It is undeniable that London is one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities.
The city has a diverse population, and young professionals and families consider it an excellent place to live.
Being a commercial hub and centre of work opportunities, it’s no surprise why many people choose to live in London.
It is a vast metropolis, making it quite a challenge to find the best places to live in London.
To help you decide better, you can choose between the four regions of London: North London, South London, East London, and West London.
Each London area has its own unique charm and many attributes to offer for every kind of preference.
Whether you are looking for greener spaces to take a break from the city, quality schools for the kids, or the hustle and bustle of city life, this article lists all possible places you can consider moving into.
It doesn’t matter whether you choose to live in the northern or southern region as London is fully equipped with one of the largest and most convenient public transport systems in the UK.
Contents
Things to Consider Before Moving to a New Neighbourhood
Budget
One of the first things to consider when finding a new place is the budget. You should be able to afford to buy or rent a property that won’t break your bank.
What is the most realistic budget for you or your family that won’t cost you most of your salary or savings?
Transportation
If you don’t have a car and you plan to use public transportation, make sure the area has several options to choose from.
London is known to have one of the best and widest public transport systems in the world. Check if the area has:
Places of Interest
After a long day at work, the best way to unwind is to visit places of interest in your neighbourhood, such as parks, music venues, museums, and shopping centres.
If you are the type who likes to relax by spending time outdoors, it is best to check the landmarks or amenities offered.
Schools and Hospitals
Does the area have educational institutions for your kids? If that is your top priority, check first if there are high schools or universities in the area.
Most neighbourhoods in London usually have local schools for every resident.
Safety
Safety is also a top priority when relocating. Check the neighbourhood’s crime rate and crime reports.
Nevertheless, whichever city or town you may be in, whether as a resident or a tourist, it’s always a must to be aware of your surroundings and follow simple safety measures.
Without further ado, here are the best places to live in London categorised according to:
- Best Places to Live in North London
- Best Places to Live in South London
- Best Places to Live in East London
- Best Places to Live in West London
Further reading for UK places.
- Check out our guide to Safest Places and Most Dangerous Areas in London before you visit London.
- If you are going to Buy A House In London, check out our detailed guide to Best Places To Buy A House In London.
- If you are looking for the most affordable places to live in London, Check out our guide to 15 Cheapest Places to Live in London (With Average Rental Price).
- You might want to take a look at the best places to live outside London. Check out our guide to the 10 best Commuter Towns to London.
- Living in London is not cheap, here is a list of the 15 Most Expensive Areas In London, which we call the richest part of London.
- Here is the guide to the Most Dangerous Cities and Safest Cities in the UK.
- Want to move to the UK, but have no idea what places to choose? Check out our guide to Best Place to Live in the UK.
Best Places to Live in North London
In summary, the top 10 best places to live in North London are:
- Archway
- Camden
- Highbury
- Highgate
- Hampstead
- Islington
- Maida Vale and Little Venice
- Muswell Hill
- Kentish Town
- Finchley
1. Archway
Archway is located in the London Borough of Islington, which is just 4.5 miles away from the City of London.
Getting into the city takes 19 minutes by car, 33 to 45 minutes by bus, or 24 minutes by London Underground‘s Northern line via Archway station.
If you like to live in a residential area but are still close to the city, Archway is a good option.
Buying a house near the Archway Station would cost an average price of £511,990, whereas the average price for flats ranges between £375,000 and £1,500,000.
There are several small parks to have a relaxing walk, such as Whittington Park and Dartmouth park hill.
Moreover, families with children have a few options for education, including the City of London Academy Highgate Hill, Central Saint Martins, Archway campus, and Duncombe Primary School.
2. Camden
Camden is a vibrant residential area filled with diverse markets and restaurants, live music and art scenes, and lots of shopping and entertainment.
It is situated in the heart of London and about 3.4 miles away from the City of London. Depending on traffic, the travel time by car ranges between 18 to 50 minutes.
However, the most recommended means of transportation to the city is by Tube via the Northern line, which typically takes only 16 minutes.
It has a plethora of parks and open spaces, including Hampstead Heath, The Regent’s Park, and Waterlow Park.
