The 25 best places to live in London
London, England’s lively capital, is home to almost nine million people. This makes London the biggest city in the United Kingdom by far, with Manchester trailing behind with 2.6 million residents. Furthermore, London’s population is growing at an incredible rate—approximately 200,000 people choose to relocate to the city each year.
Greater London is enormous, covering approximately 661 square miles. With such a large area to choose from, many find it challenging to decide where is the best place to live in London. But don’t fret; we can help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect neighbourhood for you!
Why is London so popular?
There is so much to love about vibrant London: the multiculturalism, fascinating history, thousands of weird and wonderful bars and restaurants, and the epic nightlife. We could go on! Here’s why approximately 200,000 people choose to move to London each year:
A Cultural hotspot
First, London has a diverse culture and is referred to as a ‘cultural hotspot’. Did you know over 300 different languages are spoken in London every day? The city’s status as a cultural hotpot attracts individuals from all over the world to migrate to the Capital to start a new life in the big city or attend one of the many universities.
Museums Galore
If you enjoy exploring museums, London is the city for you. There are over 170 different museums in London, from the magnificent Natural History Museum in South Kensington to the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill. So no matter your interests, you’re bound to find a museum in the city that piques your interest.
Food and Drinks Scene
London has a fantastic food and drinks scene. From Thames river cruises to quirky, little known cafes, there’s something to suit all tastes in the Capital. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include Quaglino’s, Sushisamba Covent Garden, Chiltern Firehouse, Circolo Popolare, Sketch and The Ivy Cafe.
Live Music Events
London is famed for its selection of thrilling live music events. The city is home to several popular music venues, including Wembley Stadium, the O2, Alexandra Palace, Printworks, The Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, Shepherd’s Bush Empire and the Barbican.
Which Area of London is Best?
There are five distinct areas in London: North London, West London, South London, East London and Central London. Each area has its own unique feel, attracting different types of people based on their age, financial status and their interests.
North London
North London is known for its many quirky shops, bustling markets and a plethora of bars and restaurants. Each area of North London has its own distinct feel, and the best area for you will depend on your age, interests and where you work. Boroughs in the north of London are generally known to have a community spirit and are family-friendly because there are lots of things to do with children. Popular areas within North London include Hampstead, Highgate, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, Camden, West Hampstead, Crouch End, St John’s Wood and Kentish Town.
West London
West London is a great place to live if you have a family. Many neighbourhoods in this area are relatively quiet, the schools are good, and you’ll see lots of beautiful architecture. Popular areas in West London include Kensington, Fulham, Hammersmith, North Acton, Shepherd’s Bush, Kew and Twickenham.
South London
More than any other area of the city, South London feels like a collection of villages which combine the best of the urban and rural. So if you count yourself a nature lover, but you also love to spend evenings dancing in bustling bars, South London is the place for you. Popular neighbourhoods in South London include Brixton, Dulwich, Greenwich, Camberwell, Forest Hill, Herne Hill, Peckham, Wimbledon and Richmond.
East London
East London has experienced an impressive transformation in recent years. In this area of the Capital, no two streets are the same. The area is a cultural melting pot known for its niche cafes, unique museums, tantalising bars and restaurants and idyllic green spaces. Popular neighbours in East London include Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Walthamstow, Whitechapel, Stoke Newington, Canary Wharf, Hoxton, Hackney and Stratford.
Central London
If you’ve visited London for the day, you likely spent most of your time in lively Central London. Popular neighbourhoods in the heart of the city include Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair, Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, Charing Cross, Westminster, and, of course, the City of London. Did you know that the City of London only covers 2.9 square miles? The City of London comprises some of the metropolis’ most iconic landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, Sky Garden, The Gherkin and the Old Bailey.
The Best Places to Live in London
North London
Camden
Situated just north of St Pancras Station, you’ll find the borough of Camden. The area is famed for its many markets that are treasure troves filled with curiosities just waiting to be discovered. Did you know that approximately 100,000 people visit the markets every single weekend? In addition, the thriving nightlife scene is based around live music venues in pubs and alternative clubs, where you can hear music in any genre you can think of. Running through the heart of the trendy borough is a canal, and it’s the perfect place for a cold beer when the sun is shining.
Property Prices in Camden
In 2022, the average value of a property in Camden is just over £734,000, meaning it’s not the most affordable place to buy a house in London. However, if you’re hoping to rent a property, the average rental price for a property in Camden is £700 per week.
