Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Waltham Forest (24) is ahead of Ealing (36)
Liveability: Waltham Forest (64/100) is ahead of Ealing (60/100)
Safety score: Waltham Forest (84/100) is ahead of Ealing (81/100)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Ealing and Waltham Forest are closely matched across the key liveability metrics. Prices are similar: £530k in Ealing vs £530k in Waltham Forest.
The areas are closely matched — the decision comes down to specific streets and personal priorities.
Best for
Ealing
Ealing suits first-time buyers and value-focused buyers on tighter budgets.
Best for
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest suits buyers drawn to the specific character and amenities of this area.
Ealing vs Waltham Forest: what the data says
Overall, Waltham Forest scores higher on liveability (60/100 vs 64/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Waltham Forest is more affordable — median price £530k vs £530k in Ealing, a difference of around 0%. Over the past year prices changed +8.9% in Ealing and +39.5% in Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest has a lower crime rate (24 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 36 in Ealing). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Waltham Forest edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 41/100 vs 40/100).
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