Romford Area Guide

Romford Local Area Guide

The location of Romford is well positioned for access to London and to the wider spreads of Essex. Because Romford is considered a part of London’s suburban extension and the formation of Greater London throughout the 20th century, travel and proximity is a major player in enticing homeowners and buyers who commute to the city.

However, viewing Romford solely through its links to London would be a mistake.

As dedicated estate agents in Romford, we recognise the value of Romford’s market town history, its position, and its community spirit. It has some beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy, and a vibrant market with a history dating back over 800 years.

Where is Romford?

Romford is situated 14 miles from Charing Cross in central London. It has a railway station with direct connections into London and is also located just off the A12 which carries drivers into London or out into the wider parts of Essex and beyond.

Situated inland from the Thames, which runs to the South of Romford, this town is a part of the London Borough of Havering and has become one of the largest and most prolific towns outside of London that facilitates a life split between working in the city and living in rural Essex.

Is Romford a Nice Place to Live?

With all that in mind, you might have concluded by now that Romford is a neighbourhood built on convenience and its location balance between the city and the country.

But is it a nice place to live and to call yourself a homeowner?

The excellent transport links in Romford are balanced by the plethora of green spaces, entertainment hubs, shopping areas, and of course the range of property types to suit all budgets.

Because Romford is famous for its hundreds-of-years-old market, residents enjoy a sense of community on a regular basis, as fresh produce is brought into the town from surrounding producers and local businesses. And that’s all before we consider the properties for sale in Romford, which cover all budgets and span everything from compact flats to sprawling detached properties with large gardens.

Is Romford Safe?

Safety always lies not in the location itself but in the hands of those who call it home. Romford’s proximity to London means it is sometimes lumped into the Greater London crime stats – however, important to note is that Romford itself sees low crime rates thanks to its thriving community.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Romford

Romford is one of the larger towns in Essex, and as such is home to many of the county’s schools – totalling over 110 once you consider all the nurseries and primary and secondary schools that are available to young families.

With regards to the quality of education, Romford boasts several schools which are rated ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, supporting this as being a good place to raise a young family.

Public Transport Links in Romford

Of course, education is one thing. But for most young families who move to Romford, couples looking to build a life together, and those seeking a slower pace of life, the connectivity to work and to the city of London is a major advantage of Romford.

Romford is positioned on major roads including the A12 and also has its own train station which travels into London and out towards Chelmsford, Colchester, and beyond. Other nearby stations include Gidea Park and Emerson Park, while the M25 is not far away for longer journeys heading south of London or over to the West of the country.

Romford also appears on the newly constructed Elizabeth Line, a direct underground line into the heart of London.

History of Romford

We’ve already alluded to Romford’s history as a market town, and the fact that it was once a part of Hornchurch before becoming its own Parish in 1849.

Before that though, Romford played a major role in the production of leather and was also home to several mills that would grind corn from nearby agricultural plots and farms. At one stage in the early 1800s, a canal was proposed that would connect Romford directly with the Thames – however, plans failed, and the canal never came to fruition.

The most significant growth for Romford came as London expanded in the early 1900s. In 1965, Romford was classed as a part of Greater London, owing to the expansion of the city and the movement of residents who wanted to bridge the city with rural life.

Things to do in Romford

In a town as large as Romford, there is never a shortage of things to do…

Best Parks and Green Spaces

Aside from its proximity to London, one of Romford’s most notable traits is its parks and green spaces. Despite the incredible expansion and the consistent demand that drives property sales and new developments across Romford, there remain several popular and well-visited parks.

These include Raphael Park and Lodge Farm Park. Raphael Park covers 44 acres and boasts a boating lake as well as countless footpaths and cycling routes, while Lodge Farm Park is smaller at 12 acres but features several hills for landscape interest.

Shopping

Romford is a major town in Essex – and as such, is home to some enviable shopping centres and a thriving high street. From high street brands to small independents, there’s something for everyone in Romford – or you can hop on the newly constructed Elizabeth Line and head directly into London.

Restaurants, Bars and Pubs

With so much going on, staying fed and watered in Romford is marred only by the amount of choice residents get! From local British pubs to restaurants inspired by international culture and cuisine, you can enjoy everything from quick service to fine dining – catering for families or date nights.

Some of the best and most notable places to eat and drink in Romford include:

• Pizzeria de Napoli with its authentic Italian experience
• Sushi Handroll, convenient and delicious
• Slug and Lettuce Romford, a classic British pub with everything you need for a family meal or drink with friends
• Neyzen Restaurant, something a bit different offering Turkish cuisine
• The Aviary, budget-friendly Mediterranean cuisine that will have you dreaming of your next beach holiday

Entertainment

The entertainment in Romford is rife and spans the Brookside Theatre and countless music venues which host live shows, karaoke nights, DJ nights, and more.

Something which Romford is particularly famous for is the Romford Greyhound Stadium; one of only two dog tracks that remain in operation in London, inviting attendees to bet on the greyhounds. Believe it or not, this venue still hosts six events a week!

Other entertainment options include sport, specifically supporting Romford FC, and of course, enjoying the plethora of green spaces on foot.

What Is Property in Romford Like?

Now to the crux of the question – what is Romford like for prospective homeowners and tenants?

In terms of the availability of Romford, the size of this town and its proximity to the city means that it retains a diverse portfolio of properties – spanning flats, terraced houses, semi-detached properties, and sprawling detached homes with land.

Because Romford was once a hub of agricultural activity and a rural connection between London and Essex, much of its landscape remains in farmland and private estates – attracting high-level buyers with big budgets. However, there is no shortage of more affordable homes and newer developments, with properties to buy and properties to rent in Romford accessible via our estate agents.

Buying or Renting in Ongar

With Romford so well connected to London as well as the more rural parts of Essex, the town is popular and in high demand among many looking to buy and rent.

Our estate agents are well-positioned to support you in your search for a new home, unlocking the benefits of Romford’s location and its popular green spaces, shopping centres, historical buildings, and entertainment venues.

Should I Move to Romford?

If you love the excitement of being able to travel to and from the city in a day but want to know you’ll become immersed back into a close community when you get home, then Romford is a great place to live.