Buckhurst Hill, recognised by The Sunday Times as one of Britain’s finest places to live in 2023, offers a fascinating juxtaposition.
Situated in Essex’s Epping Forest district, this town blends stylish boutiques with village serenity, all accessible via a Central line journey from London.
Featuring period properties and cobbled pathways, the main street, Queens Road, radiates character through its independent retailers, hairdressers, and beauty parlours.
Despite considerable buzz around its numerous coffee shops, visitors come across a more laid back, quieter vibe, with fewer restaurants than you might think.
During MyLondon’s visit, the streets were very quiet and many shops were empty, giving the area somewhat of a “ghost town” atmosphere.
But do locals value this peaceful environment?
We chatted with residents to discover what life is truly like in Buckhurst Hill.
Bridget Faid said: “I love that it’s quiet, because there’s a low crime rate and it just feels homely. Everyone knows each other, which makes it a really nice area to live in.”
Sharing this view was Alana Vallance, who picked the town for raising her children.
She said: “It’s peaceful, and the High Street has a real village essence; everyone says hello to each other! It’s perfect for my little one to grow up here.”
Steven McCann, who moved to the area with his wife to start a family, cannot commend enough everything that’s available for his child. He said: “My wife’s family lives nearby, and we have Epping Forest right down the road. There’s also a nature reserve, so when my son starts nursery, there’s several options for him.”
Long-time local Stephanie Boyle also appreciates the proximity to the forest.
She said: “I have a dog, so I know all the dog walkers that go to Epping Forest, which is just so close! I love our tight little community.”
Yet she has observed changes to the High Street over time, saying: “There are still local shops, but now it’s mostly estate agencies, nail bars, and coffee shops. We used to have more variety, like pet shops and butchers.”
Meanwhile, Gill Southall, a resident since the 1950s, acknowledged this transformation while highlighting other positives about the neighbourhood.
She said: “Living here is great because of the transport connections, but the shops are fairly average. It’s all about trends now – doing your nails, eyelashes – that’s not really my generation. But I still enjoy living here, otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed all this time.”
Ultimately, while Buckhurst Hill may be renowned for its boutiques and trendy shops, it is the area’s peaceful, village-style character that locals treasure most. With a strong community spirit and convenient access to both central London and countryside, it’s no surprise that so many are proud to call it home.
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