Moreover, it is teeming with art, historical, and recreational attractions such as Kenwood House, National Trust – Fenton House and Garden, Freud Museum London, Grant Museum of Zoology, The British Museum, and Charles Dickens Museum.
3. Highbury
Located in the London Borough of Islington lies Highbury, an affluent suburban area packed with upscale restaurants and trendy bars and shopping options.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy Highbury since it is home to the Highbury Fields, Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal Football Club. Getting to the City of London typically requires an 18 to 45-minute drive.
Alternatively, residents can also reach the city via bus and Tube, with an average travel time of 32 to 37 minutes.
Should you decide to buy a house here, expect the average property price to be quite expensive, with an overall housing price of more than £900,000.
Despite being a residential community, it has plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from along Blackstock Rd and Highbury Park, such as The Woodbine – Irish Pub, The Gunners, 109 Cinnamon Village Cafe, Farang London, The Sauce – Highbury, and Franks Canteen.
4. Highgate
If vast open green spaces are what you’re looking for, consider putting Highgate on your list of best places to live in London.
It gives a rural vibe with its residential area and expansive parks such as Highgate Wood, Queen’s Wood, Waterlow Park, and half of Hampstead Heath shared with Camden.
You can find historical landmarks and art centres in Highgate, including Lauderdale House, Kenwood House, Beechwood House, and Jacksons Lane Arts Centre.
Some interesting places worth visiting are Highgate Cemetery, North London Bowling Club, and Parliament Hill Viewpoint.
If education for children is a priority, you’d be pleased to know there are educational institutions available such as La Sainte Union Catholic School, William Ellis School, Highgate School, and Channing School for Girls – Senior School.
To reach the City of London from Highgate, you can drive a car for 24 minutes to an hour or ride the bus and Tube for only 35 minutes.
5. Hampstead
Hampstead is a beautiful affluent neighbourhood just next to Highgate. The distance from the City of London is 5.8 miles, and it typically takes 26 minutes to an hour to get there by car.
Alternatively, you can take the Tube at Hampstead station on the Northern line, which is about a 24 to 26-minute train ride.
If you were to purchase a house in Hampstead, you could expect an average house price of a one-bedroom property to range between £335,000 and £850,000.
It is one of the most attractive places in London, adored for its abundance of outdoor spaces, great pubs, and lovely restaurants.
Some exciting places of interest in the area are National Trust – Fenton House and Garden, The Hill Garden and Pergola, Hampstead Heath, Jack Straw’s Castle, Burgh House, and Affordable Art Fair Hampstead.
6. Islington
Located in the London Borough of Islington, Islington is one of the most desirable places to live for families and young professionals, loved for its impressive selection of restaurants and pubs, trendy clubs, local boutiques, and theatres and galleries.
Moreover, it is famous for its Victorian houses and quiet alleys amid its vibrant nightlife.
Some restaurants and pubs to check out are The Crown, Islington, The Pig and Butcher, Tofu Vegan Islington, Homeboy Bar – Islington, and Iberia Restaurant.
The area does not have expansive parks, but a few parks are available to visit, such as Barnard Park, Saint Mary’s Church Gardens, and Thornhill Square.
Islington is about 2.5 miles from the City of London or a 12 to 35-minute drive. The fastest way to reach the city is by Tube via the Northern line, which only takes 20 minutes.
7. Maida Vale and Little Venice
Maida Vale and Little Venice are areas in northwest London close to Paddington, Camden, and Notting Hill.
The area of Maida Vale is 5.4 miles from the City of London, whereas Little Venice is 4.9 miles.
Maida Vale is often called Little Venice because of its tranquil neighbourhood, colourful houseboats, and picturesque canals.
Commuting to and from the area is a breeze thanks to its multiple transportation options, including London Underground’s Bakerloo line, District Line, Central line, and Circle line.
One of the area’s unique features is the Little Venice Ferry terminal, a great place to unwind with friends and family by the canal and discover a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Gardens add a bit of green to admire nature, such as Sutherland North Garden, Formosa Garden, Crescent Garden, and Triangle Garden.
