South London continues to be one of the most sought-after areas for renters and homeowners alike. It effortlessly blends the buzz of city life with the tranquillity of scenic green spaces. With an abundance of parks, stylish hangouts, and ever-improving transport connections to Central London, South London is a hotspot for young professionals and families.
We’ve hand-picked ten of the best places to live in South London to help you on your search for your next local neighbourhood.
Best Places to Live in South London
Clapham: An exciting hub for young professionals
Clapham has become one of the most vibrant areas for renters. There’s a whole host of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to explore, whatever your tastes, not to mention the 200+ acre Clapham Common, which is an ideal spot for some peace and quiet or to relax with friends over the summer months.
The Clapham North and Clapham Junction areas are home to a younger community; the great transport links make it easy to get into many areas of Central London. You’ll also benefit from the bustling Clapham High Street right on your doorstep and the Saturday food market on Venn Street.
Highlights:
- Transport Links: Clapham North and Clapham Junction offer quick access to Central London.
- Local Attractions: Clapham High Street, Venn Street Market, Clapham Common.
- Why Live Here: Lively social scene and excellent connectivity.
Greenwich: Central hustle with riverside views
For those looking to escape the busyness of the city, Greenwich is a leafy retreat in comparison to many of London’s more hectic areas. Yet its Zone 2 location makes for a convenient commute. It’s just an 8-minute commute from Canary Wharf and a 14-minute commute to the City via Cannon Street station.
Within Greenwich, you can expect green spaces, history, culture, a growing independent businesses scene, and a community-minded Cotswolds town vibe all wrapped up in one.
Right on the banks of the Thames, you’ll be treated to some of the prettiest views of London – yours to enjoy in a riverside bar or perhaps from your brand new apartment in Union Wharf. Greenwich Park (one of London’s biggest Royal Parks) makes for the ideal running, picnicking and dog-walking spot; or enjoy the many delights of Greenwich Market and the mix of traditional pubs and luxury foodie hangouts.
Highlights:
- Transport Links: Cannon Street station, 8 minutes to Canary Wharf.
- Local Attractions: Greenwich Park, Greenwich Market, Union Wharf.
- Why Live Here: Iconic views, cultural landmarks, and a community feel.
Brixton: A cultural bub
Despite its mixed past, Brixton has turned into one of London’s most up-and- coming areas. Over the years the area has attracted a growing artistic and musical scene and it offers one of South London’s more lively atmospheres for those wanting a vibrant nightlife.
Located along the Victoria line, you can benefit from good transport connections to Central and North London. You’ll also have plenty of trendy hangouts right on your doorstep. Choose from the endless stream of cafés, head to the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse for a culture fix, or wander the stalls at Brixton Market for some of the best food choices.
Highlights:
- Transport Links: Victoria Line for fast Central London access.
- Local Attractions: Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Market, trendy cafés.
- Why Live Here: Rich cultural scene and exciting nightlife.
Crystal Palace: Trendy yet tranquil
Welcoming a new generation of young professionals, Crystal Palace offers a nice mix of social haunts with more of a small-town feel. Simply head to ‘The Triangle’ for your choice of trendy pubs, cool cafés, and unique independent boutiques.
This hilly area is also home to Crystal Palace Park whose beautiful gardens offer a tranquil spot to unwind. Or if you’re looking to kickstart your active regime, you’ll benefit from the National Sports Centre, one of the biggest centres in London. Although a little further out, Crystal Palace offers good Overground transport links into the both Victoria and London Bridge.
Highlights:
- Transport Links: Overground services to Victoria and London Bridge.
- Local Attractions: Crystal Palace Park’s beautiful gardens and the National Sports Centre.
- Why Live Here: A balanced mix of tranquillity and social hotspots. A favorite among young professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Battersea: Leafy riverside living
For those yearning for the leafy, Thames-side locale with a short commute, Battersea could be for you. It’s just one stop into Victoria from Battersea Park station and just two into Waterloo. It also benefits from one of London's newest tube stations – Nine Elms. There are hundreds of new properties for sale popping up around the iconic power station, giving you a choice of modern developments along the riverside.
