Ilford, United Kingdom

Capital City

With a population of 168,168, Ilford is a bustling East London town that's grown rapidly in recent decades. The area's strategic location on major transport links has fueled its expansion, but also brings a persistent bureaucratic headache. Historically a rural hamlet, Ilford is now one of England's most diverse towns, with over 30,000 Hindu, Muslim and Sikh residents. While the affordable housing and proximity to central London hold appeal, the town's reliance on the aging Central line and North Circular road can make getting around a challenge. Ilford may work best for those seeking an urban, multicultural community on a budget, but not the faint of heart.