Best Places to Live in London

So where exactly are the best places to live in London

London is the biggest city in England, with a population of over 9.5 million. As it's one of the most famous cities in the world, it's important to think about what is right for your situation, and not get caught up in generalisations and stereotypes!

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Things to consider when you move to London

• Financial status
• Age
• Work/how much time and money you want to spend on your commute
• Interests and activities

What to consider for family life in the suburbs

• An active community with resources for activities, childcare or sports
• Is quieter and more family-friendly than the hustle and bustle of the city
• Is in a good catchment area for your ideal school choices
• The area is safe
• There are plenty of places for both children and adults to socialise

What to consider as a young professional seeking new opportunities and the London nightlife

• An easy commute to and from your office
• Is near to pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes
• Is close to your friends
• Within close proximity to your gym or other activities
• As with all properties, is within your budget London can undoubtedly provide you with a modern lifestyle.

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The best places to live in London: north vs south, east vs west

Despite every local Londoner's strong opinions, there is no 'best' region. It all depends on your wants, needs, and situation.

West London

This area is ideal for families that are looking for a beautiful and peaceful area. But this doesn't mean that singles or young people can't live there! It always depends on what you want and, certainly in West London's case, what you can afford. West London is known for:

• Quiet neighbourhoods
• Beautiful architecture
• Good schools
• Affluent residents
• Premium cafe culture

East London

Until a few years ago, East London wasn't known as a safe place to live. But now it has blossomed into a vibrant area with a bohemian vibe that attracts a lot of creative personalities. In East London you can find:

• Independent restaurants and boutiques
• Great nightlife
• Fashion culture
• Green spaces and parks
• Historic houses and museums
• 'Trendy' residents

South London

Once poorly connected to central, South London is now an exciting area to live. Residents of South London appreciate the balance this green region provides, as well as its stylish social scene.

South London is perfect for:

• Green spaces and parks
• Family-friendly areas
• Interesting historic districts
• A buzzing nightlife and drinking culture
• Sports facilities and local teams

North London

This area lies north of the River Thames. There is definitely a rivalry between South and North London. But as someone unfamiliar with the city, it is important for you to do your own research and trust your instincts. In North London you can find:

• A community spirit
• Family-friendly areas
• Historic buildings and areas
• Places for children and families

Central London

The last region is Central London. It is home to popular areas like Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Leicester Square. This is the area people picture when they imagine London! Central London is more famous for its nightlife than its housing. You'll find:

• National Museums
• Lush parks and gardens
• Bustling markets
• Buckingham Palace
• The Tower of London
• A lot of red buses and phone boxes

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Best Places to live in London for Families

Moving to London with your family requires a different strategy than if you were to move alone. Different things are taken into consideration, and priorities usually change.Instead of a bustling nightlife, you might now be seeking a calmer neighbourhood with good schools. We've listed the best family-friendly places for Londoners to live below.

Isle of Dogs

It's not actually an island, but this area in East London is situated right on the River Thames. In 2019, the Sunday Times named Isle of Dogs the number one spot to live in London. In the past, couples often moved out of 'The Isle' (as it is called by locals) once they had children, and this area was once dominated by young professionals. The Isle of Dogs is just a short walk to the major business district, Canary Wharf, and only 15 minutes from the city centre. Thousands of flats are being built close to Canary Wharf, and the population is expected to rise dramatically.

The average property price is £686,334 and is expected to increase as the Isle gains popularity. This is your chance to secure a new home with impressive views of the river!

Blackheath

Blackheath is a small country-like town in South East London, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham. It can even feel like you are not in London anymore, but the city centre is no more than 25 minutes away by public transport. Residents love the escape from the city life that Blackheath gives them. This 'village' consists mainly of beautiful Georgian style properties worth an average of £546,119, which is 8.7% below the London average. The average age in Blackheath is 36, making this community a nice place for both young families and young professionals.

East Finchley

East Finchley is in the London Borough of Barnet in North London. It is an established middle-class neighbourhood with excellent schools, affordable houses, and efficient public transport. East Finchley is on the Northern Line and in Zone 3 so just 25 minutes to London Bridge. While there are a number of million-pound homes, there are reasonably priced homes for first time home buyers and those with more modest budgets. There is plenty for kids to do in this area thanks to the parks, public spaces, and nearby neighbourhoods. The crime rate is also relatively low, making this a great place to raise a family.

Richmond

Famously beautiful Richmond is located right along the River Thames in South West London and is one of the most desirable suburbs in London. It is also the only borough in London situated on both sides of the river!It is also home to the largest royal park in all of London, Richmond Park, spanning 2,500 acres of grassland. The park is a national nature reserve, with herds of deer and wildlife enjoying the lush greenery. Richmond is just 8 miles from central London, making its location quite attractive to locals.In this charming borough, you can find pretty much anything you need.

There are theatres, cinemas, parks, good schools, shopping and restaurants. This affluent area is definitely on the expensive side. But if you are looking for a safe place with a beautiful architecture and a short commute to Central London, Richmond upon Thames is the place to be.