The leafy Battersea Park offers more than just a green space; there’s a regular programme of art exhibitions and festivals to enjoy. Or you can indulge your creativity at Battersea Arts Centre with its unique cultural line-up of theatre, cinema and art.
Highlights:
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Transport Links: One stop to Victoria and two to Waterloo. Also served by the new Nine Elms tube station.
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Local Attractions: Battersea Park and Battersea Arts Centre.
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Why Live Here: Modern, riverside apartments and quick city commutes, near the iconic Battersea Power Station.
Dulwich: Old-worn charm meets modern living
If you are looking further afield, Dulwich is a more rural area of South London. The old-world charm means that there are a number of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties available for renters, rather than modern apartments.
Although the area has no Tube station, you can hop on the nearby Overground trains or buses, so commuting needn’t be problematic. One of the gems of the area is Dulwich Park, which is a true oasis of calm, whether you’re picnicking or want to stretch your legs. The area’s foodie scene is on the up too, so if you’re looking for a brunch date place or a fancy restaurant, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Highlights:
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Green Spaces: Dulwich Park offers a serene escape for picnics and strolls.
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Transport Links: Well-connected by Overground and bus routes.
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Why Live here: An incredible foodie scene with excellent brunch spots and fine dining options. Plus Dulwich is peaceful, green, and perfect for families.
Peckham: Bohemian and artisitic
Often underrated, Peckham has a vibrant art scene and a cooler, relaxed vibe in comparison to some other areas. Much like Brixton, the area has grown into a bohemian hotspot with trendy haunts such as Frank’s Café and Peckamplex Cinema worth a visit.
The area benefits from a number of period-property conversions into modern apartments, as well as the pictorial Peckham Rye Park.
Peckham is well served by the Overground; you can take a train from Peckham Rye or Queens Road Peckham and be at Victoria in just 20 minutes.
Highlights:
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Transport Links: Quick Overground connections to Victoria from Peckham Rye and Queens Road Peckham.
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Local Attractions: Frank’s Café, Peckham Rye Park, and Peckamplex Cinema.
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Why Live Here: An affordable haven for creatives and trendsetters.
Wandsworth: Riverside charm with urban amenities
Boasting an abundance of modern riverside apartments alongside leafy Victorian and Edwardian houses, Wandsworth in South West London something to suit all tastes. The area is lined by high-end boutiques, stylish pubs, and independent cafés, not to mention picturesque views over the river, making it a well sought-after area by young professionals.
The area has one main Tube station: East Putney on the District Line, which is about a 25-minute walk from the centre of Wandsworth. But you’ll be able to hop on a National Rail train from Wandsworth Town for a 15-minute journey into Waterloo.
Highlights:
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Transport Links: East Putney on the District Line and Wandsworth Town’s National Rail services.
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Local Attractions: Boutique shopping, stylish pubs, and riverside dining.
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Why Live Here: A mix of modern and historic homes, with quiant restauarnts and boutique shops, which encorage the warming community appeal.
Herne Hill: Green and growing
Among South London’s most up-and-coming areas, Herne Hill has grown in popularity over the last few years. Located just south of Brixton, the area is catered for by strong transport links – so you’ll still feel close to the city and enjoy a quick 10-minute commute into Victoria.
Herne Hill also delivers a good mix of green spaces and social hangouts. Brockwell Park is the ideal spot for dog-walkers and runners. Or head next door to Brockwell Lido, one of London’s most popular outdoor pools, for a dip over the summer. And the Farmers’ Market is a great place to pick up your weekly groceries or a delicious artisanal treat.
Highlights:
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Green Spaces: Brockwell Park and its Lido are local favorites.
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Transport Links: Quick commutes into Victoria.
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Why live here: This provides calming community feel with the popular Farmers’ Market for artisanal treats. An added positive is the easy city access.
Wimbledon: Beyond Tennis
It may be associated with its famous tennis club, but Wimbledon is also a popular place to live in South London; especially for young families. The rural area has plenty to offer, tennis racquets aside. You’ll find quiet, leafy areas to unwind, as well as a host of multicultural restaurants, independent cafés, a buzzing nightlife scene and plenty of family homes.
