Living in Walthamstow - A Guide for 2024
Welcome to Walthamstow – a delightful blend of bustling urban life and serene natural beauty tucked away in the heart of London. For those contemplating living in Walthamstow, there's much more to this area than meets the eye. Home to the longest outdoor street market in Europe, Walthamstow Market is a delightful maze of stalls, offering everything from exotic international herbs and spices to fabulous thrift finds to spruce up your wardrobe. It truly is one of London's best-kept secrets, providing a treasure trove of unique items and experiences for residents and visitors alike.
But Walthamstow isn’t just about shopping. It boasts impeccable transport links, ensuring you’re always well-connected to the bustling heart of the capital and beyond. Yet, despite its urban credentials, Walthamstow manages to keep a tranquil charm. With its expansive nature reserve and abundant green spaces, you're never far from a peaceful retreat to escape the city's hustle and bustle.
Whether you're a seasoned Londoner or someone new to the city, living in Walthamstow offers the perfect blend of urban excitement and pastoral peace. Welcome to your next potential home.
Transport
One of the undeniable perks of living in Walthamstow is its exceptional transport connectivity, ensuring residents can effortlessly traverse the capital and its surrounding regions.
Tube: Walthamstow Central sits proudly on the Victoria Line, offering swift and direct access to Central London. Within just 20 minutes, you can find yourself in the heart of the West End, making it a breeze for both work commutes and leisurely days out.
Overground Services: Beyond the tube, the London Overground serves the area through Walthamstow Queen's Road and Wood Street stations. This service efficiently connects locals to various parts of North and East London.
Buses: Walthamstow is well-served by a myriad of bus routes, ensuring every corner of this vibrant locality is accessible. Whether you're venturing to neighbouring areas or making a short trip within Walthamstow, there's likely a convenient bus route ready to take you there.
Cycling: With the increase in sustainable transport options, Walthamstow has seen a surge in cycle-friendly pathways. There are several dedicated cycle lanes and quiet routes, making it safer and more enjoyable for those who prefer to pedal their way around.
Things to do
Besides the wealth of incredible tap rooms that make up the Walthamstow beer mile, there's a plethora of alternatives to get your teeth into. We’ve pulled together some of our favourites below:
Yard Sale Pizza
Looking for a pizza experience that's a cut above the usual London fare? Yard Sale Pizza in Walthamstow is your answer! Nestled within a stunning old glass factory, this establishment doesn't just serve up tantalising pizzas, but also a slice of history. As Yard Sale Pizza's largest shop to date, the space is as impressive as the slices they craft. A delightful blend of industrial charm and modern culinary flair, it offers something refreshingly different.
For meat lovers, we recommend the New Porker, and if you’re less inclined to eat meat, they have you covered with the Mr Lava Lava. Though it’s a hard choice with their impressive menu.
Big Penny Social
Seeking a lively hub in Walthamstow where food, drink, and entertainment meld seamlessly? Step right into Big Penny Social! This venue has quickly become the go-to spot for both locals and visitors keen to soak in the area's vibrant atmosphere. What sets it apart? Their bustling calendar of regular events. From the 'Big Penny Beer Fest' that showcases a range of independent breweries, spirits and cocktails from London's distilleries and live music, to 'The Penny Drop' every Saturday – an event that never fails to pull in the crowds.
It’s a taste of something different, combining a pub, social space, art gallery and town square, ready for the local community to come together and enjoy. Sitting just off Blackhorse lane, you can’t miss this staple of Walthamstow.
Yasars Kitchen
A family-run restaurant established in 1976, Yasar’s Kitchen serves authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, from traditional kebabs and seafood to modernized vegetarian appetizers. The restaurant proudly prepares healthy and flavoursome food in a laidback atmosphere with friendly staff. Whether you’re in the mood for hot mezes or a family feast with a wide selection of grilled meats and sides, Yasar’s Kitchen has something for everyone.
Walthamstow village - a wander round an eclectic mix of shops
In the middle of Walthamstow lies a charming pocket of serenity and vibrancy – Walthamstow Village. An eclectic blend of shops, traditional pubs, and cosy cafes, it's the ideal destination for those leisurely Sunday strolls. Each corner of the village tells a story, offering both locals and visitors a chance to unwind, shop, and indulge in delightful bites and brews.
God’s own junkyard
Take a look at God’s Own Junkyard – also known as Neon Wonderland. Late owner, Chris Bracey, or “Neon Man,” created hundreds of neon signs, eventually producing props for Hollywood greats like Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan. The sign shop is an art exhibit in and of itself, with a variety of former film props, retro signs, and disco balls on display.
Walthamstow Nature Reserve:
Walthamstow Nature Reserve is a green haven perfect for a quick get away from the noise of the city. Spanning wetlands to woodlands, it's a sanctuary for diverse bird species, butterflies, and local wildlife. Visitors can explore its pathways, which cater to leisurely strolls and immersive nature experiences. Beyond being a recreational space, the reserve is a hub for conservation, with frequent educational workshops, guided walks, and volunteer-driven sustainability initiatives. Accessible and informatively signposted, it offers a countryside essence amidst the urban bustle.
If you’re considering a move to Walthamstow, you can view all of the fantastic properties we have available in the local area here.
If Walthamstow isn't the neighbourhood for you, we operate across the whole of London and can help you find your dream home, wherever it is that you want to live. All of our listings are available on our website, and you can use our convenient listing filters to find properties suited to your needs, whether you’re looking to rent with a pet or outdoor space is an absolute must-have. Alternatively, you can give us a call - just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll get busy looking for you!