What are the best places to live in London? The correct answer will depend on a number of different factors the biggest being your personal wants and needs.
Below, we’ve grouped the best places to live into three main categories:
- Best places to live for young professionals (jump to section)
- Best places to live for families (jump to section)
- Best places to live for students (jump to section)
One of the benefits of choosing to move to London is that you have a host of areas to choose from, each with its own culture, atmosphere and amenities.
We’ll walk you through some of the absolute best places to live in London based on your key needs – keeping in mind things like nightlife, parks, shops, schools, rental costs and more.
Exploring the Different London Neighbourhoods
Something that makes London the most unique city in the UK is its amalgamation of different neighbourhoods, all acting like small villages within one large bustling metropolis.
Whether you’re looking for greenery on your doorstep or want to be in the thick of vibrant city living, there is an area in London that will perfectly suit your style.
As we move through the three main groups we’ll highlight the perfect neighbourhoods for each, giving you a taste of what you can expect from your potential home.
Before you dive in, think about what you want most from your new home. Is it important for you to be near a park or is it essential that you have easy access to your nearest tube station?
Getting clear about what you need from your location will make it even easier to identify the best places for you to live in London.
Best Places in London for Young Professionals & Graduates
The very best places to live in London for young professionals and graduates include areas that are filled with nightlife, indie shops, delicious restaurants and easy transport links.
Filled to the brim with culture and vibrancy, our top picks for this group focus on giving you the best that work-life balance has to offer.
North
Angel
Packed with cute antique stores, lively markets and plenty of mainstream shops tucked away in Angel Central shopping centre. Angel always has something happening with theatres and clubs consistently offering the very best entertainment.
Transport links:
Angel tube station sits on the London Underground’s Northern Line giving you direct access to places such as:
- Battersea
- Leicester Square
- Euston
- Camden
- Hampstead
As well as the easy to access tube station, you also have a number of buses and night buses available to help you get around the city no matter what time of the day.
There is also a decent cycling infrastructure within Angel meaning you can use designated cycle lanes as well as us lanes to cycle easily to and from central London.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £643pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £625,281
Parks and green spaces:
Angel doesn’t have a huge range of parks and green spaces within the area. However, you will find small pockets of green not far from the tube station. Just a short way down the road into Islington you’ll find larger parks and gardens to enjoy.
Culture:
Angel and nearby Islington are great places for both high-street and independent shops, with all essential supermarkets and drugstores on your doorstep. There are also plenty of amazing bars and restaurants to choose from such as the Japanese restaurant ‘Hot Stone, Angel, Islington’ which offers both dine-in and takeaway options. Japanese cuisine is definitely a favourite in this part of the city and you’ll find plenty of places to get your favourite Japanese dishes, snacks and even delicious teas.
With lots of small and medium theatres and venues, Angel is the place to be to see your favourite indie bands, comedians and artists.
East
Bethnal Green
Right next to the famous area of Whitechapel and the beauty of Victoria Park, Bethnal Green is the perfect place for young professionals looking for a calm and relaxing part of the city to call home.
Transport links:
Jump on the tube at Bethnal Green station which puts you straight onto the central line, or head to Mile End, which connects you to the Central, District and Hammersmith lines. There is also Stepney Green tube station which also allows you to jump onto the District and Hammersmith lines.
There are lots of overground stations including Bethnal Green station, Whitechapel and Cambridge Heath, that will help you make your way around the city. Plus with regular bus routes, you’ll always have a way to get to where you need to be.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £595pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £509,937
Make sure to check out our Bethnal Green location, Dressage Court to see what we can offer in the area.
Parks and green spaces:
Bethnal Green has the privilege of being neighbours with one of London’s most beloved outdoor spaces, Victoria Park. As well as Bethnal Green Gardens and Mile End Park, you’ll have plenty of open green spaces to enjoy when you need to disconnect and unwind.
Culture:
This area of London is home to predominantly young professionals looking for the ideal work-life balance. This is why you’ll find plenty of fitness centres, quaint cafes and cosy bars to enjoy in your downtime. Plus, you can also enjoy a visit to the vibrant Columbia Road flower market which takes place every Sunday from 8am until 2pm.
South
Peckham
Peckham offers the best of both worlds with lots of trendy bars, restaurants and cafes to keep you busy in your downtime, but also offering a quiet space away from the main hustle of the city.
