Are you considering a move to Romford? This article will uncover the top reasons to move to Romford, covering everything from affordable housing and excellent transport links to vibrant shopping and leisure, quality education, and more. Learn why Romford might just be the perfect place for your next home. From the bustling town centre to the tranquil green spaces, Romford offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban charm.
Key Takeaways
- Romford offers a variety of affordable housing options, making it an attractive destination for first-time buyers and budget-conscious homeowners.
- Excellent transport links, including the upcoming Elizabeth Line, make Romford a convenient location for commuters with quick access to central London and other parts of East London and Essex.
- The town features a diverse rental market, vibrant shopping and leisure scene, quality education options, ample green spaces, strong community safety, and a rich employment landscape, making it a well-rounded and appealing place to live.
Affordable Housing Options
Romford’s affordable housing options rank highly among the reasons to relocate here. With average property prices around £409,000 and a median price of £390,000, the area offers a range of homes that cater to various budgets. Whether you’re looking for a two-bedroom flat priced between £250,000 and £300,000 or a three-bedroom house ranging from £250,000 to £550,000, Romford provides numerous options for potential homeowners.
First-time buyers will find Romford particularly appealing. The area boasts newly built properties with an average price of £332,000, making it easier to step onto the property ladder. Additionally, the most affordable area, ‘RM1 1’, has an average price of £221,000, offering even more budget-friendly choices.
If budget is not a constraint, the town centre and Chadwell Heath are appealing options, with Victorian feature homes and new builds adding to the variety of choices available. Overall, Romford’s property market is diverse and reasonably priced, making it an excellent destination for anyone looking to invest in a new home.
Excellent Transport Links
Exceptional transport links render Romford a dream location for commuters. The Elizabeth Line has swift and efficient journeys to central London, with travel times as short as 31 minutes to London Liverpool Street and 60 minutes to Canary Wharf. This connectivity ensures that residents can enjoy the calm of suburban living while being just a train ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Additionally, the Greater London Authority plays a role in the development and improvement of transport infrastructure in the region.
… connectivity ensures that residents can enjoy the calm of suburban living while being just a train ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Romford station is a hub of activity, with trains departing for Paddington every 8-10 minutes and regular services to Shenfield every 7-9 minutes. These frequent rail links make commuting a breeze, whether you’re heading into central London or exploring other parts of East London and Essex.
Easy access to main roads and motorways makes Romford an attractive choice for drivers, further reinforcing its reputation as a well-connected town within Greater London. With such excellent transport links, living in Romford ensures convenience and flexibility for both work and leisure.
Varied Rental Market
Romford’s rental market is known for its diversity and accommodation. Over 60% of rental properties are flats, catering to a wide range of tenants from young professionals to small families. The average rent in Romford is £1,344 per month, offering a variety of options at reasonable prices.
Tenants can choose from a mix of property types, including:
- One-bedroom flats with rents ranging from £1,000 to £1,200 per month
- Two-bedroom houses or flats typically costing between £1,200 and £1,500 per month, reflecting the local house prices
- Three-bedroom houses for larger families, with rents often exceeding £1,600 per month
This varied rental market ensures that everyone can find a property that suits their needs and budget.
Vibrant Shopping and Leisure Scene
The town centre of Romford, a haven for shoppers, features a blend of national high street shops, specialist independent shops, and the bustling Liberty Shopping Centre. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, unique gifts, or everyday essentials, the shopping centres in Romford provide an array of choices.
In addition to shopping, Romford boasts a lively leisure scene. The Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre is a standout facility, offering ice skating and a variety of fitness activities. With the opening of the new leisure centre, the traditional outdoor market, one of the largest in the area, adds to the town’s charm with its diverse food stalls and unique finds.
While some locals feel that the town centre could benefit from modernization, efforts are underway to rejuvenate the area. Havering Council is working on initiatives to attract new traders and enhance the overall shopping and leisure experience in Romford. With these improvements, Romford is poised to become an even more vibrant and attractive place to live.
Quality Education
Numerous high-quality schools in Romford guarantee a robust educational foundation for children. Twenty-six schools in Havering have received ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted, reflecting the area’s commitment to excellence in education. Specific schools like Ardleigh Green Junior School and Clockhouse Primary School have been recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Local schools such as Bower Park Academy and Crowlands Primary School also boast ‘good’ ratings, providing parents with peace of mind that their children will receive a quality education. With such a strong emphasis on education, Romford is an ideal place for families looking to provide their children with the best possible start in life.
Green Spaces and Recreation
With its plentiful green spaces and recreational facilities, Romford grants residents a myriad of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Raphael Park, spanning 44 acres, features sports pitches, tennis courts, ornamental gardens, and a children’s play area. The park’s café and regular events like music sessions and yoga classes make it a popular spot for locals.
