Key differences
Transport: Waltham Forest (41/100) is ahead of Hillingdon (26/100)
Liveability: Waltham Forest (64/100) is ahead of Hillingdon (53/100)
Crime rate /1k: Waltham Forest (24) is ahead of Hillingdon (32)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Waltham Forest has a stronger transport score — 41/100 vs 26/100. Prices are similar: £510k in Hillingdon vs £530k in Waltham Forest.
Hillingdon is cheaper, but Waltham Forest scores higher on transport.
Best for
Hillingdon
Hillingdon suits first-time buyers and value-focused buyers on tighter budgets.
Best for
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Hillingdon vs Waltham Forest: what the data says
Overall, Waltham Forest scores higher on liveability (53/100 vs 64/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Hillingdon is more affordable — median price £510k vs £530k in Waltham Forest, a difference of around 4%. Over the past year prices changed +6.1% in Hillingdon and +39.5% in Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest has a lower crime rate (24 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 32 in Hillingdon). 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 26/100).
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