This urban area in the Borough of Newham, should definitely be on the radar of young families, as the area’s great schools and attractive house prices make moving east really worthwhile. One of the most untouched markets in the capital, house prices are starting to rise, due to its location on the fringes of the city, the proximity to Stratford amenities, and the presence of some excellent schools. This means buying in the area offers a brilliant investment opportunity for young families, and you get a lot of space for your money if renting in the area.
Plaistow was heavily bombed during the Blitz and had to be rebuilt, so you’ll find plenty of 60s and 70s developments here. The area is very residential, dominated by two and three-bedroom Victorian terraces, and a large number of housing estates. The true East End of London, Plaistow has one of the most diverse communities in London. Now that the 2012 Olympics are over, attention is shifting away from Stratford to its less well-known neighbour, and regeneration isn’t far off. The Peabody housing association has redeveloped the site of the former Plaistow Hospital, offering a number of shared-ownership and affordable homes.
Fulfilling your lifestyle aspirations
There are plenty of places in Plaistow to eat and drink. If you pop into The Black Lion, a popular local pub, and one of the oldest landmarks in the area, you just might run into a West Ham player – although perhaps not directly before match day! Another popular bar is Arch1, which hosts excellent comedy and live music nights. There are also lots of fantastic Indian restaurants in the area.
Start the weekend with a proper breakfast at popular local spot Casey’s Diner, then perhaps walk over to Upton Park, the old West Ham football ground. Check out Queen’s Market, a proper East End treasure where you can purchase an impressive range of fruit, veg, meat and fish. Your walk might then take you along the Greenway walking and cycling route, to Stratford and the new Olympic Park.
Barking Road offers good basic shopping facilities and Green Street caters largely to ethnic communities, whilst Westfield Stratford is within very easy reach for high street retailers . There are a number of nearby recreation grounds including Plaistow Park which is great for outdoor running, whilst the Balaam Leisure Centre on Balaam Street houses a large gym, pool and dance studio.
Getting around
Plaistow, in Zone 3, is very well connected, with two stations, Plaistow and Upton Park, on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines, which can get you to the City in less than 20 minutes. The recent arrival of the Jubilee Line has further improved Plaistow transport links. Buses servicing the area include the 69, 241, 262, 325 and 473.
Families will love
For a family day out, you can’t beat Newham City Farm. Opened in 1977, it is one of London’s largest and oldest city farms, housing both farmyard favourites and more unusual animals, including alpacas and birds of prey.
There are lots of excellent schools in Plaistow including Plaistow Primary, Kaizen Primary, and Curwen Primary. In terms of secondary schools, there is St Bonaventure’s RC School and School 21 in Stratford. To discover properties within the catchment area, contact Franklyn James, sales and letting agents Plaistow.
