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Our guide to the best places to live in London

Sep 21, 2020
Best Places to Live in London

London is one of the biggest and most vibrant cities in the world. Everyone will have their own opinion of the best places to live around London – so we’ve weighed up the merits of each area. With new homes available in North, East, South and West London, our guide will help you find the right area for you.

The best places to live in North London


Home to leafy Hampstead and the creative hubs of Islington and Camden, North London has plenty to offer.


The majority of universities in London lie north of the river, which makes it a great place for culture. There’s a strong community spirit with many independent shops around the North London villages of Stoke Newington and Crouch End. It also has beautiful open green spaces like Hampstead Heath and Alexandra Palace, making it family-friendly, too.  


Mill Hill


With its village charm, excellent schools and countryside views, Mill Hill is a great area for families with children.


Hendon


Hendon boasts versatile properties, excellent transport links and a suburban feel. 


Harrow


With outstanding schools on its doorstep, this leafy suburb is perfect for children while still offering excellent transport links to London.

The best places to live in East London


East London is a hotbed for creativity, boasting a bohemian vibe and a plethora of exciting things to see and do.


Home of ‘the hipster’, this vibrant area enjoys an excellent culinary and night scene, from Shoreditch to Hackney and Stratford. It also has plenty of relaxing spaces, including the sprawling Victoria Park and the Lea Canal. These places are the perfect setting for a scenic evening walk before heading out to a fine-dining restaurant. 


Bermondsey


Just a 5-minute train journey from the heart of the city, enjoy the laidback feel of one of East London’s trendiest areas.


Canary Wharf


Originally an important trading port during WWII, Canary Wharf is one of Europe’s most thriving financial hubs today. It sits a stone’s throw from the iconic O2 Arena, One Canada Square and Jubilee Park.


Spitalfields


Spitalfields is home to one of London’s most popular markets – Old Spitalfields Market – and important historic landmarks like Christ Church. 


The best places to live in South London

Kingston Upon Thames You may have heard of the great North-South London divide. Interestingly, both sides of the river offer similar features – beautiful green space, parks and family-friendly areas. South London has a suburban feel, catering to families and older residents.


For a more youthful vibe, head to Clapham in the South West or Peckham in the South East. Whilst the London Underground doesn’t cover much of South East London, it’s well-served by National Rail and Overground train services, as well as an efficient bus network.

Kingston-upon-Thames


This family-friendly suburb is home to the beautiful Hampton Court Palace and some of the UK’s best schools. It also enjoys superb transport links to Central London.


Tooting


Make the most of one of the city’s most vibrant areas, just 6 miles southwest of Central London. Tooting is popular among locals and homebuyers thanks to its proximity to Tooting Bec Common.


Greenwich


Greenwich is one of the best places to live in South London, with beautiful Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory and the River Thames running through it.


The best places to live in West London

Chelsea West London boasts the affluent areas of Kensington and Marylebone alongside the suburban greenery of Ealing and Chiswick.


The namesake of the popular film Notting Hill is one of the best places to live in West London. Steeped in history, it’s home to the Gate Theatre and Notting Hill Arts Club. It’s also the birthplace of London’s punk rock scene and the annual Notting Hill Carnival. With Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and White City both in West London, you’ll be well-catered for shops and amenities.

Acton

With seven named stations, this quiet residential area boasts excellent transport links, with less hustle and bustle than the neighbouring Shepherd’s Bush.


Hayes


If you’re a frequent traveller, Hayes is one of the best places to live in West London, with Heathrow and Crossrail nearby. With multiple theatres and brilliant Asian cuisine, Hayes is ideal for foodies and entertainment lovers.


Chelsea


Despite being less affordable than other London areas, Chelsea is a brilliant place to call home. The Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom take place here, while Hyde Park and St James’s Park are also nearby.


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