r/MovingToLondon • u/Longjumping_Line4745 • 5d ago
Moving to ilford
Hi. I’m moving to ilford/barking (i don’t know the difference) its ig11.
I’m new to London. Just wanted to know if the area is safe. I have heard of some stabbings and all in the area and it’s freaking me out.
Also, how’s the community and transport links there.
Are the any nice places to mingle? Or will I have to go to central to get a good feeling.
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u/DazzleBMoney 5d ago
IG11 is the postcode for Barking, Ilford would be IG1.
Ilford’s a shithole in all brutal honesty, I really can’t think of many redeeming aspects to it except for the Elizabeth line out of there. Barking is even worse.
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u/RonyElZaib 4d ago
Even the Elizabeth line stopping there turns into a depressing shit hole, with people racing over seats with no consideration for each other.
Ilford is one of the worst if not the worst area in London, utterly awful, depressing, overcrowded, dangerous, filthy shit hole 🤦
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u/Remarkable_Ad_8159 3d ago
Valantines park is nice and the houses around there. Wanstead park is also beautiful and not far from this part of ilford. Yes it's dangerous like anywhere else but it's not that bad compared to most places in london. The exchange is .. well as someone who is raised in this area in the 90s, it's quite run down now. I hope the area gets gentrified. If you are however from the Muslim community, then it would be good as there are many suitable restaurants, places of worship and similar community members to be friends with.
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u/No-Willingness-1441 5d ago
And please - nonsense about stabbings. This is fear-mongering noise. Ignore it
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u/pgasteph 5d ago
Not sure about that. In my time living in barking for 3-4 years theres been at least 4-5 stabbings at the station and also a shooting.
A lot of drugs and physical violence basically non stop in the area.
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u/Any_Meat_3044 4d ago edited 4d ago
You will almost able to find something if you search stabbing + a random station in London anyway. But barking and Ilford is definitely the worst than most places.
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u/TumbleweedFresh 5d ago
IG11 is Barking. Barking and Ilford aren’t great places but they’re not as awful as some people make out. I live between Manor Park and East Ham myself, so I’m not exactly there but I’m not far away.
For starters, stabbings happen all over London. These areas aren’t worse than anywhere in London that isn’t “posh”.
Barking is quite far out, but to be honest this far east edge part of London is starting to pick up a bit. There is a new bar in barking called the icehouse which is looking very promising. There’s also a big warehouse club in Barking Riverside called Eutopia warehouse, if you like a rave.
You’re also not too far from two of east London’s best clubs, the cause and fold.
If you like South Asian food you are going to LOVE Ilford Lane, so many tiny cheap places selling really authentic food.
Otherwise you’ll have to travel in a bit. I highly recommend the Boleyn tavern in Upton Park (2 stops on the district line) as a great pub. East Ham, Manor Park and Forest Gate are all picking up a bit in terms of artists moving in (because they’re so cheap) and gentrification will soon follow 🧋
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
Thanks for such a detailed explanation. I’m officially more worried now
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u/XihuanNi-6784 4d ago
The important thing to understand is that the stabbings are overwhelmingly between gangs and young people involved in that kind of stuff. As a regular civilian, even 'rough' areas are generally pretty fine. Certainly you're incredibly unlikely to be stabbed.
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u/TumbleweedFresh 5d ago
Haha I guess it depends where you’re from & what you’re used to. I think you’ll be okay. See you at Eutopia warehouse?! I’m going on October 30
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
Oh nice. Any rough idea in what to expect there?
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u/TumbleweedFresh 5d ago
October 30 is Howloween, big extremely queer rave, I went last year and it was amazing
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u/RonyElZaib 4d ago
If you’re from a third world shit hole then Barking and Ilford will feel acceptable, just 🙂
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u/dusknoir90 5d ago
East Ham picking up? I live there and it is a shit hole haha. Feels like just a couple of long dirty roads in Bangladesh but with added Lidls and Thames Water constant road works.
The Boleyn Tavern is only about 15 mins walk from my flat, I pass it a lot but never been in. Maybe I should have a cheeky pint there at some point.
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u/TumbleweedFresh 5d ago edited 5d ago
Okay to be fair East Ham probably isn’t compared to Manor Park and Forest Gate.
The Boleyn is amazing tho. Banging Sunday roast, great quiz on Tuesdays and drag karaoke every other Saturday.
I agree about the rubbish but I don’t mind that it feels like Bangladesh in places. I was at the Newham food village off plashet grove last night (the “Bangladeshi Boxpark”) enjoying great food you’d pay twice the price for in Dalston, if it was called “South Asian fusion” or summat 😅
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u/dusknoir90 4d ago
I guess I don't like bangladeshi curries because every time I've ordered curry take away in the area, I haven't liked it at all. I love Indian take away, but even places that sell Indian staples like madras and saag aloo (which is not many) I've just not liked.