8. Muswell Hill
Muswell Hill is situated in the London Borough of Haringey, about 7 miles from the City of London.
The average housing price in this suburban district ranges from £290,000 to £530,000 for a one-bedroom property. Renting a one-bedroom flat in Muswell Hill can reach up to £1,751 per month.
Although there are no parks and green spaces in the district, residents can always visit the nearest parks, such as Highgate Wood, Queen’s Wood, and Crouch End Playing Fields.
Aside from outdoor parks, it has several interesting sites to explore, including The Common House, Everyman Muswell Hill, and Cranley Gallery.
The residential area also has several local shops to do some shopping, such as Dogs Trust Muswell Hill, Children’s Bookshop London, and Ivy Of London.
9. Kentish Town
Located in the London Borough of Camden and next to Camden Town lies Kentish Town, a residential area perfect for families with children.
Although it is a residential area, it also has several businesses, from shopping and industry stores to cafes, bars, and pubs.
The businesses you can find in the area are a supermarket Lidl, alteration service Stitch & Clean – Bespoke Tailors London, car dealer Group 1 Kentish Town BMW Servicing, and roofing supply store SIG Roofing Kentish Town Regis.
For arts and recreation, it is home to several places of interest, such as an art gallery called Zabludowicz Collection, a music venue called The Dome, and MISSION: BREAKOUT.
Transportation is not a problem since Kentish Town has several options for commuting, including London Underground’s Northern line, London Overground, and several bus lines, such as bus 46 and 214.
If school is a top priority, Kentish Town has several educational institutions to check out, such as Rhyl Primary School, Chaston Nursery, and Acland Burghley School.
10. Finchley
If you prefer a quiet residential area with a mix of old and modern architecture, Finchley should be on your top 10 list of best places to live in North London.
It is located in the London Borough of Barnet, just 8.6 miles via A1 or 10.3 miles via A41 from the City of London.
There are multiple options for commuting to the city, including Finchley Central station and West Finchley station on the Northern line, as well as buses such as bus N20 and 13.
It is home to charming Victorian and Edwardian houses and offers one of the most affordable housing prices near the city, averaging £583,376 to £759,773.
Moreover, the area is filled with multicultural shops and restaurants, such as A To Z Grocers, Jalaram Urmidhan Fruits and Veg, Italy Wines Online, and Thai Manee Spa – Finchley Central.
The only green spaces you can find in Finchley are Victoria Park and Glebelands Local Nature Reserve.
Best Places to Live in South London
In summary, the top 10 best places to live in South London are:
- Battersea
- Brixton
- Clapham Town
- Crystal Palace
- Dulwich
- Greenwich
- Herne Hill
- Peckham
- Wandsworth Town
- Wimbledon
1. Battersea
Nestled on the south bank of the River Thames lies Battersea, one of the most attractive places to live in South London.
It is known for its charming community atmosphere and several landmarks such as Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park, and The London Peace Pagoda with a panoramic view of the River Thames.
Moreover, the Battersea Power Station is a gem in the area, a historical landmark with Victorian features.
It is considered a safe environment for families with children since it is situated in the London Borough of Wandsworth, one of the safest boroughs in London.
Its several public transport options and close distance to the City of London make it an attractive location for people looking for a place to call home.
You can hop on several bus lines, such as 344, 49, 319, and 345 or catch the train via Wandsworth Town station, Clapham Junction station, Queenstown Road station, and Battersea Park station.
2. Brixton
Located in the London Borough of Lambeth in South London, Brixton is one of the most diverse and affordable areas to live in.
The average house price of a one-bedroom property ranges between £300,000 to £525,000.
Music lovers can enjoy live music in several places, including O2 Academy Brixton, Electric Brixton, and Hootananny Brixton.
Moreover, it is popular for its markets for shopping and dining, such as Brixton Village Market and Brixton Market.
Some of the best activities here are appreciating art at Studio Voltaire, relaxing at Brockwell Park, and swimming at the huge public pool at Brockwell Lido.
If you’d like to visit the City of London, just take the train via Brixton station on the Victoria line or ride bus number 35.
