Dagenham Area Guide

Dagenham Local Area Guide

In terms of its location, the access for London commuters and weekend escapes makes Dagenham popular with growing families, first time buyers, and single people working in the city.

In this area guide, we cover all the main points about living in this part of East London, so you know what to expect before getting in touch with an estate agent in Dagenham.

Where is Dagenham?

Dagenham is a town situated within the London Borough, on the East outskirts of what is commonly termed the Greater London area. Historically, it was considered a part of Essex and fell under the Becontree Hundred area as a small rural parish. However, over time and with continued investment in the area around East London, in 1965 Dagenham became a part of extended Greater London.

Is Dagenham a Nice Place to Live?

With influences from London and Essex, Dagenham is considered by many to be an interesting, ‘up and coming’ area which is earning significant investment alongside the urban regeneration of neighbouring Barking Riverside. Not just a thoroughfare for those visiting Essex and heading into London, Dagenham is a site of history and culture – not to mention, its affordability and commitment to affordable properties for sale in Dagenham makes it one of Greater London’s most accessible places to live.

Is Dagenham Safe?

As with any area, be it a town, city, or village, safety is in the hands of the residents. Luckily, Dagenham is filled with young families, reducing the likelihood of crime and violence around the town. Of course, like many other areas, Dagenham has its good parts and its slightly more questionable areas. However, crime rates in Dagenham are statistically well below the national average – making it a largely very safe place to call home.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Dagenham

Excluding independent and private schools, there are a total of 63 schools in Dagenham – of which 48 are primary schools and 13 are secondary schools. 6 of them offer sixth-form education for A-level pupils.

Public Transport Links in Dagenham

With Dagenham so well placed between London and Essex, you won’t be surprised to learn that transport in and around Dagenham is good. For those who commute into the city, Dagenham itself has connections via the District line, while nearby Barking has a stop on the overground into London. For those seeking weekend adventures outside of the city, Dagenham is also well located in terms of roads into Essex and further beyond, and also boasts links to Essex via bus.

History of Dagenham

There is so much in the way of history throughout Dagenham, not least considering the growth of Dagenham from a relatively quiet parish into a hub of industrialisation with the arrival of the Ford Motor Plant in 1931. This shed new light on the area, making it an attractive place for other industries to cite their businesses and factories. Other historical references of note include famous people who were born and raised in Dagenham – notably Bobby Moore and John Terry, both of football fame. And have you heard of The Roundhouse? A popular rock venue that once sat between Dagenham and Barking, performers included the likes of Queen, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin.

Things to do in Dagenham

With Dagenham on the border of the city and the countryside, and with direct access to the River Thames, this is a town that’s rich with indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.

Best Parks and Green Spaces

Between Dagenham and Barking, residents and visitors have access to over 500 acres of green space – much of which is formed under nature reserves and parklands known as the ‘Dagenham Corridor’. This expanse of green space sits between the River Thames and Hainault, and has become a wildlife haven with community orchards, fishing lakes, natural trails, and endless miles of footpaths.

Shopping

It’s tempting to head into East London and the pull of Stratford with its Westfield shopping centre, whenever you need to indulge in some retail therapy. However, Dagenham also has its own shopping centre and retail parks, as well as local independent boutiques and shops that locals are always encouraged to use where possible.

Restaurants, Bars and Pubs

As a town that’s home to thousands of residents across all age groups, Dagenham plays host to countless eateries, bars, and pubs for all tastes. Choose between highly rated fine dining restaurants, takeaways, and more – with menus to suit all manner of preferences. Some of the top-ranked places to eat and drink in Dagenham, according to local and national reviews, include British pub ‘The Beacon Tree’, ‘The Clay Oven’ with its richly authentic Indian cuisine, and ‘Lara Grill’. The latter is commonly pitched as a European delight on the outskirts of London, and regularly serves its Turkish dishes to Turkish locals – the mark of an exceptionally good restaurant!

Entertainment

Aside from the green spaces to visit, the pubs to frequent, and the footpaths to enjoy, Dagenham is also located close to the River Thames and London Docklands and is home to a vast leisure centre for spending time with the family. Local community events often include markets, festivals, and live music, while the Eastbrookend Country Park is a popular venue for get-togethers and one-off events.

What Is Property in Dagenham Like?

As is the case up and down the UK, Dagenham boasts a wide variety of property types – from one-bedroom flats and apartments to sprawling detached homes with outside space and dedicated driveways. The majority of properties that have recently sold in Dagenham, according to reports, are terraced houses – with prices sitting below average to make Dagenham an affordable as well as a highly sought-after, up-and-coming place to call home.

Buying or Renting in Dagenham

With the town so closely located to the city of London, there will always be a plethora of properties for sale and properties to rent in Dagenham – owing to the investment potential for landlords, and the incredible demand for inner and outer city living. Whether you want to buy or rent, our team of estate agents will consider your specific needs, property preferences, lifestyle and budget – finding the perfect place for you.

Should I Move to Dagenham?

If you love the excitement of being near the city but want to be able to escape to the countryside on a whim whenever you like, Dagenham is well worth adding to your list. Having changed its geography and economic position exponentially over the last 100 years, Dagenham is only going to continue growing and becoming a more immersive and exciting place to live.