Hornchurch
– a lively town with an eclectic mix of modern mansions, 1930s
semis and bungalows.
BACKGROUND
Although it is generally regarded as being
in Essex, Hornchurch has been part of the London borough of Havering
since 1965. It has good links with the capital and a lively centre
with its own atmosphere and a mixture of housing that creates a blend
of rural and suburban living.
The area has established itself as a haven
for professionals and commuters looking to escape the hustle and
bustle of the city. It is a stone’s throw from the much busier
Romford. Most of the housing available here is designed for families.
TRANSPORT
Hornchurch Tube station is on the District
Line, between
Elm Park and Upminster Bridge. The journey time to Tower Hill is 40
minutes, and to Barking 15 minutes. Emerson Park station on the
London Overground is half-a-mile north. Transport For London runs
several bus routes between Hornchurch, adjacent towns and the
capital.
AMENITIES
The town has three claims to fame: the
500-seat Queens Theatre, opened in 1975 by the late Sir Peter
Hall, England’s only listed skatepark (the Rom) and an ex-RAF
airfield-turned country park. With direct access to London in a
matter of minutes, Hornchurch has a thriving community with its own
cricket team, football team, music venue and military heritage.
Teaching
establishments in Hornchurch include the Raphael Independent school,
Abbs Cross Academy, the Campion School and Hornchurch High School.
There are more schools nearby in Romford and Upminster.
Several
of the larger estate agent chains have branches on either North St or
the High St in Hornchurch and they all deal with lettings.
Emerson Park
Emerson Park is a
neighbourhood north of Hornchurch which is popular with commuters
thanks to its good train and bus links to central London. The
neighbourhood is also home ot the specialist sports college, Emerson
Park academy.
The most expensive
properties in Hornchurch will be found around Emerson Park, where
some of the original 19th
century properties have been knocked down to make way for larger,
gated mansions. Majority of the houses here are detached and have
large garden plots, and a 6 bedroom house in Emerson Park would set
you back about £4,000 per month.
Elm Park
Elm Park is a more
affordable area of Hornchurch, originally developed with social
housing after World War II. It now has a tube station, shopping
centre and multiple shopping streets. Here, the former government
owned houses, most of them 3 bedrooms, cost approximately £1,500
per month.
Hornchurch central
Within the centre of
Hornchurch, close to the tube station, there is a good and varied
supply of properties to rent. One and 2 bedroom apartments are to be
found in older town-centre buildings, as well as in new-builds. A 1
bedroom flat in the High Street can be had for £800 a month,
while larger 2 bedroom apartments are available for £1,200.