Islington
Islington is a few miles north of Central London, located in Zone 2. So if you’re looking for somewhere close to Central London to reduce your commute time, this might be the place for you. There is plenty to do in Islington, including several theatres and highly-rated eateries. If you have little ones, Islington is ideal as it has many playgrounds and parks, including Highbury Fields, Barnard Park and Freightliners Farm.
Property Prices in Islington
In 2022, the average value of a property in Islington will be around £744,000. Alternatively, suppose you’re hoping to rent a property. In that case, the average rent in the area is around £611 per week, making it more affordable to rent than neighbouring Camden.
Primrose Hill
Situated just north of Regent’s Park is Primrose Hill, an affluent area known for being a celebrity hotspot. The area is made up of grand Victorian terraces and Regency townhouses. The area has recently gained a reputation as one of the best places to live in the Capital for several reasons. Primrose Hill contains plenty of unique independent shops, excellent eateries, quirky street fairs, and a selection of great pubs. Finally, of course, Primrose Hill is an excellent place to live because of the hill that gives the area its name that offers spectacular views of London.
Property Prices in Primrose Hill
In 2022, the average property price is £972,700 in Primrose Hill. Alternatively, if you plan to rent a property in the area, you’ll be looking at around £800 per week in rent.
Hampstead
Approximately four miles north of Central London is Hampstead, an area with a villagelike feel despite its close proximity to the bustling heart of the city. The area is beloved by many for its beautiful streets, quaint cafes, lively pubs and, of course, the idyllic Hampstead Heath that gives the area its name. The affluent area is popular with artists, academics and other public figures. The area is perfect for anyone looking for a relatively quiet neighbourhood which is full of calming green spaces and cultural activities.
Property Prices in Hampstead
Hampstead is an expensive place to buy a property—in 2022, the average property price in the area is just over £959,000. Alternatively, if you’re looking to rent a property, you should expect to pay around £2,170 per week as this is the average price of rent in the area.
Highgate
Highgate, located just north of Hampstead Heath, is an increasingly popular north London neighbourhood. The area is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere quiet but well-connected to the heart of the city. There are two tube stations in the area: Highgate station and Archway station, meaning you can reach Central London easily. Furthermore, there are plenty of amenities in Highgate, including gastropubs, a quaint country fair, the famous Highgate Cemetery, cosy bookshops and much more. So if you’re looking for somewhere with a rural feel and plenty of idyllic green spaces, Highgate is the place for you.
Property Prices in Highgate
In 2022, the average price of a property in Highgate is £608,000, making it slightly more affordable than places in North London such as Hampstead and Islington. Highgate is a great place to rent, as the average rent price per week in the area is £369.
Central London
Marylebone
Situated between Paddington and Euston station, you’ll find Marylebone. The Central London borough is an affluent area with an urban village feel to it, despite its central location. Marylebone has a Georgian-grid layout and the period architecture makes it a beautiful place to reside. If you’re an avid shopper, you’ll love the area for its many independent boutiques and chic cafes where you can grab a bite to eat and a hot drink after a busy day of exploring.
Property Prices in Marylebone
In 2022, the average value of a property in Marylebone is an eye-watering £1,695,301, making it an incredibly exclusive place to live. Alternatively, if you’re hoping to rent, you’ll be shelling out approximately £883 per week.
Belgravia
Located in Central London, Belgravia is an affluent area in the heart of the Capital. The area is mostly made up of luxurious Georgian terraces, squares and crescents. Belgravia is also home to several international embassies, designer fashion shops, fine-dining eateries and jewellery shops.
Property Prices in Belgravia
Belgravia is a costly area, which can make it inaccessible for many. However, it is a wonderful place to live if you have the money. The average property price in Belgravia is a whopping £1,193,421. Alternatively, if you’re looking to rent a property, you’ll be shelling out an average of £2,391 per week.
East London
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is one of East London’s best-known neighbourhoods. The area contains dozens of excellent bars, restaurants and nightclubs, meaning it’s ideal for those in their 20s and 30s who are looking for plenty of excitement. The borough is a vibrant cultural hub, thanks to recent regeneration projects. For example, you can’t talk about Shoreditch without mentioning BOXPARK, a collection of shipping containers turned into eateries, pop-up shops and retailers.
Property Prices in Shoreditch
In 2022, the average house price in Shoreditch will be around £760,000, making it considerably more affordable than neighbourhoods in Central London. To rent a property in Shoreditch, you should expect to pay just over £600 per week on average.