Most widely recognised as the home of Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, Peckham has come a long way over the years and is now known as one of the most vibrant areas in South London.
Transport links:
Move in and out of Peckham using the Peckham Rye overground train station or the Queens Road Peckham station. Both offer easy access directly into central London and beyond.
Plus, you can grab a number of buses from Peckham Park Road that will take you anywhere in South London.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £417pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £416,853
Parks and green spaces:
Peckham is a predominantly residential area but it does host a number of small parks and gardens that can all offer some breathing space. In the heart of the area, you’ll find Peckham Rye Park & Common which is Peckham’s largest park and contains a large open space to enjoy reconnecting with nature.
Culture:
For those that love to grab a drink after work, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Peckham has lots of cafes and bars that offer the perfect place for getting together with friends and colleagues. Peckham is the home of the traditional pub and you’ll never be worried about finding your favourite local with a tavern on every corner.
West
Shepherd’s Bush
A multi-cultural business hub, Shepherd’s Bush is filled with fellow young professionals who work within the many offices in the area. With bars and pubs and the live entertainment hosted by the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire theatre, it is one of the more affordable places to live in West London.
Transport links:
The small neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush has excellent links across the city with plenty of tube stations connecting you to the Central, Circle, and Hammersmith lines. Plus you’ll have access to the overground and train stations which allow you to easily travel into central London and further afield via Southern Rail.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £489pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £890,435
Parks and green spaces:
Although there aren’t many green spaces within Shepherd’s Bush, you do have Hammersmith Park at the heart of the neighbourhood, which offers a calming place to head out for a jog or simply enjoy the Japanese Garden.
Shepherd’s Bush Green is also a nice open space that serves as a busy meeting spot when the sun is shining. Plus, there are regular fairs and carnivals to enjoy in the summer months.
Culture:
The biggest draw of Shepherd’s Bush is London’s biggest shopping centre, Westfield. The shopping centre is packed full of your favourite high-street stores such as Next, Hamleys and Space NK. You’ll also find some designer stores to browse including Louis Vuitton and Versace.
As well as premium shopping, this neighbourhood also has a number of theatres and music halls that host bands, plays, comedians and more.
Central
Soho
A vibrant and energetic neighbourhood in central London, Soho is known for its fantastic nightlife and amazing shopping opportunities. If you’re a lover of theatre then this is the area for you. Placed squarely in the heart of London’s West End you’ll be surrounded by small and large theatres and galleries and endless rows of high street shops.
Transport links:
Soho has access to a tube station in all four corners giving you the chance to jump onto a number of different lines that will take you throughout the city.
Over on Tottenham Court Road, you’ll also have easy access to the Elizabeth line which will give you a direct route to areas just outside of the city such as Reading, Maidenhead and Slough amongst others.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £988pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £1,624,500
Parks and green spaces:
Soho has one or two green spaces for when you need a break from the noise and concrete. Take a stroll around Soho Square Gardens, a small square park that offers a quaint space to enjoy some fresh air and catch some sun.
With access to the Picadilly and Bakerloo lines from Picadilly Circus, you’ll be able to easily head to some of the city’s biggest parks including Hyde Park where you can view the stunning Kensington Palace. Or head North to enjoy The Regent’s Park and London Zoo.
Culture:
Soho is known for both its plethora of theatres and endless shopping. With theatres like the Apollo, Sondheim and the Lyric theatre, you’ll be in the thick of arts with plenty to see and experience at every turn.
Sitting on the edge of Oxford Circus you’ll also be close to the main shopping street of London with famous stores like Liberty’s right on your doorstep.
Best Places in London for Families
Finding the right place to live in London as a family can be challenging. You'll want somewhere with easy access to local schools, plenty of green space for the kids to play, as well as affordable, larger properties where everyone can reside in peace. Keep reading for our top neighbourhoods for families.
North
Archway
North London’s Archway neighbourhood is very popular with families and young professionals looking for a place outside of the hectic bustle of central London. It has a lovely village feel lined with Victorian houses, brand new apartment blocks and our very own Vantage Point building.
Transport links:
Archway tube station sits on the Northern line giving you direct access straight into central London and all its best tourist attractions. Head off on a family day out by heading south towards Waterloo and Southbank to see the London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
There is plenty of bus stops around the neighbourhood making it ideal for sending the kids to school or commuting around North London. Or, have a go of ZipCar, London’s car-sharing service that allows you to hire a car by the minute.
