potter Street Academy offers a broad curriculum and a supportive environment (last Ofsted inspection: Good, 2022). Church Langley Community Primary School serves the eastern suburbs and consistently receives positive feedback from parents.

Secondary Schools in Harlow
Stewards Academy is known for its science specialism and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023. Passmores Academy, featured on the television show 'Educating Essex,' is a large comprehensive school with a community ethos and 'Good' rating (2023). St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School provides a faith-based secondary education with consistently strong academic outcomes.

Independent Schools and Colleges
Saint Nicholas School is a co-educational independent school catering for students aged 2½ to 16, set in expansive grounds on the outskirts of Harlow. Harlow College serves as the main further education provider, offering A-levels, technical training, and apprenticeships.

Universities
While Harlow does not have its own university, it is within easy reach of Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, and the University of Essex in Colchester and Southend.