Living in Romford

Romford, a bustling suburban town located at the north-east edge of the capital, is ideally located for commuters and for those seeking the best of both urban and suburban life at a more affordable cost than in the capital. Find out what is has to offer in this Romford area guide.

Where is Romford?

Situated 12 miles east of the City of London, Romford has become a sought-after commuter town offering great transport and road links, a range of amenities and varied nightlife.

Romford has been part of Greater London since April 1, 1965, when the London Government Act 1963 led to the creation of the London Borough of Havering. This new borough absorbed the former Municipal Borough of Romford, transferring the area from Essex into the new metropolitan county.

Is Romford a nice place to live?

One of Romford’s strengths is its location. Situated within the London Borough of Havering, it benefits from good connectivity to central London while also being on the doorstep of the Essex countryside.

Due to the town’s historic nature, it is home to attractive Victoria houses. Romford appeals to several demographics, from young professionals seeking a more affordable alternative to central London, to families who want the convenience of town living while maintaining easy access to green spaces.

What is Romford famous for?

Romford is known for its historic buildings and landmarks, including the Romford Market, which has been in operation since 1247. Today, its traders continue to sell fresh produce, furniture, clothes and more across more than 100 stalls.

Another notable attraction is the Upminster Windmill, a Grade II listed building built in 1803. The Havering Museum also provides a glimpse into the local history and cultural evolution of the area.

Romford Greyhound Stadium is one of two that remain in London. An interesting fact is explorer Kenneth Gandar-Dower brought 12 cheetahs to the stadium for a race in 1937 – an experiment that ultimately failed.

Former England and Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard was also born in Romford, remaining one of the town’s most famous former residents.

Things to do in Romford

With Central London being so easily accessible, Romford’s residents are never left wanting for access to entertainment. However, the town itself also has more to offer than just connections to the capital.

Several renowned Country Parks are within easy driving distance, with parkland and protected countryside covering almost 60% of the London Borough of Havering. Some of the area’s most popular parks include:

• Hainault Forest Country Park: With guided woodland wanders, bushcraft programmes and several other family activities.
• Bedfords Park: home to red deer and a Nature Discovery Centre, as well as woodland, wildflower meadows and ponds.
• Lodge Farm Park: known for its river and miniature railway.

In Romford itself, the market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while the high street is home to a number of independent shops. The Brewery, The Liberty and Romford Shopping Mall are among its shopping centres.

The town is also home to the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre where you can have a go at ice skating. Meanwhile, the Brookside theatre is an award-winning arts venue that can hold up to 140 people. From full-scale musicals to stand-up comedy, the theatre is an integral part of the community.

What is the transport like in Romford?

Romford is on the Elizabeth Line, taking around 25 minutes to reach Liverpool Street. Trains also regularly depart from Romford station to Paddington and Shenfield.

These frequent rail links make Romford an appealing town for commuters, or those simply seeking to travel frequently either into central London or to other parts of the capital or Essex.

By road, the A12 and M25 are both easily accessible, providing easy access to nearby areas such as Suffolk and Epping.

Schools in Romford

Romford is home to several primary and secondary schools, many of which are rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

London South Bank University’s Havering campus is also situated within 20 minutes’ drive from the town centre, specialising in subjects related to the Institute of Health and Social Care. Romford’s location and position on the Elizabeth Line also provide easy access to several other higher education institutions such as Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Is Romford safe?

In the year ending September 2024, the crime rate in Havering was about the same as the average crime rate across similar areas. This is according to Office for National Statistics data.

What are the average property prices in Romford?

The cost of living in Romford is typically lower than many parts of London.

House prices in Romford have an overall average of £434,907 over the last year. The majority of properties sold in Romford during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £441,017. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £504,168, with flats fetching £250,117.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Romford over the last year were 4% up on the previous year and 3% up on the 2022 peak of £424,194.

FAQs

• Is Romford good for students?
  Romford provides access to several universities. Essex, Queen Mary and UEL are all within commutable distances, while UCL and Kings are in Central London, which can be accessed via the Elizabeth Line from Romford Station. Romford itself is also home to London South Bank University’s Havering campus, making it an ideal base for students.
• What’s the nightlife like in Romford?
  The nightlife in Romford is varied, offering something for everyone. The town is home to bars featured on The Only Way is Essex, as well as a micropub, making it a popular spot for socialising without heading all the way into London.
• Is Romford affordable?
  Romford is considered to be an affordable area compared with much of London. As of September 2025, the average property price in Romford is 34% cheaper than London as a whole.
• Is Romford a good place for first time buyers?
  Yes, Romford is often considered a good location for first-time buyers due to its affordable housing options, excellent transport links, especially with the Elizabeth Line, and a range of amenities.