3. Clapham Town
In the southwestern region of London is Clapham Town, a homey suburban area popular for its large Clapham Common park for leisure and multicultural dining experience.
It has several stations for an easy commute, including Clapham High Street, Clapham North, Wandsworth Road, and Clapham Common.
The approximate travel time from Clapham Town to the City of London is 27 minutes by Tube or 18 to 45 minutes by car.
However, house prices in the area climb to an expensive range, averaging an overall house price of more than £1,000,000.
If you prefer to rent a place, you can expect to pay about £1,900 or more for a one-bedroom property.
Living in Clapham Town is a good choice if you like to be close to restaurants and bars such as The Bobbin, Megan’s Clapham Old Town, Tropix, Paradise Cove, and The Victoria.
4. Crystal Palace
The area of Crystal Palace is about 7.5 to 8.6 miles from the City of London.
Depending on the day and time of travel, it can take 26 minutes to an hour to reach the City of London by car.
If you prefer to travel by public transportation, the stations in the area are Crystal Palace station on the London Overground and Southern Railway and Gipsy Hill on Southern Railway.
Some of the most notable interesting places in the area are Crystal Palace Park, Crystal Palace Bowl, and The Secret Garden.
If you’re keen on learning about historical landmarks, Crystal Palace has plenty of them, such as The Italian Terraces, The Crystal Palace, the Crystal Palace Sphinxes, and the Crystal Palace Museum.
A unique attraction situated here is the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, where you can also find the Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park.
5. Dulwich
Dulwich is situated in the London Borough of Southwark and a few areas in the London Borough of Lambeth.
It is one of the most desirable places to live, preferred for its wide open spaces and family homes.
To get some fresh air, you can visit several parks, such as Dulwich Park, Belair Park, Peckham Rye Park & Common, and Crystal Palace Park.
Buying a property in the area has an overall average price of more than £739,000. However, one-bedroom properties are more affordable, ranging between £175,000 to £475,000.
Dulwich has several train stations available for transportation, such as West Dulwich and Sydenham Hill on the Southeastern railway, Gipsy Hill and North Dulwich on the Southern railway, and Herne Hill on Thameslink.
6. Greenwich
Greenwich is known for its maritime history and rich culture. It is one of the most beautiful places to live in southeast London, filled with tons of activities to do and places to see.
From lively markets to historic areas and trendy hang-out spots, you’ll never get tired of what Greenwich has to offer.
If you are a resident of Greenwich, you can expect to see Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Prime Meridian, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Queen’s House, and One Tree Hill Vista Point.
For recreational activities, residents benefit from several establishments, such as Greenwich Park Bandstand, Greenwich Park, and The Point.
Greenwich is connected to the other side of the River Thames via the Blackwall Tunnel bridge, making it an easy drive to the City of London.
7. Herne Hill
If you prefer a suburban atmosphere, head out to Herne Hill and enjoy a taste of the countryside with vibrant markets, local boutiques, and a selection of restaurants and charming cafes.
It is where you will find King’s College Hospital and Brockwell Park.
You can easily visit the City of London via several stations, such as Herne Hill station on the Southeastern railway, Loughborough Junction station on the Thameslink railway, and Denmark Hill station on the National Rail.
Driving a car to the city typically takes 18 to 45 minutes, whereas riding the train takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Should you decide to relocate to the area, expect the average house prices to be between £588,750 and £821,549.
You’ll be able to relish what Herne Hill has to offer, including Hootananny Brixton for nightlife, Ruskin Park for walking trails, and Herne Hill Market for farmers’ markets.
8. Peckham
Situated in the London Borough of Southwark, Peckham is a district in the southeastern region of London using the UK Postcode district number SE15.
It is one of the nicest areas to live in, popularly known for its trendy artisan cafes, lively art spaces, and village-like atmosphere.
Consider it a home for creatives for its vibrant art scene and galleries, including the South London Gallery, Theatre Peckham, and House of Dreams Museum.
The most prominent garden locals have in the area is Peckham Rye Park & Common, where you will also find the Japanese Garden, The Sexby Garden, and Tao park.
It is a perfect location for professionals working in the City of London since it is only a 29 to 35-minute commute or a 14 to 45-minute drive.