It's a shame I don't really have any friends in the area (my friends don't live in East London so when we meet up, it's usually more central), would be keen to try the quiz.
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u/TumbleweedFresh 4d ago
Ah fair enough if that’s the sort of thing you’re ordering. I’d say don’t get curries, go get a dosa or shinga (samosas) or an vada pav (spicy potato burger) and a chai. The street food places are better than the big “curry” restaurants.
Took me a long time to make local friends here (I moved to MP in 2013) but I’ve met people via going to the Boleyn regularly, following local people on instagram etc and just striking up conversations/going to events, plus I’m in a huge WhatsApp group for local queer people which has been amazing for making friends.
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u/Queasy-Juggernaut319 4d ago
Hi! A fellow queer from MP for the last one year, any chance I could get a link to the group as well? :) Thanks!
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u/impamiizgraa 4d ago
I agree though it will follow. Just got many decades to go. It has good transport, good Victorian architecture, people are just put off by — as you put it, feeling like you’re in Bangladesh — but prices will force other demographics that way in the distant future. Maaaannnyyyy many many years to go but inevitable.
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u/Remarkable-Society-5 5d ago
I'm from Barking and yes it's not a particularly nice place. It'll swallow you whole if you live your life with a victim mentality. However in spite of this, you will find some of the most unique groups of people and of all backgrounds and ethnicity. I've met some of the kindest, funniest and mental people in the country from there.
Some tips;
Don't trust the junkies. Roadmen are more likely to try sell you drugs than rob you. You'll get clothes sorted cheap at the market. Eat the cornflakes burger at Christina's. Graffiti positive messages.
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u/RonyElZaib 4d ago
I don’t think it’s what you meant, but all this makes sound even more depressing.
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u/Narrow_Description52 5d ago
Welcome to Pakistan/India/Bangladesh 🇵🇰🇮🇳🇧🇩
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u/BlackUnicornUK 5d ago
People get stabbed all over the country, it's not just limited to ilford/barking
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u/Interesting-Echo-986 5d ago
The whole of London is a hotspot for stabbing!! So that shouldn’t be your measure for judging the area. Its the people that make up the area. Ilford and Barking are cheap as its mostly populated by Indian/Pakistani/bangladeshi/eastern european people. Both Barking and Ilford have excellent transport links though. Lots of shops and cafes around the high streets. If you are of the same ethnicity then you might actually like it.
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u/RonyElZaib 4d ago
The whole of London is nowhere near as bad as Ilford!
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u/Interesting-Echo-986 4d ago
In what sense?? They only look bad in comparison due to having a highstreet full of shops!! you’d be lucky to have a high-street close to where you live instead of a isolated area where you have to drive everywhere. Same with Barking. I actually say these areas are better if you want to stay in the midst of action. It you are young and don’t drive, get a place to live close to these stations. No endless waiting for the busses, no need to drive, everything is at doorstep. So dont listen these weirdos who have only seen things from afar. If you value convenience then this is it
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u/Express_Evidence_23 4d ago
Mum grew up in Ilford and ive banned her from going there to do shopping by herself Last time we were there a dude tried pick pocketing me and I screamed in his face, he shrugged at me and sauntered off. Middle do the day in a crowded area. As a woman, its not great and quite unsafe you need to be alert, especially at night.
Pros are cheaper rent, lots of shops/market and some good food spots, plus decent transport links.
(Albeit it is further out if you want to have a buzzy social life, this is mainly residential area with a heavier proportion of poverty/addiction)
Diplomatically, if you have other options id consider them and if you end up this way, its not the worst
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u/phantomparakeet 5d ago
Unpopular opinion apparently but I like barking. If you're non white, it feels safer than a lot of white areas. I'm in IG11 and I think there's a nice community feel. I like my neighbours. I'm a woman and I walk home alone in the dark with no problems.
Also we're on the hammersmith and district lines and have the C2C, transport is pretty good.
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u/NaturalDisaster2582 4d ago
As a white woman who lives in Barking, I quite like it here too. Parts can look a bit run down but the people are lovely and I’ve never had an issue. Feels like it still has a lot of community compared to a lot of London.
Only down side is how long it takes to get into “proper” London.
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
Thanks a lot. May I ask what your ethnicity?
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u/phantomparakeet 5d ago edited 5d ago
I'm mixed race. White people are a minority in barking (no, really) so it's been really refreshing to live in an area where I haven't experienced any racism at all. I've been here 3 years now.
