Ilford has long been torn between its identity as an Essex town and as part of Greater London, and it's as yet unclear how ongoing regeneration - and changes brought on by the arrival of Crossrail - will factor in. However, this is part of why Ilford has something for everyone. The town centre is increasingly full of new-build flats, but there are lovely period properties of all sizes on the outskirts. Transport links and nightlife for young professionals are great, but so are parks and schools for families. And not only does Ilford have something to offer any demographic, but it does so at a bargain, compared to much of London.
Ilford is reputed to be a friendly place to live. It's diverse, with a large South Asian population, and there are many locally-owned independent businesses.
The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate in Ilford were both higher than the rates for London as a whole. For the period between May 2016 and April 2017, the most common crime types were anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and shoplifting.
Parking is about average for London in this area. The rate of car ownership here, at a little under one car per household, is the same as the overall London rate. Road links - including the A13, A13, and the North Circular - are good.
There is a wide range of nightlife options available in Ilford, including restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars, and nightclubs. Transport links to other nightlife areas are fairly good.
There's a wide range of property in Ilford, including a good selection of affordable properties that would make suitable family homes - from period terraces and semis to detached houses. Ilford also offers good access to green and open space, with the Wanstead Flats, Barking Park, Valentines Park, and more parks and waterways throughout the area - including the River Roding. Schools in Ilford are generally good, including state primary and secondary schools, and some religious schools. A very high percentage of Ilford residents - 28% - are children aged 0-15.
Ilford has a wide range of property, from terraces and semis to detached homes, that would be suitable for pets. There's good access to green and open space in Ilford, with the Wanstead Flats, Barking Park, Valentines Park, and more parks and waterways throughout the area - including the River Roding.
Ilford station is served by TfL Rail and Greater Anglia trains, with quick services into Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Crossrail will further cut those journey times. Seven Kings station is also nearby, offering the same services, and Newbury Park and Gants Hill stations are convenient for access to the Central Line. Barking offers an Overground connection. The area is well-served by buses, and road links - including the A13, A13, and the North Circular - are good.