What Is It Like to Live in Barking and Dagenham?

Tucked away in East London, Barking and Dagenham is set to evolve into one of the most exciting boroughs in the capital.

Thanks to a mix of affordable housing and quick access to central London, Barking and Dagenham are quickly growing in popularity  as a great choice for those looking to buy their first home or relocate.

Whether you’re interested in living in Barking for its excellent transport links or living in Dagenham for its cheap affordability, you’ll have a front row seat to growing job opportunities, and an evolving local culture.

In this article, we explore both the benefits and drawbacks of living in Barking and Dagenham, dive into the lifestyle, transport, and education, and provide you with a complete picture of what you can expect when buying a home in Barking and Dagenham. Let’s jump in.

Exploring the History and Heritage of Barking and Dagenham

The history of Barking and Dagenham is steeped in both industry and culture.

Founded in the 7th century by Saint Ethelburga, Barking Abbey became one of England’s most influential nunneries. Although the abbey was dissolved in 1539, its ruins remain a historic focal point surrounded by the peaceful Abbey Green.

From historical power to industrial prestige, Dagenham was also once home to the famous Ford Motor Company factory, and was a hub for British manufacturing.

While the history demonstrates an industrial past, today Barking and Dagenham are calling in exciting changes, with the council pushing forward exciting regeneration projects. From cultural landmarks to new and contemporary developments in Barking Riverside, now is an exciting time to explore the opportunities that Barking and Dagenham has to offer.

What Are the Main Benefits and Drawbacks of Living in Barking and Dagenham?

If you’re thinking about living in Barking and Dagenham, then you’re probably asking: “What are the pros and cons?”.  That’s why we’ve created a short list to highlight the most notable benefits and drawbacks that you need to consider.

The Benefits

There are 3 primary attractions to Barking and Dagenham, including:

• Affordability
• Transport Links
• Community and Culture

Compared to other London boroughs, the average house prices in Barking and Dagenham are much more reasonable, making the cost of living much more affordable altogether. These affordability benefits make it a fantastic choice for both first-time buyers or families who are looking for an affordable home with close links to the centre of London.

And on that note, the borough boasts excellent public transport links. With Barking Station offering both Underground and National Rail services, you can be in central London in under 30 minutes. An ideal scenario for those who are looking to commute into work or for those who love easy access to the capital’s cultural and leisure offerings.

Finally, the sense of community is something that echoes through the streets of Barking and Dagenham. With many close-knit areas that offer a mix of local businesses, green spaces, and cultural events.

Drawbacks

As with any urban area, there are 3 main drawbacks that you should consider when thinking about living in Barking and Dagenham, including:

• Overcrowding
• Crime Rates
• Regeneration Projects

With great transport links to central London, overcrowding – particularly during peak travel hours at Barking Station – can be a big drawback. Additionally, the District Line and C2C Rail services can get quite crowded during rush hour, and delays are not uncommon. Efforts to improve the infrastructure are ongoing.

For families, it is particularly important to note that some areas of Dagenham have higher-than-average crime rates. While there are ongoing improvements, this could be a red flag for those who are looking for a quieter lifestyle.

Finally, it is important to note that some parts of Dagenham and Barking are still in the process of development. While there are regeneration projects both in place and in planning, there are areas that are still waiting for significant improvements in terms of amenities and services.

How Expensive Is It to Live in Barking and Dagenham?

As one of London’s more affordable boroughs, Barking and Dagenham stands out for its relatively low property prices.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average property price in Barking in 2025 is around £363,000 – a considerably lower amount than other London boroughs, and significantly lower than the more affluent areas close to central London.

The relatively cheap affordability of houses makes Barking and Dagenham an appealing option for first-time buyers looking for more ‘bang for their buck’.

For those interested in property investment, it is also key to note that the latest data from the ONS shows that house prices in the borough have been steadily increasing, thanks to ongoing regeneration projects and improved transport links.

As such, if you’re thinking about buying a house in Barking and Dagenham, now could be an ideal time. With ongoing development and investment in the area, property values are expected to keep climbing, making it a smart investment for the future.

What Is There to Do in Barking and Dagenham?

Perhaps one of the most important questions: “What activities are available in Barking and Dagenham?”

While the borough might not have the same ‘hustle and bustle’ as central London, there’s plenty of activities for both families and young adults.

For those looking for a perfect weekend stroll, Barking Park offers a spacious greenery fit for purpose and features a beautiful lake, children’s playgrounds, and plenty of open space for picnics or outdoor sports.

For those who are more interested in history, the Barking Abbey Ruins is a must to explore, learn all about the remnants of a 12th-century abbey.

For entertainment, the Barking Broadway Theatre pays particular attention to host a wide variety of performances, from drama to local talent shows. There’s also an increasing number of art galleries and cultural initiatives that reflect the borough’s diverse community.

Convenient Shopping and Dining in Barking and Dagenham

An important feature of Barking and Dagenham is the transport links to central London. In the context of shopping and luxuries, it might be best to venture into the capital’s centre to have access to a whole array of shops and restaurants.

With that being said, Barking and Dagenham still offers a wide range of high-street retailers and convenience stores. Home to both Barking Shopping Mall and Barking Shopping Centre, you can find independent shops and markets for whatever you require. Additionally, there is a surge of new cafés, international restaurants, and pubs, all offering different food options and tastes.

Schools and Education Opportunities

For families looking to live in Barking and Dagenham, education is a crucial factor.

Thankfully, the borough offers a range of schools, including several Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ schools in Barking. For younger children, you’ll find plenty of local primary schools that provide great education and extracurricular opportunities.

If you have teenagers, Barking Abbey School and Eastbury Community School are both well-regarded for their academic achievements. Nearby colleges such as Barking & Dagenham College provide excellent options for post-16 education, ensuring a smooth transition to adulthood for young residents.

Is Barking and Dagenham a Safe Place to Live?

A natural and very important question for anyone looking to live or move into the borough of Barking and Dagenham is to ask: “Is Barking and Dagenham safe?”.

As we’ve already noted above in the drawbacks section, the crime rates do unfortunately resemble an above-average statics, and while safety will vary by area, it is important to note that the borough has seen improvements in recent years.

Local authorities and the community are working hard to tackle crime, and safety is an important focus of ongoing regeneration efforts. It is important to complete your own research on the specific neighbourhoods you are considering, but overall, many residents will vouch that Barking and Dagenham is a secure and welcoming place to live.

Future Growth of Barking and Dagenham

Looking to the future is hugely important when thinking about buying a house or moving to a new area in order to plant your roots for a fresh start.

Thankfully, Barking and Dagenham are predicted to experience significant growth. With numerous regeneration projects already in progress and more planned for the future, this area is rapidly transforming into a highly sought-after location for buyers and renters alike.

The ambitious Barking Riverside development is a prime example. This project will deliver thousands of new homes, new retail spaces, and a revamped transport infrastructure, including a new Overground station. This growth is set to enhance the area’s appeal even further and could see property prices rise over the next decade.

Additionally, there are ongoing plans to improve schools, parks, and community facilities, making the borough an even more attractive place to live.

Get In Touch with a Mortgage Broker

Buying or moving is a big decision and can take a lot of time and consideration. But if you’re considering purchasing a home then the next step is to understand your financing options – luckily, we’re here to help you.

As a fee-free mortgage broker, Boon Brokers can help you find the best mortgage deals to suit your needs. Whether you’re buying your first home or remortgaging, we can offer expert advice and support throughout the process.

Contact Boon Brokers today for a no-obligation consultation, and speak to one of our dedicated mortgage advisers to start your journey of homeownership and make your dream move become a reality.