If you are to purchase a one-bedroom property in Peckham, you can expect an average house price of £225,000 to £500,000.
9. Wandsworth Town
Wandsworth Town is located in the London Borough of Wandsworth by the River Thames.
Its walking paths along the river make it an excellent place for strolls and brunch overlooking the river views.
Families are attracted to the area of its extensive parks, such as Wandsworth Park, King George’s Park, and Wandsworth Common.
It also has a shopping centre called Southside Wandsworth, where you can find almost all the fashion stores.
There are several ways to commute all around London, from riding the ferry via Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier to taking the train via Wandsworth Town station of Southwestern railway.
If you are looking to buy your first home here, the overall average house price is £636,300.
10. Wimbledon
Families are drawn to the beautiful suburban neighbourhood of Wimbledon in the southwest of London.
It is a famous area known by locals and tourists as the home of the Wimbledon Championships.
With that said, housing prices are higher compared to other London areas, averaging an overall house price of £821,346.
However, house prices can be as low as £250,000 to £575,000 for a one-bedroom property.
If you are a resident of the area, you get the perks of being surrounded by vast green spaces such as Cannizaro Park and Richmond Park.
Moreover, you can enjoy several recreational attractions, including Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf, New Wimbledon Theatre, and All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.
Best Places to Live in East London
In summary, the top 10 best places to live in East London are:
- Bethnal Green
- Canary Wharf
- Dalston
- Hackney
- Isle of Dogs
- Shoreditch
- Stoke Newington
- Stratford
- Wapping
- Walthamstow
1. Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green is found in the East End of London, so Postcodes E1 and E2 are likely to be used there.
Whether you are a young professional or a family looking for a place to relocate, Bethnal Green offers a variety of attractive sites and facilities for every preference and need.
You can explore Victoria Park, Victoria Park Chinese Pagoda, Mile End Park, and The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History.
Moreover, it has suitable museums for children like the Young V&A.
Schools are also available in the area, such as the Queen Mary University of London, which has five campuses and three libraries, and Harpley Centre for high school.
Bethnal Green is well-connected to other London areas thanks to the Bethnal Green station on the Central line.
2. Canary Wharf
If you prefer to live by the riverside, you should check out Canary Wharf.
It has a population of 68,700 and has multiple public transportation options, such as River Bus, DLR, London Bus, London Underground, and Elizabeth Line.
Moreover, the metropolitan hub has shopping centres and markets like Cabot Square, Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, and Billingsgate Market.
Art, culture, and history lovers can benefit from several museums and attractions, such as the Museum of London Docklands, Marsh Wall Street View, and the nearby Robin Hood Gardens.
The only park available in Canary Wharf is Jubilee Park, just next to the Canary Wharf station of Jubilee Line.
If you are to visit the City of London from Canary Wharf, one of the fastest transportation is via the DLR from the Canary Wharf station, which takes only 18 to 19 minutes to reach.
3. Dalston
Located in the London Borough of Hackney, Dalston is just 3.6 miles from the City of London. It usually takes 14 to 40 minutes to reach the city by car or 28 to 31 minutes by public transportation.
You can easily connect to the city with the help of several stations, including Dalston Kingsland, Haggerston, and Dalston Junction on the London Overground.
The typical range of housing prices in the area is between £687,226 and £869,371. Exploring diverse cuisines is a breeze in Dalston with the many multinational restaurants and trendy cocktail bars.
You can find several places to eat and drink along Stoke Newington Rd and Kingsland Rd, including Red Hand, House of MoMo, Mildreds Dalston, Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café, and Tonkotsu East.
4. Hackney
Next to Bethnal Green lies Hackney, a buzzing district ranked as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue.
It is situated in the London Borough of Hackney, which is considered to be London‘s most liveable borough by the Design Council.
Moreover, housing prices in Hackney are fairly affordable compared with other London areas, with an average property price of £185,000 to £1,000,000 for a one-bedroom property.
Locals can enjoy the fresh air and do sports at London Fields Lido, London Fields Basketball Court, and the nearby park at Victoria Park.