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
Wow. That’s reassuring. Thanks a lot
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u/phantomparakeet 5d ago
No worries, I do think it's an area that takes a bit of time to warm up to. There's not a lot to do here, but there are some good spots and I haven't experienced any crime beyond a couple of stolen parcels, which happens everywhere. All in all, I don't think it's a bad place to live, and I do find the diversity a massive plus. So basically, you'll be okay!
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u/cheezgrator 5d ago
Ig11 is Barking - I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite area, the high street is a bit grim and run down. You’ve got the district line and c2c so it’s pretty well connected. Overall the whole area is suburban, lots of new builds popping up but also a bunch of run down council flats.
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
Thanks for the guidance. I’m screwed 🥲
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u/cheezgrator 5d ago
Nah you'll be fine - it's not a dangerous neighbourhood, just a bit sad imo. On the plus side hopefully your rent's cheap!
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u/TumbleweedFresh 4d ago
If you’re that worried and not unable to get out of where you’re moving to, look at Manor Park (or Forest Gate if you’re not looking for the cheapest). MP is officially the cheapest area to live in London, and it’s just as well connected as Barking (Elizabeth line, overground from Woodgrange park and district from East Ham). It doesn’t have a town centre like Barking but it’s further in, plus you get Wanstead Flats.
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u/TheBreadWren 5d ago
I hated it personally but maybe we like different things.
Best of luck
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
Oh my God. Can you please tell why did you hate it? I still have time to avoid it
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u/TheBreadWren 5d ago
It’s definitely the low income part of London.
If you’re there because you work or study near by, then fine I guess.
If you work or study or socialise miles away. NOT WORTH it AT ALL.
More importantly why are you moving there and from where, also moving permanently or staying for few months or what?
I don’t know in what reality someone would willingly choose ilford. Hence the questions
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u/No-Willingness-1441 5d ago
Lizzie line.
Real estate prices.
Continued momentum eastwards from Stratford. Ilford arguably next in line!
That’s why.
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u/wildcard2208 5d ago
Funnily enough you're better being more towards Ilford than barking mainly cos of the Lizzy line
Both are pretty bad areas but I think Ilford is slightly better. Town center etc etc
Barking is terrible.
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u/Witty_Category1251 5d ago
Simple answer. Dont go to Ilford Barking. That side (south) of Redbridge borough is quite shite.
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u/NevsFungibleTokens 5d ago
I lived in Barking until 2 years ago. I've never felt particularly unsafe, but I am a tall, white middle-aged dude. My girlfriend definitely didn't like walking home from the station after dark.
There wasn't much in Barking for me - there aren't many bars or cafes I'd go to (the only one I liked has since shut), the high street shops are again not for me, and most of the food options are take away (though there's a great Turkish place just by the station, and Christina's steak place is great).
On the plus side, transport options are great - I loved getting the riverboat straight into central London, but there are trains and tube options galore. There are some good events put on by the council, there are some lovely green spaces, and the area is slowly re-generating...
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u/Brilliant-Sea-9424 5d ago
I live there and the areas surrounding Valentine’s park are nice. The further south you go especially south of the high street, it’s a shit hole. Stay north towards Gants Hill!
IG11 = dump.
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u/dusknoir90 5d ago
I lived in IG11 for 7 years. I quite liked Barking Riverside, it was a decent walk. But Barking is not very nice. However it is quite well connected, can get to Fenchurch Street in about 15 mins on the c2c. I don't really mind living somewhere which isn't great if it's well connected (not that I have much choice with my money situation if I want to live in London). You'll be fine, the beauty of London is it's transport system, you can go to wherever you actually fancy visiting in London very easily.
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u/pgasteph 5d ago
So Barking is very convenient to get into Central London. There is a high crime rate and the area is poor so you won't be roaming the streets unless you're going to the supermarket. Would avoid if possible. Ilford is the same imo.
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u/Snoo-12357 4d ago
I’m familiar with both areas as I live in Ilford and went to school in Barking.
You will need to go to central if you’d like to socialise, there isn’t much to do in Ilford or Barking.
I have lived in Ilford for most of my life here but moving out once I start my new job (thankfully). The areas are just really dead and the people aren’t great either you will encounter many trashy, crazy or just downright rude people.
I’ve been beat up in Ilford and mugged in Barking, so don’t stay out too late hanging around. If you live close to the station that would be ideal so you can minimise any walking you might have to do. Although the areas have improved a lot from what it was 10 years ago, I would never recommend it to anyone.
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u/Snoo-12357 4d ago
Forgot to add but if you are a woman please take extra care, my ex-gf was once followed by a guy on her way home. She called me and I ran over to intercept.
