1 week Ago By Holly Kintuka
When it comes to hometowns, I've always felt like mine was one of the best, and it just so happens that I was correct. East London 's very own Walthamstow has been crowned the best neighbourhood in London and the 11th best in the country by The Sunday Times . Neighbourhoods were ranked against five categories - transport, broadband, mobile signal, schools and house prices .
While I can proudly say Walthamstow deserves acclaim for all of these things, there is a more important factor that makes the town so great. As a proud 'Stow' local, I can say that it is the incredible sense of community that sets the town apart. I've lived in Walthamstow for practically my entire life, and I can genuinely say that the community is at the heart of Walthamstow.
The diversity in the town is to be commended; with different races, ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, we're all one in Walthamstow. I remember the days playing in the park as a child and making a random friend you never think you're going to see again. Fast forward to today, you're still in touch - a tale that would resonate with so many people.
Everyone just seems to have the traits of that good neighbour we all love - from helping you with your heavy shopping right to the school run. It is probably the reason why, even after years and years, you will still find the same faces in the same places. What reason is there to leave? When it comes to fun things to do, Walthamstow certainly has you covered.
I couldn't even begin to name the number of garden parties, events, and celebrations that I've attended. And even better, most of them tend to be free. Some of my best memories here have been made at festivals at Lloyd Park and Bonfire nights at Chestnut Fields, right by Waltham Forest Town Hall.
Events like these really do bring everyone together. Walthamstow village, the oldest part of the town is such a special place and houses a beautiful 600-year-old medieval house, believed to be London's oldest home, which was up for rent for £2,200 a month in 2022. Today, the village has lovely little spots perfect for a coffee date, a bite to eat, or bit of shopping.
It is such a pretty area that sometimes just strolling through and having a look around is more than enough to calm the mind. The town has so much cultural significance, which, as a local, I will admit I occasionally take for granted. The local shopping centre, 17&Central, Walthamstow Central, or what most of us Stow locals would simply call 'Central', is home to one of the longest markets in Europe, stretching a kilometre of the high street.
You can find anything you need at Central, and it has certainly been my saving grace on a number of occasions. Walthamstow also has a vast number of lush green spaces. The forest surrounding the Waterworks Corner junction is probably one of my favourite hidden places.
You might struggle to find your way through, but once you have the peace and quiet, it is well worth it. Most places in London are not fortunate enough to have green spaces like this to work out or enjoy a picnic. Another one of my favourite places has to be God's Own Junkyard.
The little warehouse museum full of neon lights just draws me in every time. My friends and I visited it often during our teenage years, and I highly recommend it as a great place to capture your next Instagram photo. As with any town, there are going to be downsides.
The average house price of £581,964 is fairly high compared to other areas, not to mention significantly higher than the average prices in the UK. Walthamstow has also, unfortunately, been associated with crime in the past. However, that has improved significantly over the years, and crime rates across the whole borough last year were lower than the average.
Like many other places in the UK, Walthamstow is also held back by the seemingly never-ending cycle of roadworks and the odd tube delay. Not a day goes by without temporary traffic lights or a bit of Central Line chaos. But, other than a few gripes, Walthamstow undoubtedly lives up to its title as the best neighbourhood in London.
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