Forum Topic

Convince me to move to Acton

Hello All,First time posting to W3 so be kind/patient :)Currently living in Grove Park in Chiswick but have added a little one to our family and are now looking to buy something a bit more spacious and Acton seems the ticket.  Been looking around Poet's Corner and South Acton.Tell me all the great things about Acton and why I should relocate!Thanks,Scott

Scott Doyle ● 4171d42 Comments

And you get to vote in a Key marginal!Who could ask for anything more?

Sara Nathan ● 4165d

We live in an ex-local authority maisonette at the end of Church Road which is due to be demolished and it looks like we will be priced out of Acton.  I have lived here for 9 years and we will be devastated to leave.  We have lovely neighbours, two parking spaces and a little garden with lots of birds and squirrels... and it's so quiet!We love the fact that we can walk to Chiswick, Gunnersbury Park, tube and overground stations all within about 10 minutes.  Equally, we end up spending a lot of time staying around Acton and visiting the variety of pubs and independent shops dotted around...I'm sure that there's everything we need here.  We find the diverse mix of people in Acton brilliant.  We get our meat from Tim English (an Aussie guy) or Limpopo (South African butcher), essentials from Mleczko (Polish shop), fruit and veg from Al Noor (Middle Eastern groceries), fresh fish from Atari-ya in West Acton (Japanese sushi shop)...you can pretty much live without Morrisons!To give a balanced view, I had my car broken in to once about 8 years ago but (touch wood) haven't had any other trouble.  As I say, we are upset that we may need to leave due to the redevelopment of South Acton.  I would move here if you can :-)

Jo Jackson ● 4167d

Felicity you are definitely one of us, I couldn't agree with you more and we seem to have the same attitude to car safety.Chiswick hig street with the lovely shopping is just 20 minute walk away from Acton if you miss the shopping.

Kim Rugg ● 4167d

Oh, for heaven's sake!! Don't listen to these nay-sayers. I lived in Chiswick for several years (Homefield Road) and got absolutely sick of our cars being broken into;  something which happened with monotonous regularity.  I moved to Acton 'temporarily' while trying to decide where to go and 11 years later we are still here.  Yes, the high street needs improvement and yes, Morrisons is not as fancy as some supermarkets but it is a very friendly area with lots of young families.  And, in those 11 years I have not had my cars broken into once, despite carelessly leaving my purse on the front seat. It is pleasant and unpretentious and the people are friendly. We know all our neighbours, who are all kind and helpful.

Felicity Georghiades ● 4167d

Not sure that's a viable option for Scott, though!

Sara Nathan ● 4169d

I grew up in London, lived for years in Ealing and Perivale, worked in Chiswick and had a restaurant in Acton for 14 years. But last year we moved to the south coast and now overlook the beach and English Channel. Wish we'd moved years ago.

David Archer ● 4170d

Hi David,I was interested to read your concerns about the problem of migrants, too many kebab shops, Acton being turned into a mini-Kabul and romanians who rip open bin bags (presumably you checked their passports).But my advice is - put down the Daily Mail and go and find a real economic migrant to talk to. My experience is they tend to be like you and I, surprisingly ordinary human beings, just trying to get by. And once you realise that - they become a lot less scary.

Richard Grange ● 4170d

Yes & I've actually seen these foxes that can be five foot tall and above with only two legs and a head dress. They looked like Romanian ones.

David Wright ● 4170d

Nice to look at though but they can get away from my hens!

Angela White ● 4170d

I'm definitely up for a bit of slagging off Acton's urban fox population: for spreading waste from bin bags, caterwauling late at night, general anti-social behaviour and communicating in a language I don't understand.Demmed pesky critters.

Sara Nathan ● 4170d

Yes, and the rats, unfortunately.  I think most people don't read communication from the Council or are too lazy to put their refuse out in the morning rather than the night before.  Common sense really.

Angela White ● 4170d

Surely it's foxes who rip open the bin bags?

Alexander Powrie ● 4170d

You too Anto.  Raining now though.  :-(

Angela White ● 4170d

As far as I can see, there's only one person here suggesting that someone shouldn't have their say...

Dan Runciman ● 4170d

if its not inciting hatred you can say what you like. Its called the law. look it up.  have a great day. good day.

Antony OBrien ● 4170d

Anto, try as you might, you can't make everyone like living in a diverse environment and to say simply they should move is also intolerant and naive.  People cannot afford to move these days.  Additionally, there should be an open debate on immigration, which isn't the same thing as racism.  I'm not saying Mr Wright (sorry, can't remember your first name without leaving this page) isn't racist but I am sure saying you are intolerant.  I've noticed it for a while now.  Please, let people have their say.  That's what makes Acton so great.