Some significant green spaces in the area include:
- Bedfords Park: known for its mature woodland, wildflower meadows, and ponds. It is also home to a herd of red deer and features a Nature Discovery Centre.
- Cottons Park: features a play area and skate park.
- Lodge Farm Park: known for its river and Miniature Railway.
These parks, including Gidea Park, offer a variety of recreational activities and opportunities to enjoy nature.
FUN FACT
The beautiful parks and green spaces make Romford a haven for nature lovers and families alike. The area offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty.
Strong Community and Safety
Known for its strong community spirit and relatively low crime rate, Romford is a safe and welcoming habitat. The town’s annual crime rate is 36.9 crimes per 1000 people, which is slightly above the national average but still lower compared to other parts of London. Violent crime constitutes 30.9% of all reported crimes, but this rate has seen a 5% decrease over the past year.
Residents take personal responsibility for safety, especially at night, and standard precautions like being aware of their surroundings and securing valuables are always advised. With its tight-knit community and focus on safety, Romford offers a secure and friendly environment for all its residents.
Employment Opportunities
A variety of employment opportunities in Romford make it an attractive destination for career-driven individuals. The town’s economy is primarily driven by retail, finance, and the night-time economy, providing a wide range of job options. Romford hosts over 8,300 businesses, employing more than 108,200 people, indicating a robust economic environment.
The retail sector is particularly significant, with major shopping centres contributing to job creation. Romford’s office quarter, located near the main train station and bus interchange, is a hub for office-based employment, enhancing the town’s appeal as a commercial centre.
Moreover, the construction sector in Havering is the largest and is expected to see employment growth in the near future, over the next decade. With such a dynamic job market, Romford is a great place for professionals seeking new career opportunities.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Rich in cultural and historical attractions, Romford provides glimpses into the town’s heritage and dynamic arts scene. The Havering Museum is a notable attraction, providing a glimpse into the local history and cultural evolution of the area.
Another significant landmark is the Upminster Windmill, a historical site that adds to Romford’s charm. For art enthusiasts, the Brookside Theatre is a key venue showcasing a variety of performances, further enriching the cultural landscape of Romford.
Proximity to Nature and Countryside
One of Romford’s distinguishing features is its close proximity to nature and the countryside. Approximately 59.32% of the London Borough of Havering is parkland and protected countryside, providing residents with easy access to numerous green spaces. This makes Romford an ideal location for those who appreciate the tranquillity of nature without sacrificing urban conveniences.
Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in parks like Rise Park, Bedfords Park, and Havering Country Park. These parks offer amenities such as tennis courts, children’s play areas, and peaceful woodland walks, making them perfect for family outings and individual relaxation alike.
Dining and Nightlife
A vibrant and varied dining and nightlife scene in Romford caters to a spectrum of tastes and preferences. The town offers a range of eateries from traditional British pubs to international cuisine restaurants. Popular dining areas include South Street and The Brewery shopping centre, which feature a variety of restaurants and cafes.
The nightlife in Romford is equally lively, with several popular venues such as ATIK, a nightclub known for its multiple dance floors and themed nights. Historical pubs like The Golden Lion and The World’s Inn add to the town’s charm, offering a mix of history and a vibrant atmosphere. With such a diverse range of options, Romford ensures that residents have plenty of choices for dining and entertainment.
Summary
Romford stands out as a desirable place to live and move to, with affordable housing, excellent transport links, diverse rental and employment opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene. The town offers a perfect blend of urban and suburban living, making it an appealing destination for families, professionals, and individuals alike. With its strong community, quality education, and abundant green spaces, Romford provides a well-rounded lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to buy a home, find a new job, or simply enjoy a lively social scene, Romford has something to offer everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the average house prices in Romford?
The average house price in Romford is around £409,000, with a median price of £390,000. This range is for a three-bedroom house and a two-bedroom flat.
How good are the transport links in Romford?
Romford has excellent transport links, including the Elizabeth Line with short journey times to Liverpool Street and frequent services to major destinations like Paddington and Shenfield. You can easily travel to and from Romford for work or leisure.
What kind of rental properties are available in Romford?
In Romford, you can find a diverse rental market with over 60% of properties being flats, offering options from one-bedroom flats to larger family homes, with an average rent of £1,344 per month.
Are there good schools in Romford?
Yes, Romford is home to numerous high-quality schools, many of which have received ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted, ensuring a strong educational foundation for children.
What are the main attractions in Romford?
The main attractions in Romford include the Havering Museum, Upminster Windmill, and Brookside Theatre, along with vibrant shopping and dining options and abundant green spaces for recreation. Experience the cultural and historical landmarks, while enjoying the town’s lively atmosphere and natural beauty.
