Stratford: Get close to the Olympic Village in Stratford

Stratford: Get close to the Olympic Village in Stratford Background

Stratford in the London borough of Newham was known in the past as Stratford Langthorne and - as with the birthplace of Shakespeare - its name derives from the old English word for street.

But Stratford is doing anything but looking back - indeed, the area has eyes which are firmly set on the future.

The 2010 London Olympic Games will take place on a site which is to be primarily located in Stratford - which is apt as it is one of the 35 major centres of the capital.

In addition to the Olympics, Stratford has been the site of much regeneration, including the construction of Stratford City - a multi-billion pound project which is set to result in a huge new shopping centre similar in size to Bluewater in Kent.

Close by will be a new-build community comprising of houses, offices and schools.

There are also plans for the new Crossrail line - which will connect Maidenhead to Heathrow Airport - to stop at Stratford Station.

For all these reasons and more, moving to Stratford could be a wise move.

Property

In comparison to much of the rest of London, property in Stratford is relatively affordable, haven fallen from a high in 2007.

However, with Land Registry figures revealing that the average property costs £210,802 in December 2009, many first-time buyers may still struggle to find a mortgage which allows them to buy a home there.

Although this is a fall from the £223,540 recorded in the December of the preceding year, with so many plans in place for the regeneration of Stratford, it could be said these prices will only go up.

Broken down, a detached property in the London borough of Newham will set buyers back £266,536, while a semi-detached home is not much less, costing an average of £231,883.

Meanwhile, a terraced house currently costs an average of £205,485, while a maisonette or flat is likely to be valued higher, at £247,273.

While such prices may be too high for the budgets of many people hoping to move to the area, they could instead opt to look for flats to rent in Stratford.

Indeed, such an option could be far more affordable than buying, with studio apartments costing an average of £498 a month, one-bedroom flats costing £854, two-bedroom places £1,157 and three-bed properties costing £1,070.

Transport

Stratford is home to a large train station, which includes a National Rail connection, along with London Overground, Underground and Docklands Light Railway services.

On the Underground, it is served by both the Central and Jubilee lines - which could make it the perfect location for workers looking for a quick and easy commute into work.

Meanwhile, such a selection of transport options could make it easy for people living in Stratford to explore the rest of London and find out more about their new home city has to offer.

Maryland railway station and Stratford International are also situated close-by, while there are also a number of bus routes running through the area.

Amenities

Stratford is situated close to Maryland, Leyton and West Ham, meaning even if tenants leave the area close to their home, they are sure to find plenty to do.

However, Stratford and the London borough of Newham as a whole has plenty to offer the people who live their.

History fans may wish to explore Stratford Langthorne Abbey, while those looking for a spot of entertainment will have plenty to occupy them at the Theatre Royal, Stratford Circus and Stratford Picture House.

And while the area already boasts a shopping centre, people may wish to find flats to rent in Stratford before the completion of Stratford City - which could be the place all their shopping dreams are met.

All this, and the promise of living in the heart of the action in time for the 2010 Olympics.

Written by Ben Carter