Epping Forest is an extensive swathe of ancient woodland, nestling in the suburban landscape of North East London. This peaceful haven is a favourite among locals seeking to escape the fast-paced, hustle and bustle of London life. We’ve created this guide for anyone who wants to find out more about Epping Forest, including where to live nearby.
Where is Epping Forest?
Epping Forest sits on the very north-eastern edge of London, just inside the M25 and bordering the county of Essex. The Forest is a 6,000 acre stretch of historic woods and parkland, bordering popular suburban commuter neighbourhoods. The popular areas of Chingford, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell are all nearby.
The Forest is easily accessed by road, with the M11 and the M25 skirting close to the borders of the forest. The Central Line also passes close by, providing easy access from Central London.
London’s most ancient open space
Experts regard the Forest as London’s oldest open space. It dates back to the end of the last ice age, when trees first returned to the landscape. The Forest was enshrined in law by the 1878 Epping Forest Act, which entrusted the space to the City of London for its upkeep and preservation. Queen Victoria dedicated the park, “…for the enjoyment of my people forever.”
Much of the Forest has Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) status. There are 55,000 ancient trees in the space, some of which are among the oldest living plants in Europe. This makes Epping Forest a unique and diverse ecological site, with a wealth of wildlife and a crucial role in environmental protection and preservation.
Today, Epping Forest is an extremely popular landscape to explore. There are more than 284km of paths and tracks to discover, and walkers, joggers and cyclists retreat to the park in great numbers to relax and unwind. Epping Forest Heritage Trust also offer guided walks and events across the park throughout the year.
Where to live near Epping Forest
Neighbouring Epping Forest are some of North East London’s most popular neighbourhoods. Loughton is the closest town to the park, while Chingford and Buckhurst Hill also share borders with parts of the Forest. The town of Epping lies to the north of the park, across the M25 and within the county of Essex.
Property prices around the Forest tend to be significantly higher than national averages. The average price of a property in Loughton is £633,373, according to data from Zoopla. Chingford property prices come in at £542,798, while Buckhurst Hill’s average is £643,946. Further north in Epping you can expect to pay an average of £690,961.
Best new build developments near Epping Forest
So, what are the best new build developments near Epping Forest? If you’re looking to buy or rent a new build home in the area, there are numerous options surrounding this beautiful green space. Take a look below at the highest-rated new build developments in the area, according to the reviews of verified residents.
Would you like to explore property developments around Epping Forest and the surrounding area? Take a look at our area guide for North East London below. It includes details of the most popular new build developments in this part of the capital.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