Streatham

Streatham is located in the South West London Borough of Lambeth, just 5 miles away from Central Station. Despite not always having the best reputation, millions has been spent in an effort to revamp this up-and-coming London Suburb. There is a wide variety of types of residential properties in the area, giving buyers many options to choose from.In addition to its parks, restaurants, and coffee shops, this London suburb is also home to the award-winning live music and comedy club, Hideaway. If you are a family looking for an affordable alternative to Clapham, Balham, and Brixton, Streatham might be the place for you. The average cost of a home is 13.4% below the London average making it one of the best affordable places to live in London.

Hampstead

Located in the North West of London, Hampstead is an affluent neighbourhood in the London Borough of Camden. Although it is only 4 miles from Central London, there are no tourist attractions here. As one of London's most beautiful neighbourhoods, Hampstead has a village-like feel. The average home price in Hampstead is £1,436,669, with properties even selling as high as £4,950,000. This area is actually home to more millionaires than any other area of the UK! Due to this, Hampstead is home to many posh boutiques, speciality food shops, and high-class restaurants. If you can afford it, the safe and charming neighbourhood of Hampstead definitely makes an exceptional place to live and raise a family.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace has been named the Best Place to Live in London in the 2022 Sunday Times Best Places to Live report. 'Family fun and a hint of underground culture are taking this lofty southern suburb to new heights,' say The Sunday Times. They say a 'glow' is coming back to this village-like location with its parks, period mansions, cool cafe's, indie shops, strong schools and panoramic city views. From the streets that make up Westow Triangle, to Crystal Palace FC, aka the Eagles, and the Italian-style pedestrian tunnel which is undergoing a £3.2 million restoration, Crystal Palace has earned its spot as the best place to live in London this year.

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Best Places To Live in London For Young Professionals

Notting Hill

You've almost definitely heard of Notting Hill, especially if you are a fan of romantic movies. Located in West London, Notting Hill is filled with high-end restaurants, casual cafes, and boutiques. Notting Hill is also home to the famous Portobello Road Market, one of the most famous markets in London, as well as various well-known festivals and carnivals. This affluent district offers families a safe and vibrant place to live, but it comes at a price! In Notting Hill, the average cost of a home is £2,017,749. You can see why the area is seen as one of the best places to live in west London.

Fulham

Famous for its wealth and prosperity, is located in South West London, within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. It's now one of the most expensive areas in London and offers the public several parks and outdoor spaces.It's home to a collection of high-end restaurants, bars and pubs. A stone's throw from the River Thames, you can enjoy lovely riverside walks. It is a popular place for upper-middle-class families, with the average property price being around £1,106,844.

Kensington

Kensington is an area in Central London in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Its moments from the River Thames and the famous Hyde Park. Some of the world's most well-known museums are in Kensington, such as the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. It is a safe place to live, and is home to an exceptionally stylish nightlife, making it ideal for both families and young professionals. Though settling down here is not cheap, the price is worth it to live in one of the best places to live in London.

Hammersmith

Hammersmith is a riverside district located in the West London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Here you can find cosy cafes, riverside walks, and trendy pubs, as well as offices for some of the largest companies in the city, such as Coca Cola, L'Oreal, and Disney. This makes Hammersmith an ideal place to rent for various types of people. Another upside to Hammersmith is its accessibility to Heathrow Airport and Central London via the Tube. Favourable schools and a bustling nightlife keep young families and professionals from moving.

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Herne Hill

This area is located between the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, is one of South East London's trendiest places to live. Herne Hill is located 5 miles (8 km) from Charing Cross and offers excellent transport links, making its location highly desirable. In Herne Hill, lively pubs, upbeat boutiques, and trendy galleries are coupled with peaceful residential streets, providing locals with a cultural oasis. Due to its growing popularity, property prices have recently increased, but there are still many affordable flats and homes available. Last year, the average cost to buy a flat in this area was £449,669. Terraced properties sold for an average price of £1,062,580.

Herne Hill is home to one of the best parks in London, Brockwell Park, which hosts nearly 4 million people annually. If you're looking for an affordable neighbourhood that's got it all, look no farther than Herne Hill. For those of you who are looking for safe places to live in London, without sacrificing the upbeat nature of the trendiest neighbourhoods, this chapter is for you.

Islington

The London Borough of Islington is located just north of the city centre.This North London district includes prominent areas such as Kings Cross, Archway, Finsbury, Highgate, and more. Islington offers a broad spectrum of property types, with the average 1-bedroom flat leasing for about £1,764 per month. This is an attractive borough for young professionals partly due to its abundance of start-up companies situated around Old Street, playfully named Silicon Roundabout. With 10 tube stops in the area, Islington is really well connected by the Underground, as well as bus routes that run both day and night. In addition to the thriving property market, this borough is home to an impressive culinary and nightlife scene.

Trendy restaurants, pubs, galleries, and boutiques line the streets, making Islington one of the most desirable boroughs for young professionals. One of the most up-and-coming areas of Islington is Highbury. Highbury is described by The Sunday Times as a middle-class staple‚ with a belt-loosening roster of restaurants. The average price for a 1-bedroom property in Highbury is £1,764 per month, making it lower than the London average.

