Upminster Area Guide

Upminster Local Area Guide

Upminster is undoubtedly well positioned for access to London, and as a result is a popular location for those who commute into the city while seeking out a more peaceful way of life at home.

For estate agents in Upminster, several key features stand out and make Upminster a coveted place to live. Despite the modernisation that has hit the town, including a station on the London Underground network and countless shopping centres and eateries, Upminster retains some nods to its history – including the Church of St Laurence from which Upminster’s name is derived.

First recorded in 1062 as ‘Upmynstre’, the name literally translates to ‘large church on high ground’ – a staple in Upminster’s skyline even today.

Where is Upminster?

Upminster is located on the outskirts of East London, 16.5 miles from Charing Cross in Central London and with direct transport lines into London and further into Essex. With a station on the C2C trainline and the District Underground line, Upminster is well connected by public transport. It is also a short 1.5 mile drive from the M25, which carries drivers around the outside of London via a North and South route.

Is Upminster a Nice Place to Live?

The risk with being considered an industrial town and a good commuter area is that you may find yourself valuing convenience over surroundings and the local environment.

However, Upminster offers the best of both worlds, with online publications naming it as a charming suburb packed with character that leans into its rural and farming background, while embracing the rise of industrialisation.

Its selection of green spaces elevates the landscape, making even the most popular of communal areas feel private and peaceful. Gardens and parks give way to the Ingrebourne River Weir, while plenty of the properties for sale in Upminster boast their own private gardens.

Is Upminster Safe?

One of the safest towns located on the outskirts of London, Upminster is a hotspot for family life and has a good reputation in terms of emergency response in light of an incident.

Most crimes that you will encounter in Upminster relate to petty theft and vandalism rather than violence, pitching it as a safer place to live than other East London towns.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Upminster

Located as close as it is to Romford, many Upminster families send their children to Romford primary schools if they are not able to get places at one of Upminster’s schools.

Having said that, there are several primary schools available – and while none meet the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, they all offer supportive internal systems and are ranked ‘Good’ in terms of management and education.

Secondary schools are ranked higher, with a handful achieving ‘Outstanding’ ratings in Upminster. It all depends on the age of your children and your proximity to the schools that you want to send them to. Be aware that competition is high for limited places every year.

Public Transport Links in Upminster

Having already touched on public transport earlier in this area guide, you will already be aware that Upminster is well located from a transport point of view. Not only can residents and homeowners get around by car, navigating around London on the M25 or heading onto one of the local A roads to travel further into Essex, but they can jump on the train or tube with ease.

History of Upminster

History is where Upminster really comes into its own. The Church of St Laurence has already been mentioned as the namesake for the town, but did you know that this same church was also used to develop the speed of sound theory by the Rector of Upminster? Using a telescope high up in the church tower, he observed the flash of a shotgun and the time elapsed before he heard the sound, to develop Sir Isaac Newton’s original theory.

Upminster is also home to one of London’s few remaining original windmills, as well as a series of historical buildings and a medieval manor house that belonged to and was lived in by Thomas Cromwell.

To look at the history of Upminster over the decades is to track its move from farmland and agriculture through to industrialisation and then the adoption of a more suburban landscape – with one foot firmly in rural Essex, while the other edged towards London and city life.

Things to do in Upminster

With Upminster bridging that outdoor life with the city lifestyle, homeowners and their families find no shortage of things to keep them busy.

Best Parks and Green Spaces

With a strong community vibe present in Upminster, the upkeep of local green spaces and parks remains a priority. Clockhouse Gardens offers a chance to wander the grounds, feed ducks, and immerse yourself in wildlife, while countless Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserves are located a short drive from the town of Upminster.

Upminster Park Playground is another popular go-to for families, alongside sports centres and pitches.

Shopping

Upminster is close enough to London that for those who love shopping or require a little retail therapy, you can simply hop on the C2C line and end up at Stratford’s Westfield centre in less than half an hour.

If you want to stay local, Upminster has its fair share of high street stores and independent boutique stores to browse, too.

Restaurants, Bars and Pubs

From pizza and pasta to pastries on a weekday morning, Upminster is not short on places to eat and drink – with options for every diner and every mealtime.

Some of the classic must-tries, as ranked by existing Upminster residents and estate agents, include:

• The Jobber’s Roast, with classic British pub grub and an especially delicious roast dinner option
• Aspen Tree, a bar and dining space with high end British cuisine
• Lefke, a Mediterranean eatery that specialises in fresh food and ingredients
• Osteria Due Amici, one of the best Italian restaurants in Upminster
• Masala Grill, perfect for those who love a bit of heat and who like to experience a more authentic curry night!
• Sweet Rose Cakery, the best place to head for afternoon tea in Upminster

Entertainment

Because of its plethora of outside spaces, Upminster is considered a largely outdoorsy location. A local golf club and two tennis clubs offer lessons and chances to get involved to players of all ages, while the nearby Hornchurch Sports Centre is the closest swimming pool.

Another popular entertainment option is the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch, or you can visit one of the cinemas in Romford for a more low-key night out.

Despite all of this, one of the Upminster features most commonly noted by existing homeowners and residents is the aesthetically pleasing town centre, giving way to the edge of Upminster Park with its strips of different bulbs and flowers.

What Is Property in Upminster Like?

Now to the crux of this guide – property, its availability, and whether Upminster is a good place to live.

In terms of the different property types available in Upminster, history plays an important role. Development and the building of homes didn’t really arrive in Upminster until 1902, and so many of the homes that line the roads of Upminster today are of an Edwardian and Twenties design and build.

New build homes are fairly uncommon, which means that the town is able to retain much of its charm and the proximity to space that prospective homeowners value in their property hunt.

Despite that, a selection of flats, apartments, and terraced, semi-detached, and detached properties make it possible for clients to find their next permanent home, as well as properties to rent in Upminster.

Buying or Renting in Upminster

From its excellent connections to London to the green spaces that surround Upminster’s original features and its authentic architecture, the access to different property types is rife in Upminster.

Not only does Upminster represent the best in working to live, with one foot in London and one in rural Essex, but property is also affordable – while granting homeowners the amenities that elevate their quality of life.

Should I Move to Upminster?

If you love the idea of travelling in and out of the city at will, returning to your own slice of countryside heaven at the end of the day, and being surrounded by history and diverse culture, then look no further than Upminster – and the help that Balgores can offer in finding your dream home.