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green is a down-to-earth area in East London that is popular with students and young professionals. The area is popular due to its location, as it is situated close to hip Shoreditch, buzzing Hackney, lively Bow and vibrant Whitechapel. Bethnal Green attracts creative types and city workers who cannot afford the steep prices in neighbouring Shoreditch. One of the biggest benefits of Bethnal Green is that it is only three miles from Central London—it takes just 20 minutes on the tube to reach the City of London! So if you’re searching for somewhere affordable with good transport links, Bethnal Green might be the perfect place for you to live.
Property Prices in Bethnal Green
In 2022, the average house price in Bethnal Green is £489,000, making it an affordable option for many looking to buy in the city. Alternatively, if you’re a student or a young professional not yet ready to buy, the average property rental price in the area is £687 per week—a great price for an area so close to Central London.
Isle of Dogs
The Isle of Dogs, situated in East London, is an 800-acre piece of land that stretches into the River Thames. Today, the area is home to the thriving financial district, Canary Wharf. Over the last few decades, the area has undergone a period of regeneration, meaning you can purchase both old and new properties in the area. The Isle of Dogs is now a popular location for those looking to live in London. For example, in 2019, the area was revealed as one of the most desirable places to live in London because of its transport connections, thriving property market and community spirit. Plus, there are several outstanding schools in the area, making it an attractive location for families.
Property Prices in the Isle of Dogs
In 2022, the Isle of Dogs is a relatively affordable area compared to other many other areas of London—the average property costs around £580,000. On the other hand, the average rental value in the Isle of Dogs currently sits at around £654 per week.
Leyton
Leyton, located in East London, is another area rapidly growing in popularity. In fact, Leyton was named one of the best places to live in the UK in 2019 by The Times. The diverse neighbourhood has a strong community feel, and there are plenty of green spaces and parks for residents to enjoy, including Leyton Jubilee Park, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Wild Kingdom Playspace for those with little ones. Plus, Leyton is only six miles from Charing Cross, giving young professionals easy access to the heart of the city. If you’re a foodie, you’ll feel at home in Leyton as there are several excellent eateries to choose from, including the picturesque Hare and Hounds pub and the quirky bar The Birds, which offers delicious vegan burgers, tacos and loaded fries and celebrates the magic of cinema.
Property Prices in Leyton
Leyton is a great place to buy if you’re trying to get on the London property ladder, as the average property in the area is valued at just under £500,000 as of 2022. Alternatively, if you’re looking to rent a property, expect to pay somewhere in the region of £644 per week.
Hackney
Hackney, located in East London, is a hip and trendy area that seems to get cooler by the minute. However, it wasn’t always so welcoming. Over the last few decades, the area has undergone significant transformation and is now an incredibly popular area of the city. In fact, Vogue once called Hackney one of “the coolest neighbourhoods in the world”. From luxurious Michelin-star dining experiences to laid-back vegan eateries, Hackney is a paradise for food lovers. In addition, the area boasts several great schools and plenty of green space to explore. Hackney is only five miles from the heart of the city, making the area an excellent option for commuters.
Property Prices in Hackney
In 2022, the average value of a property in Hackney is around £659,000, making it more affordable than many of the areas included in this guide. On the other hand, if you’re not ready to buy a property, the average rental value of properties in the area is £582 per week.
South London
Brixton
Brixton, South London, is a multicultural area which is known for its vibrant markets, quirky bars and restaurants and vintage shops. The area is perfect for music lovers, as it is home to the O2 Academy Brixton and several independent live music venues. People who live in Brixton are passionate about the area, and it’s easy to see why. The energy of the area is unmatched by many other areas of the city, especially if you’ve got an active social life and enjoy spending time in bars and nightclubs. So if you’re looking for somewhere lively with easy access to Central London, Brixton is the place for you! To learn more about the area, please read our Brixton London Moving Guide.
Property Prices in Brixton
In 2022, the average property value in Brixton today is around £534,000, making it considerably more affordable than other areas of the city. If you’re hoping to rent in Brixton, you’ll be spending almost £500 per week on rent for the average property.
Wapping
Situated in East London, adjacent to Whitechapel, you’ll find Wapping. The area is incredibly charming and has a peaceful, settled feel. The area was regenerated in the 1980s, and many of the old warehouses were converted into fashionable riverside lofts. The place is ideal if you want easy access to Central London and plenty of amenities. There is plenty to do in Wapping. You’ll find dozens of trendy bars and restaurants, historic theatres and music halls and bustling street markets.
Property Prices in Wapping
In 2022, the average property price in Wapping will be around £653,000. Alternatively, if you’re looking to rent a property in Wapping, the average rent per week in the area is £739, making it much more affordable than in other areas of London.