You can expect premium property prices comparable to more central locations like Clapham and Putney, but Wimbledon charms with its residential boulevards and the sprawling 460+ hectares of Wimbledon Common. You also have a choice of two Tube lines: the District Line via Wimbledon Park or Southfields station, or the Northern Line via South Wimbledon station.
Highlights:
- Transport Links: District and Northern Lines.
- Local Attractions: Wimbledon Common, multicultural food scene.
- Why Live Here: Leafy suburbs with urban convenience. A multi-cultural food scene and buzzing nightlife.
Find Your Perfect South London Home
South London offers something for everyone, from lively cultural hubs to serene leafy retreats. If your favorite neighbourhood isn’t on this list, tweet us at @EssLiving and let us know! Still undecided? Check out our comprehensive guide to the the best places to live in London and start planning your next move today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in South London
What are the best places to live in South London?
South London is home to a variety of lively and peaceful neighbourhoods that suit different lifestyles. Some of the top places to live include:
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Clapham: Known for its vibrant nightlife and green spaces like Clapham Common.
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Greenwich: Offers riverside living, historical landmarks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
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Brixton: A cultural hotspot with a thriving arts and music scene.
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Crystal Palace: Combines a trendy vibe with tranquil surroundings.
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Battersea: Ideal for those seeking modern riverside developments and excellent transport connections.
Is South London a good area for families?
Yes, South London offers many family-friendly neighbourhoods with excellent schools, parks, and amenities. Areas like Wimbledon, Dulwich, and Wandsworth are particularly popular among families due to their leafy streets, community feel, and access to green spaces like Wimbledon Common and Dulwich Park.
Which South London neighbourhoods are best for young professionals?
Young professionals often gravitate towards areas with great nightlife, dining options, and easy commutes to Central London. Popular neighbourhoods include:
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Clapham: Lively social scene and excellent transport links.
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Brixton: Artistic and eclectic with a vibrant nightlife.
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Peckham: A bohemian hotspot with a relaxed, creative vibe.
What is the transport like in South London?
South London is well-connected by:
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Tube lines: Northern, Victoria, and District Lines serve major neighbourhoods like Clapham, Brixton, and Wimbledon.
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Overground services: Connecting areas like Crystal Palace, Peckham, and Wandsworth.
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National Rail: Fast routes into Central London from stations like Clapham Junction and Greenwich.
Are there green spaces in South London?
Absolutely! South London is known for its abundance of parks and outdoor spaces, including:
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Clapham Common: A vast park perfect for summer picnics and outdoor activities.
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Greenwich Park: Offers stunning views of London and is ideal for walks and picnics.
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Crystal Palace Park: Famous for its gardens and dinosaur sculptures.
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Brockwell Park: A favourite among runners and dog-walkers, complete with Brockwell Lido.
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Wimbledon Common: A sprawling green space for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Where can I find affordable housing in South London?
For more affordable options, consider exploring areas like:
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Peckham: Known for its artistic vibe and growing number of property conversions.
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Herne Hill: An up-and-coming neighbourhood with a mix of affordability and charm.
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Crystal Palace: Offers good value for money while maintaining a community feel.
What makes South London unique?
South London stands out for its mix of urban and rural lifestyles, with:
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A thriving cultural scene in places like Brixton and Peckham.
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Iconic landmarks such as Greenwich's Royal Observatory and Crystal Palace Park.
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An abundance of green spaces that provide a peaceful escape from city life.
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A strong sense of community in neighbourhoods like Dulwich and Herne Hill.
How can I choose the right neighbourhood in South London?
Consider your priorities:
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For nightlife and dining, Clapham or Brixton are excellent choices.
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If you prefer tranquillity and green spaces, explore Greenwich, Dulwich, or Crystal Palace.
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Families may find Wimbledon, Dulwich, or Wandsworth most suitable.
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Young professionals often enjoy the social and transport convenience of Clapham or Peckham.
If you have more questions or need help finding the perfect neighbourhood, tweet us at @EssLiving or explore our comprehensive guides to South London living!
