Living in Romford

Romford is defined by its strong community identity—an echo of its days as a historic market town. The heart of local life continues to be the bustling Romford Market, held several times weekly, which has been operating for centuries and remains a focal point for residents and visitors alike. Seasonal events such as the Havering Show, autumn fairs, and Christmas markets foster community engagement.

Neighbourhood community centres, libraries, and faith groups offer a myriad of activities for all ages. Numerous parks—like Raphael Park, Cottons Park, and Lodge Farm Park—encourage sports, walking, and social gatherings, with playgrounds, tennis courts, and lakes dotted throughout. The River Rom adds a tranquil, green corridor through the area. Active residents can access local gyms and leisure centres, and a wide range of clubs and societies, from gardening to football, cater to diverse interests.

Crime rates in Romford fluctuate with its size and busy town centre, yet the area continues to be seen as generally safe, especially in its residential zones. Central Romford experiences higher rates of petty crime, particularly around nightlife venues and shopping areas, a common trend in large town centres across London.

Neighbourhood policing teams regularly conduct high-visibility patrols to deter antisocial behaviour, and community safety initiatives promote engagement between residents, businesses, and law enforcement. Suburban parts of Romford, such as Gidea Park and Mawneys, benefit from lower crime levels and enjoy a stronger sense of neighbourhood watch and security. Urban regeneration projects, increased CCTV coverage, and improved street lighting further support safety across the area.

Parking in Romford can be challenging in the town centre due to its popularity, but multiple public car parks, including The Liberty and The Brewery shopping centres, provide plentiful short- and long-stay options. On-street parking is managed by resident permit schemes, especially in busy residential and commercial streets.

Road access is a notable advantage. Romford is close to the A12, A127, and the M25, linking residents efficiently to the rest of London, Essex, and the southeast. Private car owners benefit from straightforward motorway access, with several nearby towns and cities within easy reach:

• Brentwood – approx. 20 minutes via A12 (9 miles)
• Ilford – approx. 20 minutes via A118 (6 miles)
• Chelmsford – approx. 35 minutes via A12 (22 miles)
• Basildon – approx. 35 minutes via A127 (17 miles)
• Central London – approx. 45-60 minutes via A12 or A13 (16 miles)

Congestion is common during peak times but is offset by clear signage and transport alternatives. Residents living further from the centre may find on-street parking more accessible and less restricted.

Romford is well known in East London for its varied food, drink, and social scene. The town centre hosts a mix of national chains and independent restaurants, offering everything from traditional British fare to Italian, Indian, Turkish, and contemporary fusion cuisines. Renowned venues like Blue Boar and The Orange Tree provide classic pub atmospheres, while specialist cafés and brunch spots such as The Poppies and Ciao Bella cater to daytime dining.

The Brewery and The Liberty shopping centres house both quick-service and sit-down eateries, ensuring there’s an option for every taste. Nightlife in Romford is particularly lively, with a concentration of bars, clubs, and music venues clustered around South Street. The town also boasts a multi-screen cinema, pool hall, and leisure complexes for entertainment beyond the bar scene. For those seeking a quieter evening, several outlying neighbourhood pubs and local bistros provide a more relaxed setting.

School quality: Romford offers a broad spectrum of well-regarded schools at both primary and secondary level, with several rated Outstanding or Good by Ofsted. This makes it a strong choice for families prioritising education.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from access to Raphael Park, Cottons Park, and Hylands Park, all featuring play equipment, sports pitches, and lakes, providing ample space for outdoor leisure and family outings.

Childcare: There are numerous nurseries and after-school clubs, with both private and public options, supporting busy working parents.

Safety: While the busy town centre may experience higher crime at night, most residential areas in Romford are considered safe and well-served by neighbourhood policing and community watch groups.

Family activities: Entertainment venues such as the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre, Romford Greyhound Stadium, cinemas, and family restaurants ensure families have plenty of engaging local options for weekends and school holidays.

Romford is popular with pet owners due to its access to spacious parks like Raphael Park, Lodge Farm Park, and Havering Country Park, which provide extensive walking and exercise areas. The River Rom corridor and local woodlands offer scenic routes and opportunities for off-lead exploration.

Pet amenities are well-served, with local veterinary practices, groomers, and pet supply stores located throughout the town. Some cafés and pubs in Romford, particularly on its outskirts, have adopted pet-friendly policies, welcoming dogs and their owners. Attitudes to pets in housing are generally positive, especially in family homes and newer apartment developments, though it remains advisable to check tenancy agreements for specific restrictions.

Romford is exceptionally well-connected within Greater London. The town’s main rail station is served by the Elizabeth line, dramatically reducing journey times into Central London. Frequent Greater Anglia services also provide access to Liverpool Street and out towards Essex.

The local bus network covers all districts of Romford and reaches across the London Borough of Havering, while direct routes link the area to Stratford, Ilford, and Barking. Major roads such as the A12 and A127 offer convenient car access, and cycling routes continue to expand in line with London’s transport initiatives.

London City Airport is reachable within 30-40 minutes via public transport, supporting both international and domestic travel. Stansted Airport is accessible by road in under an hour. For those commuting to major hubs:

• Liverpool Street – approx. 30 minutes via Elizabeth line
• Stratford – approx. 20 minutes by train/bus
• Canary Wharf – approx. 35 minutes by Elizabeth line and DLR
• London City Airport – approx. 40 minutes via train and DLR
• Brentwood – approx. 15 minutes by train

With these robust options, Romford is a preferred location for commuters seeking efficient access across London and beyond.

Education in Romford is well-supported by a variety of primary, secondary, and post-16 options, catering to the needs of local families and students.

Primary Schools: Among the most reputable are St Peter's Catholic Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017), Hylands Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2019), Concordia Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2021), and Towers Infant School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2015). These schools are valued for their focus on supportive learning environments and community engagement.

Secondary Schools: Romford is home to several strong secondary institutions such as The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls (Ofsted: Good, 2022), Marshalls Park Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2021), Bower Park Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2021), and The Royal Liberty School (Ofsted: Good, 2022). These schools offer a broad curriculum and a range of extracurricular opportunities.

Independent and Specialist Provision: The area features a number of independent and specialist schools, including The Campion School—a Roman Catholic boys' secondary with a strong academic record—and the private Raphael Independent School, catering to all ages with tailored support programs.

Colleges and Further Education: Havering Sixth Form College is a leading choice for A-Level and vocational studies. New City College’s Havering Campus offers a broad array of technical, creative, and academic courses, serving young people and adult learners alike.

Universities: While there are no universities directly in Romford, excellent higher education institutions such as Queen Mary University of London and University of East London are accessible via short train journeys, making it an appealing base for students seeking a blend of suburban living and urban access.