Ilford offers cheap housing near London, but locals have mixed feelings about living there, citing safety concerns and community vibes.
Ilford: This town really gets people talking. Some say it’s in Essex, while others argue it’s part of London. Technically, it’s in Greater London now, but many locals still feel like Essex folks.
Ilford used to be a classic Essex town until it joined Greater London in 1965. It still has that Essex charm, but the town center feels more like London these days.
But the location isn’t the only hot topic. Residents can’t seem to agree on whether it’s a good place to live. Dilan Kurt, a social media influencer, recently checked in on Ilford after a year and a half. His findings? Not everyone is thrilled about it.
After his first video, Dilan returned for an update. The feedback from locals was pretty lukewarm. One person even said the area has its “ups and downs.”
In his first visit, Dilan didn’t hold back. He said, “Ilford is so rough, it makes Dagenham Heathway look like the safest place on earth.” He warned folks to stay alert while walking around. One local joked about how cheap houses used to be, saying they probably cost around seventy quid back in the day.
Dilan chatted with Rohan twice. Rohan had a mixed view: “Ilford has its ups and downs, but overall it’s nice. It’s home.” He added, “Everyone’s here on the good vibes. Everyone’s chillin’.”
But not everyone agrees. Another resident bluntly said, “It’s not the best place to be.” Some followers of Dilan on Instagram voiced their safety worries. One person warned, “You’re lucky you haven’t been mugged, stabbed, or shot. And I’m not even joking.”
Despite the criticisms, Ilford has some great perks. It’s super close to London, making it ideal for commuters. Plus, homes are relatively affordable for the area. Rightmove reports the average house price in Ilford is about £488,232 over the past year.