Why Wanstead is one of the 10 best places to live in London

The average starter home prices in London's top 10 places to live. Graphic: Thomas Nellist (Image: Archant)

Last weekend, The Sunday Times revealed the capital’s most desirable regions in their Best Places to Live supplement, with Wanstead making the grade for its community spirit, schools, transport links, bars, cafés and restaurants.

Mum Nadia Ainley told the Recorder: “Wanstead has got quite a village feeling so if you can’t afford to be in central London it feels quite wholesome.

“My husband grew up around here and I know the schools are really good, a lot are rated outstanding, so it’s a great place to come with your family.

“For me the best things are the cafes and the baby classes and that it’s on a Tube line which means it’s easy to get to.

Clive Williams. Picture: Thomas Nellist (Image: Archant)

“It’s definitely a place which is good for people with babies, that’s why we are here.”

The annual list used statistics and an expert panel of judges.

Wanstead stood out as having the lowest average house prices and rent figures for starter homes among the top ten areas, which also featured Clapton, Fulham, Furzedown, Herne Hill, King’s Cross, Notting Hill, Richmond and Tufnell Park.

According to the report, the average starter house price in Wanstead is just £287,840 compared to £695,410 in top ranked Bermondsey, and £830,310 in Notting Hill, the most expensive area in the guide.

Rita Samworth. Picture: Thomas Nellist (Image: Archant)

Wanstead also featured cost effectively at the middle and family range of the market, explaining why the area is so popular with young people and families.

Teacher Clive Williams described Wanstead as: “A pretty cool place to live.

“It’s quite easy if you need to get out into Essex or up to Cambridge, the transport links are pretty good.

“There’s lots of places to eat and trendy bars too.

“There’s something for everybody and the people are really friendly.

“There’s good community spirit, people tend to look out for each other and on the whole people are quite friendly, you can ask someone and they’ll help you, it’s that kind of area.

“The best thing is the people, it’s the people that makes the area.

“There’s some good schools around here and that attracts.”

Laverne Udeze, owner of The Currant cafe in the High Street, said: “Wanstead has got great open spaces, good schools, a nice High Street that’s got lots of different shops on it and a great community spirit.

Rita Samworth said: “I think it’s a nice place to live, I’ve lived here for about 10 years and nearby for about 25 years.

“There’s a lot of things going on locally, the library and churches hold all sorts of events.

“You’re quite near Epping Forest so you can go for walks or go to various cafes and shops. Wanstead Park is a nice place to go for a walk.”

The Sunday Times guide was put together to help Londoners choose the best area for them when buying a new house.

Stephanie Hammersley wasn’t surprised: “It’s a really lovely area to live in. It’s got everything you need and it’s quite pretty.

“It’s a nice community with a lot to offer.

“The culture is mixed which is lovely, it’s always nice to be around different cultures and to embrace it around you and not feel uncultured.

“Everyone’s lovely, there’s a nice group of people, it’s not snotty which you can get around some places.

“Also, the convenience of being just half an hour from the centre and being able to get anywhere very easily.”

The newspaper’s Home editor, Helen Davies, said: “Choosing the right location to put down roots is one of the most important decisions people make, which is why we’re here to help and what Best Places to Live is all about.

“There is much to celebrate, and Britain is scattered with thriving towns and villages, cool cities and suburbs, though people may be surprised how many traditional favourites haven’t made the cut in 2018.”