It is also home to several interesting theatres, museums, and historical landmarks, such as Fields Estate – London Fields, Hackney Empire, Hackney Museum, and the nearby The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History.
As a resident, it’s important to have everything you need for dining and shopping, and Hackney delivers all your needs with several restaurants and supermarkets available.
5. Isle of Dogs
Isle of Dogs is just opposite Canary Wharf and Greenwich, offering the same riverside experience you yearn for.
It has plenty of places of interest for every kind of resident, including Mudchute Park and Farm for nature and animal lovers, The Space for art enthusiasts, and Folly House Beach for beach bums.
Travelling to the City of London is effortless, with just one train ride via the DLR at Crossharbour station, Mudchute station, or Island Gardens station.
The beautiful Isle is just 4.5 to 6.8 miles away from the city, depending on which route you take, including A1203, A1202, and A101.
It is full of shopping centres and markets such as Tian Tian Market, Asda Isle of Dogs Superstore, and FODAL Supermarket 食全超市.
Buying a property in the Isle of Dogs will cost an overall average price of £630,082 or between £275,000 to £935,000 for a one-bedroom property.
6. Shoreditch
Situated in the East End of London, Shoreditch is an excellent area to live in, especially for young professionals and families who prefer vibrant art scenes and international cuisines.
It offers a variety of activities to do, such as playing golf on the indoor golf course of Junkyard Golf Club | Crazy Golf Shoreditch, watching live music at Village Underground, appreciating art at Autograph, and discovering graffiti at Great Eastern St.
It is one of the hippest neighbourhoods of London popular for its vibrant nightlife and a plethora of entertainment options.
Shoreditch is quite close to the City of London, just 1.9 miles away via A501 or 2.5 miles via A5201.
Whether you prefer to travel by bus or Tube via the Central line, they are both fast and convenient options to reach the city from the neighbourhood.
However, properties in the area are one of the priciest in London, averaging £748,205.
7. Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington is another area in the London Borough of Hackney, particularly in the northwest parts of the borough.
It is situated in the northeastern region of London, approximately 4.3 miles from the City of London.
Driving to the city can be the fastest option, with just an 18-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions.
However, driving can also be the longest mode of transportation since it can take up to 45 to 50 minutes to get to the city.
Nevertheless, you can always take the bus or London Overground via Stoke Newington station and commute for 36 to 42 minutes.
Some of the notable places in Stoke Newington are Clissold Park, Abney Park Cemetery Trust, Rude & Everyday Sunshine, and Aziziye Masjid مسجد Mosque.
8. Stratford
Stratford is a market town located in the London Borough of Newham. It is a famous town popularly known as William Shakespeare’s residence.
Its several child-friendly attractions draw families to resettle in the area, including Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ArcelorMittal Orbit, ABBA Arena, Discover Children’s Story Centre, and Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre.
If you are driving to the City of London, you will typically arrive in 26 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can take the bus or Tube via the Central line to reach the city in about half an hour.
Stratford offers affordable housing options that range from £130,500 to £525,000 for a one-bedroom property and £285,000 to £750,000 for a two-bedroom property.
9. Wapping
Wapping is one of the closest districts to the City of London, located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
It used to be a docking area but has been transformed today into a residential area with corporate offices.
The only station found here is the Wapping station of the London Overground, but you can also go to the nearby stations such as Shadwell station of London Overground and DLR.
The district has several must-visit recreational attractions for locals and visitors, including John Orwell Sports Centre, Tobacco Dock ships, Wapping Woods, and Wapping Docklands Market.
It is also filled with numerous restaurants and bars to try out, such as the Town of Ramsgate, Wapping Tavern, The Turk’s Head, and River View.
If you are looking for a hip cafe for brunch and a boost of coffee, check out Cinnamon Coffee Shop, Urban Baristas, and Chocolate Ice Cafe.
10. Walthamstow
Walthamstow is one of the largest towns in East London, with a population of 109,424.
It is a charming town located 8.1 miles from the City of London, which typically takes 35 to 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach.
Commuting using public transport is effortless since there are several stations all over town, including Lea Bridge, St. James Street, Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow Queen’s Road, Wood Street, Walthamstow Central, and several bus stops.