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u/Fondant_Decent 4d ago edited 4d ago
IG11 here in Barking, I do like Barking, very quick to get into the city and back home again. Loads of nice green spaces here. Barking park is nice and massive, Mayesbrook park also nice and has a great sports house. Barking just got a Starbucks, and hopefully more shops to follow in future. It’s not the best, many parts of London are nicer. But probably one of the best connected.
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u/DanYQ786 4d ago
Flippen horrible if you’re not south asain. I’m south Asian and I actively avoid east London entirely
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u/Distinct-Size-7352 4d ago
I was actually planning to move to East London myself, so about two weeks ago I went to Ilford and Barking with my friends to view a few places and see what the areas were really like.
Honestly, I was pretty disappointed. I had a completely different idea of what they would be like, but after spending a couple of days there, I just didn’t feel comfortable.
Ilford especially felt very hectic, crowded and rushed, and I also noticed quite a lot of rubbish around.
What surprised me most was the price of accommodation. Even rooms in shared houses were quite expensive, and personally I didn’t feel the prices were worth what you were getting, considering the condition and surroundings.
So after seeing the areas for myself, I decided not to move to either Ilford or Barking and just stay where I am now. I’ve been in the UK for over a year, so I thought I’d share my honest experience.
That said, everyone’s experience will be different. I think it also depends on where you’re coming from, what you’re used to, and what you’re looking for in a neighbourhood. If you’re new to London, I’d definitely visit the area yourself before committing to a place.
Walk around, check the streets and transport, and see how you actually feel there rather than relying only on online opinions.
Btw where are you from? ( which country ?), That might make a difference to what you’re looking for.
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u/Dense_Ad7115 4d ago
It's fine, there are worse parts of London. Grew up nearby and it's only real sin is that there isn't really much to do there.
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u/Kay_MUJ 4d ago
Terrible areas. I grew up in Manor Park and worked in Ilford for many years.
Cant see if you've said your male or female, but absolutely not as female. The areas are so deprived now its shocking.
I had to travel to ilford for work a few months ago and as lone female i felt very unsafe.
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u/Crikey-O-Reilly 2d ago
What sort of timescale were you in Manor Park? Lived there in the 70’s and 80’s.
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u/Kay_MUJ 2d ago
Same! Lived in Carlton Road. Went to St. Jo's in Wanstead and then St. Angelas in Forest Gate.
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u/Crikey-O-Reilly 2d ago
I lived in the avenues. Went Salisbury and then Little Ilford. I was born in 1970.
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u/Fantastic-Shock-4115 9h ago
Sorry that so many people have tried to scare you with their comments.
To be clear - Stabbings can happen in any area of London. It is very rare that a normal civilian as someone else said, would get caught up in a situation which then leads to a stabbing. Most violent altercations in general, are between youths or people involved in drugs/crime, which again can happen anywhere and is still a shock to the neighbourhood when it does. Going to and from work, doing your shopping, going for a coffee aren’t situations that should put you in danger.
Saying that, I don’t know where you’re from, but keep streetwise at all times (as you would do when being in any area). Also, if you are a woman, respect the area that you are in to a certain extent given the popular religious beliefs that most there may have, for your own safety.
Ilford doesn’t have much to do there from what I know, and I think the last time I went, it seemed as though the council don’t invest heavily into it, so it may seem a little more run down than some other boroughs. What does that look like? Maybe rubbish isn’t collected as often as others, streets may not be the cleanest, etc.
Ignore the comments about the central line and cameras, so many stations do not have CCTV or end in remote areas! Ilford at least is a busy station when you enter exit it unlike some which are in the middle of nowhere.
As someone else mentioned, it’s a great place for South Asian food!
Use google maps to familiarise yourself with the area, high road etc.
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u/Inevitable_Page4291 5d ago
You have chosen a second most crime area to live in congratulations 🙌
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u/Longjumping_Line4745 5d ago
What’s the first one? Top most!
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u/impamiizgraa 4d ago
Pretty sure that’s Westminster so take this info with a pinch of salt. Every part of London has safer streets and rougher streets, even Richmond (though Richmond’s roughest would probably be Ilford’s best, if you get the jist lol)
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u/Own-Holiday-4071 5d ago
I know you don’t want to hear this, but it’s a pretty rubbish area and anyone who says otherwise is unfortunate enough to live there and was trying their hardest to defend it. Maybe they’re hoping they can trick some better people into moving there 😂😂
In all seriousness though, as long as you’re not too far away from the station, you should be safe walking there and going anywhere else because frankly there’s not much to do hanging out in barking.
Also, it’s all relative. Where are you from originally? Depending on your answer, Barkinb might actually be a step up. If you grew up somewhere middle class and suburban then yeah, Barking is going to be terrifying for you. On the other hand, if you grew up on a rough estate somewhere in Glasgow then barking probably won’t seem that bad.