House prices & rent:
Average 3 bed rent: £531pw
Average 3 bed to buy: £750,000
Parks and green spaces:
One of the reasons why Archway is such a great place for families is its abundance of amazing parks and green open spaces. You can take the kids for a day at Waterlow Park which has its own cinema, under 6 playground and tennis courts.
You can also head a short distance west and enjoy the beauty of Hampstead Heath, which has plenty to see and do. From enclosed play areas, paddling pools and amazing walks you’ll always have something to do as a family.
Culture:
Archway is designed with families in mind so you’ll find lots of good primary schools, Whittington Hospital and affordable shops such as Tesco and Aldi. There are also many family-friendly cafes and eateries to choose from including traditional pubs serving your favourite classic meals.
East
Dalston
The perfect place for families looking to surround themselves with culture and the buzz of city life. Dalston is a neighbourhood in East London that offers a number of great primary and high schools while also giving you access to up and coming theatre, art and more. It’s a great place to feel the electricity of London without the busy tourist centres.
Transport links:
Dalston has two main overground stations, Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland. Heading a little bit south you’ll also have Haggerston overground station giving you plenty of transport options.
You’ll also find plenty of bus routes for those looking to travel by road plus for those looking for a greener form of travel, you’ll find excellent cycle lanes and paths that make getting around by bike very easy.
House prices & rent:
Average 2 bed rent: £574pw
Average 2 bed to buy: £800,000
Parks and green spaces:
Dalston is home to the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, a community garden that has been cleverly created from an old railway line. It offers beds for residents to grow food and wildlife friendly plants within a busy neighbourhood.
You can also use this green space as a way to get stuck into the community and meet your neighbours, with volunteering opportunities always available. The garden offers weekly gardening sessions every Saturday afternoon and there are always workshops happening that help to get the kids involved.
Culture:
Dalston feels like a tight-knit community due to its high population and you’ll find that there are always new ways to meet new people in the area, whether it’s volunteering in the community garden or becoming a regular at your local cafe.
As well as the big-name supermarkets and high street stores you’ll also find vintage boutiques selling antiques and vintage clothes. There are also lots of bars and restaurants to try out that are perfect for both families and a relaxing date night without the kids.
South
Greenwich
For those looking for a Thames side lifestyle then Greenwich has everything you need. Sitting on the South of the river, Greenwich is London’s maritime central, and offers plenty of things to see and do for lovers of maritime history.
Transport links:
Greenwich is home to the O2 arena so there is plenty of transport options in and out of the area. The Jubilee line runs from the O2 itself right through the heart of Greenwich helping you get into Central London with ease.
You’ll also have access to both the Thameslink and Southeastern rail services via a number of stations including Greenwich station, Westcombe Park, Charlton and Maze Hill. From Greenwich station, you’ll be able to jump on the DLR which is ideal if you’re looking to commute around South London.
House prices & rent:
Average 2 bed rent: £534pw
Average 2 bed to buy: £509,097
View our Greenwich location, Union Wharf to explore a range of apartments ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom properties.
Parks and green spaces:
Greenwich park provides a large lush green space to enjoy in the heart of the neighbourhood. Here you’ll find flower gardens, Deer wilderness park, an observatory and more. It’s a great place to spend the weekend with family and explore some of the history of this part of South London.
Culture:
Greenwich is a neighbourhood that is steeped in history and you’ll find this illustrated in the many museums, monuments and galleries dotted around the area.
Head to the Peter Harrison Planetarium to learn all about our night sky, or take in the stunning Cutty Sark, the fastest ship of its time. If you’re looking for a location that will always give you something to do with the kids then it doesn’t get much better than Greenwich.
West
Fulham
Fulham lies not far from the glamour of Chelsea and the vibrancy of Hammersmith and merges the two energies into one area right next to the River Thames. Fulham is most commonly known for Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea football club - so if you’re a Chelsea fan this will be the perfect location for you and your family.
Transport links:
Located along the District line, there are three easy to access tube stations - Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway and Putney Bridge - that serve the north and south areas of the neighbourhood.
Imperial Wharf also offers an alternative means of transport with the overground and access to Southern Rail services.
