Romford Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Romford, Greater London

Exceptional4.1

Living in

Romford is a town on the edges of London and Essex with a lot to offer its residents. With quick commute times - trains from Romford's London Travelzone stations take about half an hour to Liverpool Street - you'll still feel like you're within easy reach of London, but without the accompanying house prices. 

Ratings

Exceptional4.1

Community

Romford is a historic town with one of the largest and oldest markets in the country, and a wide range of community businesses and services. It attracts a wide range of people, from City workers to families leaving Central London.

Safety

The 2014/2015 crime rate in Romford was about twice the rate for London as a whole, as was the violence against the person rate/ There were also more deliberate fires per residents in 2014. In the period between September 2016 and August 2017, the most common crime types were violent crime, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting.

Parking

Parking in Romford is about average for a town on the outskirts of London. The rate of car ownership in this area is slightly high, at a little under one car per household. Road links, including the A12 and junction 28 to the M25, are good. 

Nightlife

There is a very wide range of nightlife options in Romford, from music venues and cinemas to restaurants, pubs, and bars. Several nightclubs are found in the town centre, too. Transport links into Central London are also good, for a wider range of options.

Family Friendly

Property in this area varies, and is comparatively affordable. Families often move to Romford from more central areas in search of more space in the house, and a garden. Three-bed semis and terraces are widely available, and make great family homes. There is fairly good access to green and open space here, with parks in the centre including Raphael Park and Cottons Park and several playing fields. Eastbrookend Country Park and Central Park, as well as Harrow Lodge Park, are also nearby - and the edge-of-London location means the countryside is within easy reach. Schools in this area are generally good, with most state primary schools rated good (and a few rated outstanding) by Ofsted. State comprehensive and further education colleges in Romford are generally good, and there are state primary and secondary schools to choose from as well. About one in 5 residents is a child aged 0-15.

Pet Friendly

The relative affordability of property in Romford compared to Central London means that many move here in search of more space, and a garden. This is a good place to look for a property that is suitable for pets, with many three-bed semis and terraces available. There is fairly good access to green and open space here, with parks in the centre including Raphael Park and Cottons Park. Eastbrookend Country Park and Central Park, as well as Harrow Lodge Park, are also nearby - and the edge-of-London location means the countryside is within easy reach. 

Transport

Romford has its own station - located in Zone 6 - with trains to Liverpool Street that take about half an hour. Harold Wood and Gidea Park stations are also in Zone 6, and Chadwell Heath is in Zone 5. Crossrail is set to improve Romford's transport speed. Road links, including the A12 and junction 28 to the M25, are good.