Angela White ● 4170d

try looking up the law on racial intolerance.then try looking up ironic in the dictionary

Antony OBrien ● 4170d

I looked up the definition of tolerance: toleranceˈtɒl(ə)r(ə)ns/Submitnoun1.the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.synonyms: forbearance, toleration, sufferance, liberality, open-mindedness, lack of prejudice, lack of bias, broad-mindedness, liberalism;Now, THAT, is ironic, Anto!

Angela White ● 4170d

ironic surname David. We don't want your type in Acton, now that is ironic.

Antony OBrien ● 4170d

Most of the posters have covered many points but in the last 10 years I have been woken up by wildlife and birdsong not helicopters, i will agree that 10 years ago we did hear helicopters regularly.We live in a family friendly street as are many parts of Acton.and my son has a gang of friends who play out all the time, riding their bikes, in and out of each others gardens and houses, i keep a steady supply of cordials and snacks and am forever returning wet clothes as they invariably play in the sprinkler and trampolines.I would suggest you take some talks around various parts of Acton to get a feel for it.We are indeed experiencing quite a steady flow of immigrants from W4, Notting Hill, You will probably feel quite at home. Our transport is great we have after all 7 stations with "Acton" in the name, so you can take your pick.Check it out for yourself and make up your own mind.

Kim Rugg ● 4170d

Alternative view: lots of "economic migrants" From Chiswick etc as long standing residents North Of poets corner take note of crossrail induced inflation and sell up. Which Means less diversity and more homogenous Streets. Which might be good or bad depending on your perspective.

Sara Nathan ● 4170d

Thank you all for your thoughts and candor. Sounds as though much is afoot and changing in the neighbourhood but not all welcome. I suspect there will be more 'economic migrants' priced out of Chiswick, Barnes, etc moving in and changing the character of Acton (*wink).

Scott Doyle ● 4170d

It's true - way too many immigrants coming in, mainly muslims who are slowly turning this once nice town into little Afghanistan (halal shops everywhere), not to mention the increasing amount of broken up furniture being dumped and bags of household rubbish being ripped open in search of "wearable" clothing...

David Wright ● 4171d

I'm sitting with my patio doors open, chickens in the garden, whilst listening to the birds right now....so quiet in Friars Way.......of course, it won't be this way if Friary Park/Catalyst Skyscrapers are heaped upon us. In general, I've always found Acton to be quiet in the back streets (Horn Lane noisy, ditto High Street) and Churchfield Rd is very friendly and up and coming (been saying that for 34 years!)  However, make up your own mind.....just a few posts doesn't mean a generalised view.

Angela White ● 4171d

I agree the Mill Hill conservation area is by far nicer than Churchfield Road/poets corner area , it's incredibly green , I am sat in my garden as I write this and all I can hear is birds and see is trees, lovely

Gary Sinclair ● 4171d

The Mill Hill Park Conservation area is lovely and just a 5 minute walk to Acton Town Tube so quicker commute into London. Easy to get down to Turnham Green for the restaurants there. I love Acton.

Annie Trevaskis ● 4171d

Message deleted

Alexander Powrie ● 4171d

Let's not get carried away here. Grove Park is one of the nicest areas to live in London and you are lucky to be there but if space requirements dictate you have to move then there are a lot worse places to go to than Acton.The chances are even before Crossrail you will enjoy better transport links and we are less affected by aeroplane noise. Poet's Corner is a bit over-rated in my view but there is no denying that Churchfield Road is the best shopping street in the area and Acton Park is a pleasant urban park. Also proximity to the Park Club would be a huge advantage if you were a member. Watch out for nearby development as some parts of this area might be partially blighted by planned tower blocks.South Acton isn't quite as nice but you will get much better value and the transformation of the area is incredible. Lacks shops and other amenities at this stage but that should change in time.

Alan Fairclough ● 4171d

Sorry for semi-literate posting: phone playing up.Like most places, what you'll get out of living round here depends quite largely on what you put in!

Sara Nathan ● 4171d

I wouldn't have stayed for 27 years if I hadn't liked it. It's probably better now than when we moved in - in spite of no bookshop. The community haS been very welcoming to my mum who moved in a year ago - which I appreciate. Transport is amazon and acton Central station has lovely stable staff, flower poTs and my pet bookswap. Loads going on for young families. New wine bar. Love Zahra chemist (this is a bit Random). Our street has A big lunch street party and playing out sessions monthly too. Morrisons isn't great but is convenient and inexpensive. Curzon cinema more than rumoured and more likely than chiswicks picturehouse. Lots of oThee accessible cinemas.Of course some grime & crime but no worse than London generally.

Sara Nathan ● 4171d

moved  to  south acton 10 yrs  love  it  short  walk over  the  bridge  to  chiswick or  ealing common  no  trouble  have  friend moving  from parson  green  to  south  acton just  brought  a  flat  in newton  ave  yes  churcfield  road  is  great loads  of  nice  shops  waitrose  in 2 yrs  and  starbucks  are looking  for a place  look on  homes  and  property  to  get  a update  have  a  walk around  and  see good  luck  with  ur  search

John Kennedy ● 4171d

Again, make your own mind up.  People have different views and axes to grind.

