Leytonstone and Walthamstow Area

Hi everyone,
I've been reading mixed reviews of these areas of London and wanted to see if it's really as bad as I've read in some of the "don't ever step foot there" type of reviews I've seen on other sites.  On the flipside, I've read some posts (again on other sites) that these areas are just like every other part of a large city and you just need to use common sense.

As I mentioned in other posts, DH and I are heading over in December and part of our "mission"/holiday will be to check out some areas of London that seem fairly affordable online.  I know that what a place looks like online isn't a good judge to know what it's like for real which is why I'm looking to see what anyone here has to say.

I've grown to trust your opinions and love that everyone on this forum seems to be pretty straightforward and upfront, so I have no worries about getting some honest opinions.  So, I'm curious and look forward to reading what you guys think of Leytonstone and Walthamstow.   
Cheers,
K

I brieftly lived in Wanstead which about 2 miles from Leytonstone.  I did not enjoy Leytonstone.  I didn't really feel safe there and it felt like a totally different world in Wansted and South Woodford which were just down the road.  I have some great friends who have lived in Leytonstone for a couple of years.  Although they don't complain, they are looking to buy a home elsewhere.  However, it is true.  It's not awful.  You do need to use common sense.  I just did not like it much.

My wife works in Walthamstow. I think it's fair to say that she doesn't feel safe in the area. I've been in the area and it seems to be far more rundown than nearby neighborhoods. 

I have a co-worker who has lived there for the majority of his life. He has been mugged twice in recent years, after going 30 years without any problems whatsoever. In his view, the large number of Eastern bloc immigrants are ruining the area. That's his view. Another co-worker lives in Leytonstone and doesn't seem to mind it. He is a family man and doesn't go out at night.

Even in the area we live in, my wife won't venture out alone in the dark. It's mostly about being smart and looking the part.

If you are looking in this general area, I would advise looking closer to Wanstead and further out from there. I used to walk about half a mile from Newbury Park tube station in the dark and never felt as uneasy as walking around in broad daylight in Walthamstow or Leyton.

The areas you mentioned are not awful, they're just not something I would consider. If you are away from the high street and council flats, there are some nice neighborhoods.

Thanks for the feedback.  I think we may search near Wanstead as suggested.  We're also going to check out Kennington/Oval, Wimbledon and a few other areas, but I was curious on this one as I've seen some nice flats online for a good price (now I know why  ).  We don't currently have jobs there as we won't be moving until mid-2011, so we can have our pick in checking areas out when we visit later this year to get an idea as to where we'd like to look...we're probably going to look at having to spend about 250 GBP/week on a one-two bed place.

I live in Leytonstone, and feel fine in the area, less than a mile from Wanstead. Nice Leytonstone areas would be "Upper Leytonstone" or "Bushwood area". But the other folks are right in saying that Wanstead has a different vibe. It's got a cute little "main street" (high street) - 2 underground stations (Wanstead & Snaresbrook - one on each end of the high street) - and I would agree that South Woodford seems nice as well.

Also note that Leytonstone & Leyton are completely different areas. I much prefer Leytonstone.

And my DH (sitting next to me) also agrees that he wouldn't touch Walthamstow with a barge pole and doesn't feel comfortable around there. Agree.... avoid Walthamstow.

I live in Leytonstone, and feel fine in the area, less than a mile from Wanstead. Nice Leytonstone areas would be "Upper Leytonstone" or "Bushwood area". But the other folks are right in saying that Wanstead has a different vibe. It's got a cute little "main street" (high street) - 2 underground stations (Wanstead & Snaresbrook - one on each end of the high street) - and I would agree that South Woodford seems nice as well.

Also note that Leytonstone & Leyton are completely different areas. I much prefer Leytonstone.

And my DH (sitting next to me) also agrees that he wouldn't touch Walthamstow with a barge pole and doesn't feel comfortable around there. Agree.... avoid Walthamstow.

Wow...thank you!  That definitely gives me a great idea of the area.  I knew that Leyton and Leytonstone were two different areas...just didn't know how different they were.   

Thanks again for the detail!