Ilford: A vibrant and diverse community with something for everyone
Ilford is a large town in the London Borough of Redbridge, located just 12 miles northeast of central London. It is a vibrant and diverse community with something to offer everyone, from its lively nightlife and diverse shopping options to its cultural attractions and beautiful parks.
See the latest demographic data here.
Contents
- Diversity
- Education
- Vibrancy
- Ilford’s Family Attractions
- Safety in Ilford
- Getting Around
- Housing
- Conclusion
Diversity
- White: 37.7%
- Asian: 43.6%
- Black: 9.9%
- Mixed: 3.8%
- Other: 4.9%
The largest Asian groups in Ilford are Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi. There are also significant numbers of Sri Lankans, Nepalese, and other Asian groups. Ilford is also home to a large Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh population.
Ilford’s diversity is reflected in its many different neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. For example, the Ilford town centre is a bustling hub of activity, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars from all over the world. The nearby neighbourhood of Cranbrook is known for its large Indian community, while the neighbourhood of Goodmayes is home to a large Jewish community.
Ilford’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. It makes the borough a vibrant and exciting place to live, work, and raise a family.
Education in Ilford
Ilford has a wide range of educational institutions, from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities. The borough is home to some of the best schools in the country, including Ilford County High School, a selective grammar school for boys, and Woodford County High School, a selective grammar school for girls.
In addition to grammar schools, there are a number of excellent comprehensive schools, such as Chadwell Heath Academy and Valentines High School. There are also a number of independent schools in the borough, such as Brentwood School and Forest School.
For further education, Ilford is home to Redbridge College, a large college with a wide range of courses to choose from. The borough is also home to the University of East London, which has a campus in Ilford.
Here are some of the notable educational institutions in Ilford:
- Ilford County High School
- Woodford County High School
- Chadwell Heath Academy
- Valentines High School
- Brentwood School
- Forest School
- Redbridge College
- University of East London, Ilford campus
Ilford is also home to a number of educational support services, such as libraries, learning centres, and youth clubs. These services provide support to students of all ages and abilities.
Overall, Ilford has a strong education system with a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a primary school, a secondary school, a college, or a university, you are sure to find what you are looking for in Ilford.
Visit our centre in Seven Kings, a stone’s throw from Ilford town centre:
Vibrancy
Ilford is a vibrant and exciting place to live. The town centre has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. There is also a wide range of shopping options available, from major department stores to independent boutiques. It is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Redbridge Museum and Art Gallery, the Kenneth More Theatre, and the Hainault Forest Golf Club.
The Ilford Exchange
The Exchange Ilford is a shopping mall in Ilford, east London, England. It is the main retail shopping mall in Ilford and has over 90 retailers, including major brands such as Primark, H&M, New Look, and Boots. The mall also has a number of independent shops and restaurants.
The Exchange Ilford is located on Ilford High Road in the town centre and opened on 6 September 1991. It was originally owned by The Mall Fund, but was sold to Capital & Regional in 2017.
The mall is open seven days a week and has a number of facilities for visitors, including a car park, a food court, and a children’s play area. There is also a free Wi-Fi service available throughout the mall.
In addition to shopping, The Exchange Ilford also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as fashion shows, live music performances, and children’s activities.
Here are some of the things you can do at The Exchange Ilford:
- Shop for clothes, shoes, accessories, and homeware at a variety of high street and independent stores.
- Enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the food court.
- Take the kids to the play area or to one of the many children’s events that are held throughout the year.
- See a movie at the Vue cinema.
- Visit the NHS Health Centre.
- Use the free Wi-Fi service to stay connected.
The Exchange Ilford is a popular shopping destination for people from all over London and Essex. It is a convenient place to shop, eat, and have fun for all the family.
Other vibrant attractions in Ilford include:
- Ilford Cricket Club: One of the oldest and most successful cricket clubs in England
- London Borough of Redbridge Stadium: Home to the Leyton Orient Football Club and the London Redbridge Athletics Club
- Valentines Park: A large park with a variety of amenities, including a lake, a children’s playground, and a miniature railway
- Hainault Forest: A large woodland area with a variety of walking and cycling trails
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Ilford’s Family Attractions
Ilford has something to offer everyone, regardless of age or interests. Families will enjoy spending time at one of the borough’s many parks, such as Valentines Park or Hainault Forest. Sports fans can catch a game at the Ilford Cricket Club or the London Borough of Redbridge Stadium. And culture lovers can enjoy a performance at the Kenneth More Theatre or visit the Redbridge Museum and Art Gallery.
