Ilford Area Guide

Ilford Area Guide

Located in the London Borough of Redbridge, Ilford is a vibrant and diverse suburban town in East London. With excellent transport links, a mix of urban and suburban living, and a thriving community, Ilford is a popular choice for families, professionals, and investors.

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1. History of Ilford

• Origins: Ilford (historically "Yleford") dates back to the Domesday Book (1086) as a small rural settlement.

• Industrial Growth: The arrival of the railway in 1839 transformed Ilford into a commuter town.

• 20th Century Expansion: Rapid suburban development in the early 1900s saw Ilford become part of Greater London in 1965.

• Landmarks:

  • Redbridge Town Hall (an Art Deco masterpiece)

  • Valentines Mansion (a historic 17th-century house with beautiful gardens)

  • Ilford War Memorial (commemorating WWI and WWII soldiers)

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2. Community & Demographics

• Population: Over 168,000 (Redbridge borough).

• Diversity: One of London’s most multicultural areas, with large South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi), Eastern European, and African communities.

• Religious Diversity: Strong presence of  Muslim,Hindu,Sikh, and Christian communities.

• Culture & Events:

  • Diwali & Vaisakhi celebrations (large gatherings in Ilford town centre)

  • Ilford Carnival (annual community festival)

  • Valentines Park events (music, fairs, and sports)

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3. Employment & Economy

• Key Employers:

  • Healthcare: King George Hospital (major NHS employer)

  • Retail & Hospitality: The Exchange Ilford (shopping centre), local businesses

  • Public Sector: Redbridge Council, schools

  • Finance & IT: Proximity to London’s financial districts attracts commuters

• Self-Employment & SMEs: A growing number of independent shops, restaurants, and startups.

• Unemployment: Slightly higher than London average but improving with new developments.

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4. Property Market

• Housing Types: Mix of Victorian/Edwardian terraces, 1930s semis, modern flats, and new-build apartments.

• Average Property Prices (2024):

  • Flats: £300,000 - £450,000

  • Houses: £500,000 - £900,000+ (depending on size/location)

• Rental Market:

  • 1-bed flat: £1,100 - £1,500 pcm

  • 3-bed house: £1,800 - £2,500 pcm

• Upcoming Developments:

  • Ilford Exchange regeneration (new homes, retail, and leisure)

  • Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) effect – boosting demand due to faster Central London access (approx. 20 mins to Liverpool Street).

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5. Education

Primary Schools (Ofsted Rated Good/Outstanding):

• Uphall Primary School (Outstanding)

• Wells Primary School (Outstanding)

• SS Peter and Paul’s Catholic Primary (Outstanding)

Secondary Schools:

• Ilford County High School (Outstanding, boys' grammar)

• Valentines High School (Good)

• Seven Kings School (Outstanding)

Further & Higher Education:

• New City College (Redbridge Campus) – Vocational courses

• Nearby Universities: Queen Mary (Mile End), UEL (Stratford)

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6. Transport Links

• Rail:

  • Elizabeth Line (Crossrail): Ilford Station (direct to Liverpool St, Canary Wharf, Heathrow)

  • TfL Rail & Greater Anglia: Fast services to Stratford & Central London

• Tube: Nearest stations – Gants Hill (Central Line)

• Road: A12, A406 (North Circular) for easy access to M11/M25

• Buses: Extensive network (25, 86, 123, 147, etc.)

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7. Leisure & Amenities

• Shopping: The Exchange Ilford, Ilford Lane (independent shops), Tesco Extra

• Parks: Valentines Park (boating lake, sports facilities), Fairlop Waters (outdoor activities)

• Dining: Wide range of South Asian cuisine, Turkish grills, and British eateries

• Cinema & Entertainment: Cineworld (The Exchange), pubs, and community centres

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8. Safety & Crime

• Crime Rate: Moderate – higher than some London suburbs but improving with local policing initiatives.

• Areas to Note: Generally safe, but some parts (e.g., around Ilford Lane) have higher foot traffic and petty crime.

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Final Verdict: Is Ilford a Good Place to Live?

✅ Pros:

• Great transport (Crossrail)

• Affordable compared to inner London

• Diverse community & amenities

• Good schools & green spaces

❌ Cons:

• Some areas feel congested

• Higher crime than nearby suburbs like Wanstead

Ideal for: Families, commuters, first-time buyers, and investors looking for growth potential.