“…the heart of the capital is less than a 20 minute journey away, whilst within the borough itself the vast array of beautiful green spaces mean locals never feel too far from a bracing walk “
Moving to Redbridge
Despite being an Outer London borough, the presence of the Central Line at London Underground stations throughout the area means the heart of the capital is less than a 20-minute journey away, whilst within the borough itself the vast array of beautiful green spaces mean locals never feel too far from a breath of fresh air. Add top quality schools and relatively affordable housing to the mix and it’s clear why the borough is a real hotspot for families and retired couples.
Redbridge is a culturally diverse borough, with 40% of residents coming from an ethnic minority background, with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka being the most common countries of origin. Over one-fifth of the population are under the age of 16, and deprivation levels are lower than the London average. Redbridge Council is also rather active, and over the last few years has invested generously into supporting the large number of families living in borough by introducing and expanding schools, green spaces, arts facilities ,and shopping outlets in the area.
House prices in Redbridge
The borough is among the most affordable in London, cementing its status as an ideal spot for young families and first time buyers to settle down. The average property price here is around £481,000 as of April 2020, significantly lower than the London average. Properties throughout the borough are a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced housing alongside apartment blocks, and around 75% of homes in the borough are occupied by the home owners.
For families, Wanstead is a particularly good area due to the many large semi-detached and detached properties, village atmosphere, quaint high street and welcoming pubs such as the George Street Pub and the Cuckfield. For those looking to invest, Crossrail is set to arrive at locations throughout the borough including Ilford and Seven Kings, which will no doubt lead to a rapid rise in property prices in these areas.
“Crossrail is primed to arrive here soon, with stops at Chadwell Heath, Goodmayes, Ilford and Seven Kings offering Redbridge residents an even quicker commute than ever before”
Travel in Redbridge
Public transport in Redbridge is varied and efficient, making the area particularly well-suited to commuters traveling into East and Central London on a daily basis. Various stations in the borough are served by the Central Line on the Underground, with a direct train from Wanstead Station to Bank Station taking less than 20 minutes. National Rail, London Overground and TfL rail also operate in this area for speedy travel to London’s more distant suburbs, while for drivers there are several arterial roads running through the area, including the North Circular Road and the A12. The M11 also allows residents to easily travel towards the commuter area of Bishop’s Stortford.
In addition, Crossrail is primed to arrive here soon, with stops at Chadwell Heath, Goodmayes, Ilford and Seven Kings offering Redbridge residents an even quicker commute than ever before.
Lifestyle
Dining in the London Borough of Redbridge is rather limited, although some good local options can be found – particularly if you’re keen on Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. In Ilford, Saravanaa Bhavan Indian restaurant, Firecracker Canteen and Al Qasr are all popular options, whilst neighbouring Barkingside is home to the highly recommended Dannys Pie & Mash, Sharod restaurant, and the Cafe at 104.
Meanwhile, retail opportunities in the borough are mostly centred around a number of shopping centres, most notably The Exchange and East Shopping Centre, both in Ilford. The former is home to nearly 100 restaurants and shops, including popular high-street brands such as Marks & Spencer, River Island and New Look, and also offers a large car park and late-night shopping hours on Wednesdays. East Shopping Centre, on the other hand, boasts the title of Europe’s first dedicated Asian Mall with boutiques offering everything from designer couture and bridal wear to everyday garments.
Food shopping
Branches of most major supermarkets can be found in Redbridge, including a Tesco Superstore, multiple large Sainsbury’s and a Waitrose in Woodford. A number of specialist international stores can also be found here, such as All Seasons Express and the International Supermarket on George Lane, as well as independent food shops such as Islamabad Halal Butchers in Ilford.
Health and sport
Sports and exercise facilities in the London Borough of Redbridge include a branch of PureGym in Ilford and a selection of council-run services such as Wanstead Leisure Centre and Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre. For those who prefer outdoor activities, however, there is also the Fairlop Outdoor Activity centre, where you’ll find sailing, windsurfing and kayaking facilities.
Culture
A relatively sleepy borough, Redbridge doesn’t have a huge variety of cultural offerings but there are a limited selection for residents to enjoy. Redbridge Drama Centre host classes, a youth theatre and regular music and dance performances, whilst the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford offers a wide range of both professional and amateur productions. Cinephiles will enjoy the Cineworld in Ilford and Odeon in South Woodford, and for those with an interest in the history of the borough, the Redbridge Museum is home to a selection of displays outlining the diverse history of the area.
“Schools in Redbridge are among the best in London for Ofsted ratings, adding to the borough’s popularity with families”
Schools and education
Schools in Redbridge are among the best in London for Ofsted ratings, adding to the borough’s popularity with families. The best primary schools in Redbridge include Gearies Junior School, Christchurch Primary School and Redbridge Primary School, all of which have more than 96% of pupils achieving expected levels of English and Maths. Among secondary schools, Trinity Catholic School and Chadwell Heath Academy both have over 86% of pupils achieving at least five good GCSEs, while the selective Woodford County High School, Ilford County High School for Boys and independent Bancrofts School all come highly recommended.
Safety
The average crime rate in Redbridge is lower than the London average, at around 81 crimes per 1000 people as of 2012. Burglary rates have been gradually falling year-on-year, helping Redbridge improve its overall safety rating.
Green space
One of London’s greenest boroughs, and known colloquially as the ‘leafy suburb’ Redbridge is packed with open green spaces – many of which have won prestigious Green Flag awards. Hainault Forest Country Park, which opened in 1906, is particularly renowned for its fish and boating lake, café and children’s farm, while it also boasts Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status. Other popular open spaces in the borough include the rural area of Wanstead Flats, a large open space in Wanstead that occupies the most southern area of Epping Forest.
History
Historically part of Essex, the London Borough of Redbridge only became part of London in 1965, whilst its distinguishing name comes from a distinct red brick bridge that once crossed the River Roding. Bordering the boroughs of Waltham Forest, Newnham and Barking & Dagenham in North East London, you’d be forgiven for knowing very little about the area – it’s been eclipsed by more central neighbours in recent years, but that’s not to say that this low-key, leafy borough doesn’t have plenty of charm.
How can OneDome help me move to Redbridge?
Thinking of moving to Redbridge? We are the first property website in the UK that connects every step of the home buying and selling journey. If you’re hoping to buy, we will help you find a home, get a mortgage, and complete the necessary process of conveyancing. For sellers, you can use OneDome to connect with and compare estate agents according to their success selling similar properties to yours, their fees, and how close they are to you.
The best part about using OneDome? Everything is online and in one place, meaning your paperwork, trips to the post office, and phone calls are all drastically reduced. For example, with OneDome conveyancing you and your estate agent can view and track the progress of the conveyancing in real time. This makes it much easier for everyone involved to get the clearest possible picture, which in turn helps speed up the home buying or selling process.
If you want to know more about how OneDome can help, get in touch with us on 020 3868 6262, or click here to view our explainer video.