Buckhurst Hill named one of the best places to live 2025

The town in the south of Epping Forest, Essex, is one of the top 300 places to live in the UK, according to lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos.

A commuter town that is still in Essex but "oh-so-close" to the heart of London via the Central line, Buckhurst Hill balances long walks and some "serious forest bathing" with plenty of places to eat, drink and shop.

Buckhurst Hill is on the Central line (Image: Google Maps)

The town is also close to most parts of east London, sitting on the border of Redbridge - you can reach Stratford in less than 20 minutes on the Tube and Romford is a 30-minute drive away.

READ MORE: Brentwood named as one of the UK's best places to live

One of the reasons that Buckhurst Hill made the list, according to Muddy Stilettos, was because of the town being "spoilt for choice" in terms of restaurants.

Average house prices in Buckhurst Hill are more than £700,000, according to the lifestyle website (Image: Epping Forest District Council)

The website name-dropped Turkish restaurant Soiree, country pub The Three Colts and high-end Indian Tandoor at the Chambers as some recommended eateries.

Boutique and indie stores along Queen's Road were also mentioned, including fashion store Pure, Green Owl & Cafe and florist One Six Queens.

The lifestyle blog also said there is "no need to worry" about having trouble registering for a GP, as three surgeries in the area are accepting new patients at the time of writing.

The area is known for its boutique and independent shops (Image: Google Maps) A big draw of Buckhurst Hill is its wealth of culture spots, green spaces and nearby attractions.

Muddy Stilettos mentions Copped Hall as hosting lots of events and the Electric Gallery in nearby South Woodford as the place-to-be for art fans.

READ MORE: Brick Lane restaurant Masala named London's best eatery

The lifestyle blog says: "For a start, you have Epping Forest on your literal doorstep, with 6,000+ acres to explore through an array of walks and country parks.

Epping Forest lies near to Buckhurst Hill (Image: Yve Woodhouse, City of London Corporation)

"Waltham Abbey’s Lee Valley Adventure Park is great for children, with a wide range of animals and seasonal events.

"Or, for a bargain day out, head to Epping Ongar Railway."

The best places to live list, compiled by Muddy Stilettos in association with estate agent Knight Frank, ranks locations based on their attractions, schools, transport links and green spaces to provide a comprehensive guide to any would-be buyer looking for a new home.