House prices & rent:
Average 2 bed rent: £690pw
Average 2 bed to buy: £938,232
Parks and green spaces:
There are many decent sized parks scattered through Fulham with the biggest being Hurlingham Park, South Park and Eel Brook Common.
Hurlingham is a great park for sports, housing tennis courts, Rugby Club, Polo and an open-air pool. For active families this park is fantastic and with plenty of parking, it's ideal for getting the kids out into the fresh air every week and making some time for after-work exercise in nature.
Culture:
Fulham is best for the sporty family and football fans, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy any day of the week. However, there are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, galleries and cinemas to keep you entertained.
For parents looking for ways to get more ‘me time’ then the Pottery Cafe is a great place to enjoy a coffee with friends and get crafty with pottery. You can also book parties and get the older kids involved with making their own plates and mugs.
Central
Kings Cross
You’ll probably be familiar with King’s Cross because of its close ties with Harry Potter, with its station being the starting point for the legendary Hogwarts Express. This is a theme you’ll see often around this area, particularly in The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾.
King Cross is a great place for families with older children with plenty of high schools and colleges close by.
Transport links:
The ultimate location for those that want easy access to the rest of the UK, King Cross station is one of London’s major stations and provides regular services around London all the way to Edinburgh.
Just a short walk from King’s Cross you’ll also find St Pancras International which provides Eurostar services helping you to connect easily with mainland Europe.
With a tube station that allows you to jump on the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, Kings Cross is the perfect area if you travel often with your family or for work.
House prices & rent:
Average 2 bed rent: £624pw
Average 2 bed to buy: £799,781
Parks and green spaces:
There are a few small to medium-sized parks around Kings Cross, with Camley Street Natural Park providing a lovely urban nature reserve in the centre of a bustling community.
With a short hop over the canal, you’ll find places like Wharf Road Gardens, Granary Square and Gasholder Park, all offering lovely open spaces to relax and take a break from the hectic life of central London.
Culture:
A lot of work has been put into the King Cross area over the last few years and there are now regular art displays and outdoor projects to enjoy, as well as lots of family events to help you enjoy some quality time together.
If you enjoy supporting indie designers, then The Drops Market is a must-see with Coal Drops Yard filled with the very latest up-and-coming designers. Plus there’s a regular weekend market along Lower Stable Street that has everything you could want from an artisan market.
Best Places in London for Students
Oh, to be a student in the capital city. Few places in the world can compare to spend some of the best years of your life than in London. As a student (many of whom are new to the city), you'll want to be surrounded by other students and live close by to your university, so you can roll out of bed for your 9am lectures.
When you're not studying hard, you'll want to have easy access to London's stellar nightlife and social spaces. We've listed some of the most popular neighbourhoods in London for students who want to be part of the action.
North
Camden
Known for the popular alternative style of Camden Market, Camden is a vibrant neighbourhood that attracts creatives from across the country. If you’re looking for somewhere with a unique personality and a variety of trendy bars and vintage shops, then Camden is the place to be.
Transport links:
Camden is a big draw for tourists so it is very easy to access via the Northern Line which runs you right into Camden Town tube station. Camden Road overground station is also close by and regular buses make it easy to get to and from classes throughout the day.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £471pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £492,392
Parks and green spaces:
Camden is lucky to have two amazing green spaces right on its doorstep. Follow the historic canal right down to the beautiful park of Primrose Hill which offers stunning views out over the city.
If you continue South you can hop over the canal and explore all the amazing activities nestled in The Regent’s Park, including London Zoo. Both of these spaces are easy to get to and offer a great place to take a break from studying.
Culture:
Camden is packed with indie culture from the colourful market to the quirky bars to jazz cafes. Here you’ll be treated to lots of live music, constantly shifting street art and unique pop-ups and boutique shops.
East
Shoreditch
For those looking for artisan cafes, stylish bars and restaurants and who want to be surrounded by fellow young creatives then Shoreditch has a lot to offer. Giving you the very best that city life has to offer, this part of East London is ideal for students who want to feel fully connected to the London lifestyle.
Transport links:
Shoreditch has access to a number of different buses, tube and overground rail routes making it easy to get about. You can grab a number of different tube lines from Liverpool street including the Central, Circle, Hammersmith and Metropolitan line. Or head North to Old street where you can find the Northern Line.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £484pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £671,811
Parks and green spaces:
With little pockets of greenery dotted around Shoreditch, you’ll always have somewhere to go to decompress. Not far from Shoreditch High Street you’ll find Spitalfields City Farm. This small petting zoo allows you some country living right in the heart of the city and you can even pick up fresh fruit and veg from the onsite farm shop.