The overall average price of houses in Walthamstow is £539,147, but it can be as high as £880,000, depending on the number of bedrooms.
If you’d like to live in Walthamstow, you’d be glad to know there are lots of opportunities to be one with nature by visiting Walthamstow Wetlands, London Wildlife Trust, Lloyd Park, Hollow Pond, The Doughnut park, and Leyton Flats.
For your shopping needs, you can go to Walthamstow Market, ALDI, and Tesco Superstore.
Best Places to Live in West London
In summary, the top 10 best places to live in North London are:
- Chelsea
- Chiswick
- Ealing
- Earls Court
- Fulham
- Hammersmith
- Kensington
- Kew
- Notting Hill
- Wembley
1. Chelsea
Chelsea is a posh and sophisticated area in West London packed with high-end restaurants and shops, as well as exciting events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
This lavish area attracts many locals and tourists looking for enjoyable nightlife and beautiful places to visit.
Some popular places of interest are Fulham Road Picturehouse, Everyman Chelsea, Carlyle’s House, 4 Cheyne Walk, National Army Museum, and Saatchi Gallery.
Going to the City of London will only take about 32 to 38 minutes by bus or Tube via the District Line.
Chelsea is also close to several popular attractions, such as Kensington Palace, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Buckingham Palace.
Should you decide to live here, property prices are higher than in other London areas at a whopping average price of £2,041,990.
2. Chiswick
If you prefer to live in a suburban village-like district, you should check out Chiswick in the London Borough of Hounslow.
It is famous for its Hogarth’s House, the home of William Hogarth, and Chiswick House and Gardens, a manor house with restored gardens.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the sports facilities in Chiswick, such as Chiswick Rugby Football Club, King’s House School Sports Ground, and Gtech Community Stadium.
Chiswick is also along the River Thames, so you can have a nice walk while enjoying the river breeze.
It’s easy to commute to the City of London with just one train ride away via the District line.
Alternatively, taking the bus and South Western Railway are also good options for commuting.
3. Ealing
Ealing is a residential district in the London Borough of Ealing, situated approximately 11 miles from the City of London.
It is considered a shopping destination with its shopping hub at Ealing Broadway, filled with fashion brands and high-end restaurants.
Commuting to the City of London from Ealing is a bit longer than other areas mentioned in the article since it usually takes about 42 to 50 minutes by Tube via the Central line and District line.
There are six stations available in the district: West Ealing, Northfields, South Ealing, Ealing Broadway, North Ealing, and Ealing Common.
You can choose from several educational institutions for children and adults, such as the University of West London, Grange Primary School, and Avenue House School.
Don’t forget to check out some of its top attractions for the family, including Walpole Park, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Lammas Park, The Questors Theatre, and All Saints Church Hall.
4. Earls Court
Earls Court is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, about 6 miles from the City of London.
It is popular for its Victorian residential areas and eclectic nightlife options.
You’ll also find lovely garden squares such as Philbeach Gardens, Bramham Gardens, and Gloucester Park.
Moreover, it has beautiful hotels and hostels for travellers, including Garden View Hotel, Rushmore Hotel, and London Marriott Hotel Kensington.
You can discover several restaurants on every corner, whether you prefer French dishes from Troubadour, Italian pasta from La Pappardella London, or Spanish tapas from Cambio De Tercio.
If you decide to purchase a property, the average price of a one-bedroom property in Earls Court is between £320,000 to £1,100,000.
5. Fulham
Fulham offers a typical suburban atmosphere in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
It is an upscale residential area with several stores to buy antiques, furniture, clothing, home goods, and supplies along King’s Road.
There are several activities to do in the area, including watching sports at Stamford Bridge, walking in the park at Eel Brook Common, and discovering historical landmarks like Britannia Gate and Stamford Gate Chelsea F.C.
It is also famous for several attractions, such as Fulham Palace, Hurlingham Park, and Bishops Park.
If you are to move here, you only need to ride the London Underground, London Overground, Southern railway, and buses to get to the City of London.
The commute to the city is usually just 31 to 45 minutes.
