Loughton Area Guide

Loughton Local Area Guide

When considering what makes Loughton one of the most coveted locations in Essex for homeowners and renters, estate agents in Loughton are drawn to both the attractive properties and to the one benefit that most of Essex shares. A unique placement that bridges rural and tranquil living with the convenience of access and proximity to the city.

Not only is Loughton close to London itself, but it’s also incredibly conveniently placed for the M25, carrying residents around the outskirts of London with ease (and without paying any congestion or diesel charges).

Where is Loughton?

Suffice it to say, Loughton is surrounded by green spaces and nature despite its closeness to the city of London. It is positioned just off the A12 and the M11, as well as the M25 and other local roads.

In terms of transport to London, Loughton has a station on the London underground Central Line and is also on countless bus routes to and from London – as well as other Essex towns.

For those who prefer to think outside the major transport options and enjoy a slower pace of life, the border between Loughton and Epping Forest is rife with cycling routes and footpaths, inviting residents to consider other transport routes on quieter days.

Is Loughton a Nice Place to Live?

You perhaps need only look at the plethora of celebrities who call Loughton and its surrounding area home, to determine whether this is a nice place to live or not.

Loughton doesn’t just have great surroundings, it also has a high street packed with independent boutiques and stores, some stunning property, historical architecture that speaks to Loughton’s history and past, and of course, the views over Epping Forest.

There are three areas of conservation that border Loughton with the forest and 58 notable buildings with grade listing, all of which boast Essex weatherboarding – a traditional technique for building and protecting properties in Essex.

These traditional properties are joined on the market by modern mansions, affordable homes, terraces and detached properties, creating a market of properties for sale in Loughton to suit every buyer.

Is Loughton Safe?

Safety in any location is relative to the residents. For the most part, Loughton is considered a safe place to live, with long-term residents and young families alike all revelling in the community spirit and the neighbourhood watch schemes that seek to protect residents.

There is a very definite sense of protecting one’s neighbours in Loughton, and as such, the town comes together to remain vigilant.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Loughton

There are several schools in and around Loughton, though many of them are on the outskirts and in neighbouring areas surrounding Loughton, which can sometimes make catchment areas and admissions difficult to navigate.

Some of the main schools that residents sent their children to include The Alderton Infant and Junior Schools, Roding Valley High School, and Woodford County High School.

Public Transport Links in Loughton

Owing to its excellent location and the points we have mentioned earlier in this area guide, Loughton is well placed for access to London as well as to wider parts of rural Essex.

To head to the city via public transport simply requires hopping on the central line Underground link to London. This line runs day and night, so it’s ideal for those visiting London for leisure, as well as those commuting to work. Alternatively, bus routes and roads can easily transport residents to the nearby motorways or to smaller villages and attractions in Essex.

History of Loughton

Now that we know a bit more about Loughton’s surrounding area and the fact that it is considered a coveted place to call home, what do the history books tell us about the town?

Loughton appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Lukintune’ – and only really grew into the town it is today alongside the build of a road which connected London to Suffolk and Cambridge beyond. This road was built alongside Loughton, making it a stopping point for travellers and somewhere worthy of investment to improve its shops and accommodation options.

And so, by the early 1700s, inns and shops were brought to life to cater to travellers. The next major shift came in 1856, with the arrival of the railway and the possibility of living in Loughton but working in London.

As well as the traditional weatherboarding that can be seen across several buildings in Loughton, some other notable historical facts include that Rudyard Kipling spent a summer in Loughton, and the National Jazz Archive in Loughton holds the finest collection of jazz memorabilia in the UK.

Things to do in Loughton

For those who love the great outdoors, the pull of Loughton comes from deep within Epping Forest and the country parks surrounding the town. But what else is there to do?

Best Parks and Green Spaces

Of course, the only place to start is with parks and green spaces – notably Hainault Country Park, Epping Forest, and Traps Hill Playground. The latter is a particularly convenient stopping point for families with young children, seeking an open space to play.

Having Epping Forest on your doorstep, if you live in Loughton, opens up a plethora of footpaths and trails to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike.

Shopping

The High Street is full of independent shops that support the local economy and business owners. These shops span fashion outlets, gifts, and the iconic bookshop – named The Bookshop – which has represented one of the most well-loved family-run businesses in Loughton for decades.

Restaurants, Bars and Pubs

With such a high class of residents, eating out in Loughton is an experience to remember – and the area and town has plenty of places to choose from.

The Standard is a popular gastropub that takes British classics and gives them a bit of a spin, infusing innovative ideas into much-loved dishes. New Breed Bottle Shop, meanwhile, is great for sampling new beers and organic wines.

Tom Dick and Harrys is another eatery that was featured on the Michelin Guide in 2020 and is renowned for producing mouth-watering specials alongside staple dishes. And Loughton also has a Gail’s, which has become a British must-have for pastries of premium quality – ideal for picking up as a takeaway and enjoying on a walk around Epping Forest.

Entertainment

Loughton’s National Jazz Archive museum is noted as the best and most complete collection of jazz history in the UK, while those who prefer static and visual art to musical art can enjoy the Loughton Arts Centre.

Right on the border between Loughton and Epping Forest, High Beach Forest Centre is a volunteer-run hub of information for those looking to explore the forest, with routes and trails for all abilities to follow.

What Is Property in Loughton Like?

When considering the diversity and selection of property types available in Loughton, you will find no shortage of options, from smaller and more affordable properties to sprawling estates with large gardens and surrounding space.

Because Loughton is part of the Essex Golden Triangle, property tends to come at a bit of a premium – with neighbours and wealthy buyers pushing the price of property up. At Balgores, we are able to work with our clients to find the right property for them, considering their needs and priorities as well as their budget.

Buying or Renting in Loughton

With Loughton so well connected to London, and an integral part of the Golden Triangle, we often find that available homes for sale and property to rent in Loughton gets snapped up incredibly quickly.

Because of this, pairing up with an estate agent is the best first step to take when considering a move so that we can assess your budget and determine the suitability of your needs within Loughton’s property market.

Should I Move to Loughton?

If you love being close to London but equally value the freedom that comes from proximity to Epping Forest and such wild and open green spaces, then Loughton is the perfect place for you to call home.

While the Golden Triangle reputation pushes the value and price of property skywards, marking a distinct premium in comparison to other areas in Essex, Loughton is worth the price and remains one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Essex.