Culture:
Shoreditch always has something to see and do from street art tours to weekly markets. Head to BOXPARK, a unique shopping strip that houses a number of indie pop-ups inside disused storage containers.
If you love to find unique brands and vendors then the huge variety of markets will be an ideal past-time for you in between classes.
South
Brixton
Brixton is a buzzing neighbourhood that has a lively music and nightlife scene that is always bringing up and coming acts to the forefront. Brixton is the best area in London for indie music lovers and those that want to dive into the area’s Caribbean roots.
Transport links:
Brixton has excellent transport links into central London via its Brixton tube station. Here you’ll be able to jump onto the Victoria line or head on over to Brixton train station to grab Southeastern rail services further afield.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £401pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £398,750
Parks and green spaces:
On the East side of Brixton, you’ll find Ruskin Park which is a large open space that consists of an open-air gym, Trapeze school and a delicious cafe.
Further south you’ll come across Brockwell Park where you can explore the walled garden, play a spot of tennis or take a dip in Brockwell Lido, the community outdoor pool.
A must-see here is the famous Brixton Windmill which is right next door to the Brixton Windmill music venue. Not only will you see the 200-year-old windmill but you can also take a stroll around the gardens.
Culture:
Known most commonly as the heart of London’s Afro-Caribbean community, Brixton blends Caribbean delicacies with London-centric artisan coffee shops and vintage stores. If you’re interested in London’s rich history and multicultural identity, Brixton has something to see and do at every corner.
West
Hammersmith
The borough of Hammersmith is a Thames-side neighbourhood with excellent travel links in and around London. Best for those looking for convenience and all the essential stores and amenities on their doorstep, this area is great for students looking to still get the central London vibe but without the price tag.
Transport links:
Hammersmith has two main tube stations, one linking you to the Circle and Hammersmith lines and the other to the District Line and Piccadilly. If you find yourself studying at West London College, then Hammersmith is ideal, with the Barons Court tube station right across the road from the campus.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £493pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £587,366
Parks and green spaces:
The closest substantial park is Ravenscourt Park which is easily accessible via the District Line. Here you’ll find a large open green space as well as Tennis courts, cherry blossoms, duck ponds and plenty of spots for a picnic with friends.
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon by the Thames, then head down to Furnivall Gardens near Stamford Brook. Here you’ll find a lawned section perfect for lazing the day away and watching the rowing clubs.
Culture:
Eventim Apollo is one of the most active places to enjoy your favourite bands, comedians and musicals. With regular shows, you’ll be able to catch the very latest entertainment all year round.
Enjoy fresh fruit and veg markets by taking a trip to nearby Shepherd’s Bush or opt for a take out from one of the many delicious restaurants and cafes in the area.
Central
Covent Garden
In the heart of central London, Covent Garden offers a traffic-free haven that is always buzzing with life and is very easy to navigate. This part of the city is right next door to King’s College London, so for King’s College students, this is an ideal place to call home.
Transport links:
Being in central London close to some of the city's most visited markets and high streets you’ll find plenty of ways to get around. Jump on the tube at Covent Garden to ride the Piccadilly line or head further west to Leicester Square where you can access the Northern and Piccadilly lines.
House prices & rent:
Average 1 bed rent: £618pw
Average 1 bed to buy: £847,143
Parks and green spaces:
There’s not a lot of open space in Covent Garden, however with exceptional transport links along the Piccadilly line, you’re just a tube ride away from the vastness of Hyde Park and Green Park.
Culture:
Covent Garden is full of amazing and legendary theatres, so if you’re a lover of plays, experimental theatre or big-budget musicals, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
This area is also fantastic for shopping and has a number of big-name and smaller indie boutiques. You’ll also enjoy plenty of delicious restaurants and bars that cater for all budgets. Looking to splash out on a celebration? Head to The Alchemist on St Martin’s Lane or grab a quick meal at your local Mcdonald's down at Charing Cross.
With so many different neighbourhoods to choose from, finding the perfect place to Live in London can feel stressful. Hopefully we’ve given you a little more to think about. If you’re interested in discovering more areas in London, make sure to check out all of our blogs about the best places to live in North, South, East and West London.