6. Hammersmith
Bordered by Shepherd’s Bush to the north, Kensington to the east, Fulham to the south, and Chiswick to the west, Hammersmith is one the major districts for commercial businesses.
Moreover, it is a cultural hub for arts, theatre, and music, with many establishments and entertainment venues.
Some of the venues you can visit are Olympia London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Linden House, Riverside Studios, and Polish Social and Cultural Association POSK.
The district is also along the River Thames, making it a nice location to have a walk by the river.
Along the river is where you’ll also find several historical landmarks, such as Emery Walker Trust, Emery Walker Blue Plaque, and The William Morris Society.
Plus, it’s a great location to have a meal with several restaurants lined up, including The Blue Boat, Fulham Reach, The River Café, and Mari Deli & Dining.
7. Kensington
Kensington is another district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with a population of about 64,681.
It is famous for its beautiful Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace. Getting to the City of London from Kensington will only take about 24 to 32 minutes by Tube via the Circle line.
Kingston housing prices range from £300,000 to £625,000 and as high as £2,248,468.
It’s an excellent location for family-friendly landmarks, such as Holland Park, Leighton House, and Fulham Road Picturehouse.
If you enjoy museums, art, and theatre, you will be closer to The Mosaic Rooms, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum should you decide to move here.
8. Kew
The district of Kew has a population of about 11,436 and an area of 3.3 km2.
It is situated in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, approximately 10.4 to 12.5 miles from the City of London.
The travel time by car is usually 40 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes, whereas by train is a standard 44 to 46 minutes.
Kew is most popularly known for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, home to more than 40,000 living plants.
You will also explore historical landmarks in the area, including Kew Palace, Elizabeth Gate, and Richmond Lock and Weir.
Some of the local-favourite places in the district are Kew Retail Park, North Sheen Recreation Ground, and The Hive.
9. Notting Hill
Notting Hill has been a popular pop culture reference as seen in movies and tv shows.
One of its main distinctions from other London areas is its iconic pastel-coloured houses, a perfect backdrop for a picture.
It is one of the most desirable places to live, loved for its vibrant markets and lively events such as the annual Notting Hill Carnival.
There are six stations to choose from to reach the City of London from Notting Hill: Latimer Road station, Shepherd’s Bush station, Holland Park station, Notting Hill Gate station, Westbourne Park station, and Ladbroke Grove station.
Taking the train to the city will take about 34 to 38 minutes, but it can be faster to reach by car in just 28 minutes if there is no traffic.
Residents can enjoy taking a break from the city at Ladbroke Square Garden, learning about the Victorian era at the Museum of Brands, and watching theatre at The Tabernacle.
10. Wembley
To finish off the list of the best places to live in London is Wembley, a suburban area in the northwestern region of London in the London Borough of Brent.
It has a population of 102,856 and is located about 11.7 or 14.8 miles from the City of London.
Webley has one of the most diverse populations in London, with a racial demographic composition of 5.3% White, 7.0% Other White, 66.2% Asian, 13.9% Black, and the rest of the percentage other races.
You can watch football games at Wembley Stadium, play golf at Sudbury Golf Club, or relax at One Tree Hill Recreation Ground.
This suburban district is an ideal location if you need affordable houses, which range between £78,750 to £425,000 for a one-bedroom property or £127,500 to £695,000 for a two-bedroom property.
Generally, you can expect the overall property price to be £481,848.
Where Would You Like to Live in London?
Finding a new place to call your home can be a challenging task. Hopefully, this quick guide was able to explain in summary what each London area has to offer.
Bottomline, it depends on your wants and needs for yourself or your family.
Do you prefer lots of green spaces over restaurant options? Or do you need areas with more schools or affordable prices?
Based on these considerations, do you already have an idea of which areas you are considering checking out?
If you think a neighbourhood or district is missing from this list, we’d love to hear about them!
Please share your suggestions below in the comments section. For further reading, I suggest learning more about London areas through the following articles:
- 10 Best Places To Live Outside London
- 15 Most Expensive Areas In London
- Best Places to Buy a House in London
- Cheap Places to Live in London
For more information about London, you can also check out our guides on the following:
