Shared Ownership in Harlow
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With excellent in-town shopping, restaurants and entertainment, there’s always something to do. And for those seeking pretty countryside and fresh air, the River Stort, with its 14-mile stretch of canal, is perfect for weekend rambles or enjoying a meal at a riverside pub.
In town there are also green spaces to enjoy, including Harlow Town Park, with its popular Pets’ Corner – a farm-zoo with traditional animals including horses, donkeys, rabbits and ducks. And the Gibberd Garden, on the town’s eastern edge, is a tranquil retreat with lush plants and art.
When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, Harlow presents a number of popular pubs and nightclubs, as well as the Harlow Playhouse – one of the leading creative venues in the East of England. More entertainment draws are found in nearby Chelmsford – and of course in the capital just to the south.
While Harlow offers a high quality of life in itself, there’s no denying the benefits of living so close to London, with its wealth of work opportunities, vast array of cultural attractions and world-famous historical sites. And with property prices considerably lower than London, residents can enjoy the plus-points of the capital, without the hefty cost.
Alongside fast rail links into London, Harlow is just 14 miles from Stansted Airport, offering low-cost flights to everywhere from the south of Spain to Istanbul – as well as major towns and cities across the UK.
In terms of academic opportunities, Harlow College offers courses ranging from automotive studies to creative digital media. And of course, with no fewer than 18 universities, London represents one of the world’s leading educational centres – and is just over half an hour away on the Stansted Express rail link.
Aside from work and learning opportunities, residents of Harlow have a wealth of possibilities for days out – whether that’s catching a show at a West London theatre, watching one of the capital’s seven top-flight football teams, or heading to the coast, where the delights of old Maldon and the sandy beaches of Southend-on-Sea await.
Harlow Playhouse offers a wonderful array of musicals, live bands, magic, dance, comedy and circus shows. It’s a family-friendly establishment with something for all tastes, and even has regular pay-what-you-can events, underlining its position as a community hub with a truly inclusive approach.
With horses, donkeys, goats, rabbits and ducks – plus a number of more exotic beasts – Pets’ Corner is the place to go for some animal therapy. This free-to-enter farm is sure to delight children and adults alike, with plenty of space for the kids to run about in between saying hello to the friendly animals.
This popular community museum showcases Harlow from prehistory to the creation of the New Town – built to house those whose homes were destroyed in the Blitz. A range of informative, interactive exhibits are available to be enjoyed, including a Roman gallery with armour, boots and weapons. There’s an excellent collection of old bicycles, and kids will love the trail (mapped in a free booklet). And on a sunny day, the peaceful Walled Garden is worth a visit in itself.
Whether or not you’re a fan of ‘the dogs’, a day out at Harlow Greyhound Stadium is sure to delight. This family-friendly venue offers regular meal deals and is inexpensive to enter. It’s also free to enjoy on Wednesday and Friday mornings – making it a real winner.
Residents of Harlow have many primary schools and academies to choose from, including the top-rated St Mark's West Essex Catholic School and the well-rated, science-oriented Stewards Academy.
Both London and Stansted Airport are just half an hour away on the Stansted Express, meaning travel to the continent or further afield couldn't be easier. Motorists benefit from quick access to the M11 heading north to Cambridge (and south to London), and the A414 going east to Chelmsford and west to Hertford.
Key to Harlow's healthcare are the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Broomfield Hospital, both run by the NHS. A range of specialist medical institutions - both NHS and private - are found in nearby London. The town has the usual provision of NHS GP surgeries, plus some private clinics including Nuffield and The Doctor’s Room.