Clapham
Clapham, South London, is a popular suburb known for its selection of Asian and European dining outlets. The area is only three miles from Central London, making it popular with those who work in the heart of the city. As a result, most residents are students or young professionals who want to be as close to Central London as possible without having to pay eye-watering rent. Clapham Common, a 220-acre green space, is a great place to walk your dog or go for a leisurely stroll when the sun is shining.
Property Prices in Clapham
In 2022, the average property price in Clapham today is approximately £615,000, making it considerably more affordable than other areas of London. To rent in the area, you’re looking at around £492 per week on average.
Peckham
Peckham, South London, is a vibrant neighbourhood 3.5 miles southeast of Charing Cross station. The area is beloved by locals for its lively nature—you’ll never get bored in Peckham! The area is home to dozens of tantalising eateries serving mouth-watering food from across the globe. If you’re a film lover, Peckham is a great place to live because of Peckhamplex, one of London’s most popular independent cinemas. Even better, tickets cost just £4.99! If you’re a fan of beer, you’ll love Peckham for its bustling bars and microbreweries. So if you’re looking for somewhere lively with easy access to Central London, Peckham is the place for you.
Property Prices in Peckham
In 2022, the average property price in Peckham, South London, is approximately £430,000, making it considerably more affordable than other areas of London with similar proximity to the heart of the city. To rent a property in Peckham, you’ll likely pay around £467 per week.
Dulwich Village
In our opinion, Dulwich Village is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in South London. The area’s main attractions include Dulwich Park, a 76-acre green space with a cafe, bowling green, dog exercise areas, sports pitches, several beautiful walking routes and a playground for children. Not only is Dulwich loved for its stunning green spaces, but the village is also only five miles from the City of London. For this reason, the area is the perfect place for families that need relatively easy access to Central London for work. The area is attractive to older generations as it has retained that quiet countryside feel that you won’t find in most other areas of London.
Property Prices in Dulwich Village
In recent years, Dulwich Village house prices have increased significantly. However, the area is still more affordable than other places in London, especially locations close to the heart of the city. In 2022, the average property price in Dulwich Village is currently around £860,000. Alternatively, you should expect to pay around £382 per week to rent a property in the area.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace, located in South London, is perched atop a hill, meaning the area has impressive city views. In 2022, Crystal Palace was declared ‘the best place to live in London’ in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live list for its bohemian feel and excellent schools. The popular area was named after the Crystal Palace Exhibition building, which stood in the area from 1854 until 1936, when most of the structure was sadly destroyed by a devastating fire. There is plenty to do in Crystal Palace—the area boasts many excellent bars and restaurants, green spaces such as Westow’s Park and South Norwood Lakes, and the annual Crystal Palace festival.
Property Prices in Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is an affordable place to live in London—the average value of a property in the area is around £412,000 as of 2022. Alternatively, if you’re looking to rent a property in Crystal Palace rather than buy, the average rent per week is £294. This makes Crystal Palace one of the most affordable places to live that we’ve listed in this guide.
Wandsworth
Wandsworth, southwest London, is just four miles from bustling Central London, making it popular with commuters. The area sits between Clapham and Battersea in the east, Putney in the west, and Balham and Tooting in the south. People are attracted to the area because of its scenic riverside location, excellent schools and access to plenty of idyllic green space. Furthermore, if you’re a fan of 19th and 20th-century properties, Wandsworth is perfect as there are plenty of old properties on the market. The area is located within Zone 2, which means getting into Central London is easy—you can get from Wandsworth Town train station to Waterloo in approximately 15 minutes.
Property Prices in Wandsworth
Wandsworth is a relatively affordable neighbourhood compared to most other areas close to Central London, as the average property price is around £619,000 as of 2022. On the other hand, if you’re looking to rent in Wandsworth, expect to pay around £532 per week as this is the average rent price in the area.
West London
South Kensington
Located west of Central London is South Kensington, an affluent area known for its cultural contributions. The area is home to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, making it a popular area for tourists to visit. South Kensington is known for its beautiful architecture, as the area comprises period buildings and new luxury developments, making the area unaffordable for many. However, if you have the money to be able to afford a property in South Kensington, it is a really wonderful place to live.
Property Prices in South Kensington
In 2022, the average property price in South Kensington is just over £1,460,000, but property prices range from £290,000 to over £10,000,000. So, you never know, you may be able to find an affordable flat in the area if you look hard enough. Alternatively, the average price of rent in the area is around £1,000 per week.
