Formerly a part of Essex, this London suburb is an area with a particularly strong sense of community. Many Hornchurch residents have strong family ties to the area, and will either stay here or eventually return after moving away. A large part of the market is local, but there's a lot to encourage outsiders to move to Hornchurch - there are spacious Twenties and Thirties homes, lovely green spaces, good schools, and of course multiple Tube stations.
Hornchurch is an area with staying power. Many of those who live in Hornchurch have strong family ties to the area, and many of the area's buyers are locals either moving up and down the ladder or returning to the area.
Both the 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were lower in Hornchurch than in London overall. In the period from May 2016 to April 2017, the most common crime types were violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and other theft.
Parking is not generally too troublesome in this area, barring the usual town centre issues. The rate of car ownership in this area is high for London, at over one car per household. Road links - including to the A127 and the M25 - are fairly good.
There's a good range of chain restaurants in Hornchurch, as well as some pubs and bars. With multiple Tube stations, transport links into Central London or other nightlife areas are good.
There's a range of housing available in Hornchurch, but the area is known for its semi-detached and detached Twenties and Thirties houses - these would make excellent family homes. Hornchurch also offers very good access to green and open space, with Hornchurch Country Park and the Gaynes Parkway along the Ingrebourne River and Harrow Lodge Park and Haynes Park connected by the Ravensbourne. Schools in Hornchurch are generally very good, including state primary and comprehensive schools. There are also two private schools in the area. The percentage of residents who are children aged 0-15 is slightly lower in Hornchurch than in London overall, at about 17%.
Hornchurch's range of property includes many that would be suitable for pets, ranging from Twenties terraces and semis to large, detached homes. There is very good access to green and open space in Hornchurch, with Hornchurch Country Park and the Gaynes Parkway along the Ingrebourne River and Harrow Lodge Park and Haynes Park connected by the Ravensbourne.
Hornchurch is located in Zone 6 and is served by the District Line at Hornchurch, Upminster Bridge, and Elm Park stations. Emerson Park station offers Overground trains to Romford or Upminster, where commuters can change trains to reach Liverpool Street within about three-quarters of an hour. The area is well-served by local buses, and road links - including to the A127 and the M25 - are fairly good.