Other things to do include:
- Visit the Seven Kings Mosque: One of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the UK
- Visit the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Ilford: One of the largest Sikh temples in the UK
- Visit the Ilford Hindu Temple: One of the largest Hindu temples in the UK
- Visit the Central Library: A large library with a wide range of books, films, and music
- Visit the Sports Centre: A large sports centre with a variety of facilities, including a swimming pool, a gym, and a squash court
In addition to its many other attractions, it is also a great place to live for families. There are a number of excellent schools in the borough, both public and private. And there are also a number of family-friendly activities and attractions available, such as the Valentines Park Adventure Playground and the Lee Valley VeloPark.
Safety in Ilford
Ilford is a relatively safe place to live, with crime rates below the London average. According to the Metropolitan Police, the total crime rate in 2022 was 79 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares favourably to the London average crime rate of 95 per 1,000 people.
The most common type of crime is violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.2% of all crimes reported. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences is also below the London average.
Other common types of crime include theft, burglary, and criminal damage. However, the rates of all of these crimes are also below the London average.
Overall, Ilford is a safe place to live, with crime rates below the London average. However, as with any large town or city, there are certain areas that are more prone to crime than others. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
- If you are walking alone at night, stick to main roads and well-lit areas.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as markets and public transport.
- Keep your valuables safe when you are out and about. Do not leave them in your car or in plain sight.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police.
If you are concerned about safety, you can contact the Metropolitan Police for advice. You can also find more information about crime rates and safety on the Metropolitan Police website.
Other things that make Ilford a great place to live include:
- Good transport links: Ilford is well-connected to central London and other parts of the UK by train, bus, and car.
- Affordable housing: Ilford is a relatively affordable place to live, compared to other parts of London.
- Strong sense of community: Ilford is a friendly and welcoming community, with a strong sense of belonging.
If you are considering moving to Ilford, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It is a large and diverse borough, so it is important to do your research to find the right neighbourhood for you.
- It can be a busy and noisy place, so it is important to consider your lifestyle when choosing a place to live.
- It is a relatively affordable place to live, but it is important to factor in the cost of transport and other expenses.
Getting Around
Ilford is a well-connected town in east London, with a variety of transport options available to residents and visitors alike.
The main public transport hub in Ilford is Ilford railway station, which is served by Abellio Greater Anglia trains to Liverpool Street Station and Stratford International Station. Trains to Liverpool Street take around 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy way to commute into central London.
The local area is also served by a number of bus routes, which connect the town to other parts of London and Essex. The most popular bus routes include the 25, 145, and 179.
Ilford is also home to a number of taxi companies, which offer a convenient and affordable way to get around the town.
Housing
Ilford is a popular place to live, with a mix of housing types to suit all budgets and needs. The average house price in Ilford is currently £500,000, which is higher than the London average but lower than some other areas of the capital.
There are a number of new housing developments underway in Ilford, as the area continues to grow and regenerate. These developments are providing a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, helping to meet the needs of the local community.
In addition to new housing, there is also a good stock of existing housing in Ilford. This includes everything from Victorian terraced houses to modern apartments. There are also a number of sheltered housing schemes for older people.
If you are looking to rent a property in Ilford, there are a number of options available. The average rent for a one-bedroom flat is currently £1,200 per month, while the average rent for a three-bedroom house is £2,000 per month.
Overall, Ilford is a good place to live with a mix of housing types to suit all budgets and needs. The average house price is higher than the London average but lower than some other areas of the capital. There are a number of new housing developments underway in Ilford, as the area continues to grow and regenerate.
Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a place to live in Ilford:
- Budget: The average house price in Ilford is currently £500,000, but there are a range of properties available at different price points.
- Location: It is a large town with a number of different neighbourhoods. Consider which neighbourhood is best for you and your family, based on factors such as proximity to schools, shops, and transport links.
- Type of property: It has a mix of housing types, from Victorian terraced houses to modern apartments. Consider what type of property is best for you and your family.
- Amenities: It has a good range of amenities, including schools, shops, restaurants, and parks. Consider which amenities are important to you and your family.
If you are looking for a place to live in Ilford, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can search for properties online or through a local estate agent. You can also contact the Redbridge Council housing department for advice and support.
Conclusion
llford is a vibrant and diverse community with something to offer everyone. It is a relatively affordable place to live, with excellent transport links to central London and other parts of the UK. It also has a strong education system with a wide range of options to choose from.
Overall, Ilford is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It is a safe and welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging.
If you are considering moving to Ilford, I encourage you to do your research and find the right neighbourhood for you. It is a large and diverse borough, so there is sure to be a neighbourhood that is perfect for you and your family.