Angela White ● 4171d

I'm not sure why Peter is living in Acton - given that it appears to be a crime-ridden hell-hole crawling with economic migrants etc Perhaps a move is in order?

Richard Grange ● 4171d

Seems pretty unanimous to me. I've lived in Chiswick and Acton. I have to say I like Chiswick for some things more than Acton but am very happy with Acton's great diversity and ever improving way of life. If you live in South Acton you get close proximity to both. Poets corner is fantastic but pricey, definitely it would be my choice but you probably get a bit more value Sarf of the high st... a little. And don't worry most Actonians are not bigots or as they call themselves "un-PC"

Antony OBrien ● 4171d

I would rent a place for a couple of weeks in Acton, or B&B it if you can.  Make your own judgment.  Everyone has their own projection and values, so you're not going to get a unanimous cry from residents here!

Angela White ● 4171d

I have lived in Acton now for 20 years and love the Area for it's diverse culture and shops.Some really nice pubs as well like the George and Dragon who produce their own beer.My friend from Germany who comes over every summer loves Acton and prefers it to Chiswick as it is more earthy and intersting to her with all the different types of folk living here.Also in 20 years I have not seen any realy trouble and that count for stumbling home from Acton Town Tube Station at all hours (well that was in my younger days).So I am not sure what Acton that other chap is living in but it is not the one that I know.

Tony Crumpton ● 4171d

Hi Scott – couldn't disagree more with the first comment. I have PM’d you my experience of Acton.

Lucy Smith ● 4171d

I also completely disagree with the first response. I have moved to Alfred Road from Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire and have to say the area around Churchfield road is lovely and has a village feel to it with independent shops and cafe's. Yes Morrison's is not good, however the Morrison's in Ealing down the road is great.There will be a new Waitrose in a few years, which I think will transform the high street, and also I've heard rumors of a Curzon cinema. I have never felt unsafe here (or heard police helicopters flying overhead!)

Lucy Hewitt ● 4171d

Echoing Chris, I too have lived in a lovely roomy house in Acton for thirty years. My neighbours now have young families and the children play together. The primary school at the end of the road is excellent. The transport links are first rate. As a freelance I've worked in Croydon, Beaconsfield, and North London, as well as central London and kept my commute under an hour. Unless the system crashes of course. Crossrail is coming. Good residents Associations, award winning pubs, several good restaurants. Acton park is lovely. Bridge groups, book groups, poetry readings ,Walking groups.A cinema is coming.Too many people voted for the current Council to be sure but we are resisting their mission to pave over every blade of grass in Acton. Come join us. We are fun. And we welcome you

Maire Lowe ● 4171d

Absolutely the opposite! I've lived here since 1982, brought up 2 kids here and now work with the local residents/businesses group, the Churchfield Community Association, to try and make Acton an even nicer place to live. We have some great independent shops in Churchfield Road, some fab restaurants, the Overground is quick and easy to get to Kew gardens or Richmond, or to East London. In fact all the transport links are good. We have lovely Acton park, and community space at the new town hall, plus a lovely swimming pool. Probably loads I've forgotten - others can add.

Chris Hurley ● 4171d

The opposite of what he says.

Antony OBrien ● 4171d

Scott, I would not move from Grove Park to Acton. I have lived in the borough for well over 40 years its rapidly going downhill & swamped with economic migrants who bring a lot of associated issues with them. Then you have a council hellbent on allowing tower blocks to be built wherever the developers want them it seems. Then you have unsightly extensions being granted constantly by the council as their priority is to allow as many people as possible to live in the borough at any cost it appears!Shops are terrible not a single decent supermarket in all of Acton. Morrisons is a disaster unles you want bottled water!!Trust me Grove Park or another nice part of Chiswick would be a safer option for you & your family as Acton also has a lot of street crime & the almost constant police helicopter presence in the skies in the warmer weather tells me some serious criminals reside in the borough or use it as a hiding place.There is also an unspoken problem with extremism the gentleman murdered a few days ago in north london used to preach at the mosque in Acton as did several others who recently made the news in high profile stories it seems Acton is a place they hide in as I can think of several who made the national news with links to Acton & Ealing.So sorry to say Acton is certainly not a place to safely bring up a family nowadays. West Acton is the only place I would remotely consider buying a property but as its a highly sought after area the prices are about the same as Chiswick/North Ealing.There is a good reason the prices in Acton are not quite as much as Ealing/Chiswick some of these are above but have a walk around Acton High St for starters on a Friday afternoon around 12-1PM you will see other issues as well!Hope this helps sorry its not what you want to hear but you will not find many non PC honest answers like mine.

Peter M Jones ● 4171d