Loxford is a diverse suburban neighbourhood south of Ilford. Its quaint and unassuming terraced street plan has been around since the end of the 19th century. Residents love this as well as the surprising level of access to green spaces due to the proximity of Barking Park. Aside from this, Loxford is a neighbourhood that is gloriously diverse and has a large South Asian community. All of this makes Loxford a perfect and underrated spot for those who want the quiet life whilst enjoying the cosmopolitanism that makes London so great.

The area used to be the grounds of a medieval manor. Historians say that its name probably comes from reference to a ford (a shallow part of a river that you can walk across) owned by a man named Locc. A few centuries passed until the 1800s, when the cozy and affordable terraced estate plans that we know today were laid out. Sadly, the area fell into decline by the millennium, but the development of new and expensive amenities such as school and polyclinic have reinvigorated the area.

There are unfortunately a few downsides to living in the neighbourhood. Some residents argue that transport connections could be stronger, although Barking and Ilford stations are relatively close by. Additionally, there are some worries of overcrowding as the local population increases. Lastly, homes near the banks of the River Roding are considered to be at a risk of flooding.

There is a Redbridge Council-led residential development underway along Loxford Lane for whick planning was submitted in 2020. The project will provide the area with an additional 159 homes, 35% of which will be affordable, and building is scheduled to commence in winter 2023. It is predicted that the development will complete in 2025. The neighbourhood is also likely to see the effects of the introduction of the Elizabeth line at Ilford, and the developments that are happening around there such as large-scale redevelopment between the Ilford Hill Flyover and Ilford Station, known as the Ilford Western Gateway. The scheme will contribute to the wider regeneration of the outer-London town, bringing with it 1000 new homes, well-planned walking and cycle routes, new and improved green spaces, over 30,000 square foot of non-residential community space including a larger and better provisioned boxing gym, and a wholesale redevelopment of the existing Ilford gyratory. Work is scheduled to begin in Spring 2024 and bring with it almost 1500 jobs, 300 of which are predicted to be permanent.