Clapham

Clapham is a South West district of London, located in the London Borough of Lambeth and Wandsworth. This spirited district is one of the trendiest places in London. It's widely considered to be one of the best places to live in south west London. It borders Brixton, another desirable neighbourhood with lots of nightlife and entertainment. Clapham offers excellent transport links to and from the city centre. If you prefer to cycle, the Supercycle Highway CS7 also runs through this area, giving residents another transportation option.

Another advantage of living in this area is Clapham Common. This 220-acre triangular park includes 3 ponds, jogging paths, and is open to the public 24/7. In Clapham, the average cost of a flat is £2,262 per month. Many social professionals are already living in the area, but still existing is a community-minded and family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the best places to live in London.

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Wandsworth

The London Borough of Wandsworth is situated along the River Thames in South West London. Wandsworth has also been voted as the best place to live in London. This honour comes as no surprise due to the lovely parks, poplar restaurants, and connectivity to other parts of London. In Wandsworth, you can also find the freshwater open-air pool, Tooting Bec Lido.

Neighbouring 3 popular commons, Balham is one of the most favoured areas in Wandsworth. It is also considered to be a good neighbourhood for first time home buyers, offering slightly better value for money than nearby Battersea. It is a lively area ideal for young professionals, as it offers a safe community, as well as fantastic shopping, restaurants, and great pubs.Residents move here for the beautiful Victorian architecture and excellent transport links. Located in the heart of Wandsworth is Northcote Road, one of London's most thriving high streets with restaurants, entertainment, and shops. The average price for a 1-bedroom rental in this desirable area is about £1,856 per month.

Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green is an area in the East End of London, as part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is an ever-popular area for young professionals. The surprisingly affordable average rent for a 1-bedroom property in Bethnal Green is £1,052 per month. This is far more affordable than its neighbours, Hackney, Shoreditch, and Dalston. It's the perfect area for those looking to be near the best nightlife, as well as having easy access to central London. Although fantastic for young professionals, the area is a great option for families, as it hosts multiple schools with 'outstanding' Ofsted ratings.

Camden

Infamous Camden is located in North West London, very close to central London. Once home to Amy Winehouse, and even Charles Dickens, Camden Town has an interesting history and is notoriously favoured by the youth. The largest pub in Europe is (apparently) located in Camden, along with some of the best live music venues in London. The vibrancy of the nightlife in Camden is unbeatable! This vibrant area hosts an eclectic mix of restaurants, open-air markets, and street art. Property prices in Camden Town are among the highest in London due to its desirability and exciting atmosphere.

On average, a 1-bedroom flat will cost you around £1,600 per month. If a bustling nightlife and endless entertainment are your priorities, Camden is perfect for you. Young Londoners see Camden as one of the best places to live in North London.

Hackney

Young professionals are migrating to East London at a speedy rate, and Hackney is often first choice.North East of the city centre, in the London Borough of Hackney, just 5 miles from central London. This part of London is an incredibly alluring area for millennials as the overground efficiently connects Hackney to the rest of London. This is one of the fastest-growing areas in London due to its vibrant nightlife, trendy pop-up stores, endless museums, and creative atmosphere. The rise in popularity and high demand for rental property has already made Hackney one of the most expensive boroughs in London.

Bermondsey

A hidden gem found just moments from London Bridge located in the London Borough of Southwark. It has made The Sunday Times‚ 'Best Places to Live in London' list for 5 years in a row! Historically an industrial district, Bermondsey has flourished into an area with chic warehouse flats, great pubs and riverside restaurants. Residents are attracted to the prime location and riverside lifestyle. The Underground station is on the Jubilee Line, with just a 10-minute commute to Bond Street. The average 1-bedroom apartment rents for around £2,000 per month.

Leyton

Another East London area, though less well known, quickly growing in popularity, Leyton is home to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. As neighbouring East London areas are becoming more popular, residents are looking for a new neighbourhood to upgrade to. This area is blossoming and has everything they're looking for. It is a diverse neighbourhood with a community vibe and lots of green space. Housing prices are still in the affordable range, and buyers are taking advantage of this opportunity to expand their homes.

About Oasis Living

London is a city filled to the brim with culture, history, and excitement. Making it one of the world's most visited cities. With 2000 years‚ worth of stories that make London so unique and exotic in its own way. There are endless opportunities for visitors. From fine food to theatrical performances or strolling through Hyde Park at night. One of the best ways to find an exciting place in London is by moving into one.

Oasis Living offers a variety of homes for you to browse from which you are sure to choose something. Get ready to excite your senses and make settling down great fun. We are the experts in finding new homes for our clients. If you're looking for a fresh start. Come visit us today. Let us show you some of London's most beautiful properties. All while saving your time with an expert property search that will help match what is important to YOU.

To conclude

Moving to London is exciting, but also overwhelming due to its size, we hope this guide helps your research!