Shepherd’s Bush
Located approximately 5 miles west of Charing Cross station is Shepherd’s Bush. The area is known for its multiculturalism, live music venues, bustling markets filled to the brim with unique items, quirky bars and restaurants and plentiful shopping outlets, including Westfield London. As a result, Shepherd’s Bush is popular with young professionals looking for exciting things to do. In recent years, the area has become very popular with both renters and buyers due to the outstanding schools, great transport links into Central London and the wide variety of things to do, including the Electric Cinema and Shepherd’s Bush Market.
Property Prices in Shepherd’s Bush
In 2022, the average property price in Shepherd’s Bush is around £850,000. On the other hand, if you’re looking to rent a property in the area, expect to pay approximately £533 per week.
Notting Hill
You simply cannot talk about West London without including Notting Hill. The area is made up of peaceful residential streets lined with beautiful period terraces in a vast array of pastel colours. One of the best areas in Notting Hill is Portobello Road, which is home to one of the most famous markets in the world. The eclectic market stalls stretch for a mile from Portobello Road to Golborne Road, and you can buy everything from jewellery, furniture, coffee, street food and vintage clothing. Every year, around two million people descend on the area to enjoy the massively popular Notting Hill Carnival, an annual Caribbean festival that has taken place almost every year since 1966. So if you like the sound of the area, you can learn more about it in our Notting Hill London Moving Guide.
Property Prices in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is not a particularly affordable place to buy a property—the average property is valued at around an eye-watering £1,948,000 as of 2022! However, property prices do range from approximately £200,000 to £9,717,000. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to rent a property in Notting Hill, the average rental price is just over £600 per week.
Fulham
Fulham, West London, is an affluent residential area known for its upmarket shopping streets containing chic boutiques, posh delicatessens and trendy home-goods shops. Located between Chelsea and Putney, the area is popular with those looking for somewhere picturesque with plenty of things to do. One of the main reasons residents love Fulham is its stunning green spaces. Bishops Park is a local favourite with families, as it contains a playground, skate bowl, table tennis tables, a basketball court and waterplay facilities for all ages. Foodies will feel right at home in Fulham as there are plenty of excellent eateries to frequent—you’ll never go hungry in this area of London! Popular eateries in the area include Flavourtown Bakery, the Harwood Arms and Megan’s by the Green. To find out more about what it is like to live in lovely Fulham, read our Fulham London Moving Guide.
Property Prices in Fulham
Fulham house prices have risen significantly in recent years. In 2022, the average property in Fulham is valued at around £1,065,000, which prices many out of buying in the area. However, renting prices are slightly more reasonable—the average rental value of properties in Fulham is £785 per week.
North Acton
Located in West London, North Action is an up and coming area for renters in particular. The area is approximately 9 miles from the City of London, but don’t let this put you off. North Acton is well-connected to Central London by the North Acton tube station—you can get to Oxford Circus in around 20 minutes. North Acton is a great place to live if you want easy access to green space, as North Acton Playing Fields offers routes for dog walkers, runners and those simply wanting to breathe in some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Property Prices in North Acton
House prices in North Acton are very reasonable when you take into account how easy it is to access Central London. In 2022, the average value for properties in North Acton is £392,000. For those looking to rent, the average rent price is around £440 per week, meaning the area is considerably more affordable than most areas listed in this guide.
Twickenham
Twickenham, southwest London, boasts the best of both worlds. The area is located 10 miles from Central London but offers excellent transport links to the heart of the city. The town is loved for its many green spaces, great schools, links to the Rugby Union thanks to the presence of Twickenham stadium, and the many independent cafes, shops and pubs. In terms of local attractions, there is plenty for residents to do to keep themselves occupied, including Strawberry Hill House and Garden, Ham House and Garden, the World Rugby Museum and Orleans House Gallery. So if you’re looking for somewhere with a village-like feel within relatively easy reach of London, Twickenham is perfectly suited.
Property Prices in Twickenham
In 2022, the price of an average property in Twickenham is just over £671,000. Alternatively, if you’re looking to rent rather than buy, you’ll likely pay around £408 per week as this is the average rent for the area.
In Summary
Moving to London is an incredibly exciting experience, but deciding which area to move to can be overwhelming. There are dozens of different areas to choose from, all with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. However, we hope this guide helped you get a glimpse of what life is like in the city. Furthermore, we hope that it enables you to decide where the best places to live in London are. Finally, whichever area of London you choose, we hope you’ll be very happy in your new home!
London Storage Options
Once you’ve chosen the area you’re going to move to, and you’ve found a suitable property, you may find that you’ve got too much stuff to fit inside your new home. If you discover that this is the case, there’s no need to worry! You can safely store your items for as long as you need with LOVESPACE. There are several convenient and flexible storage options available:
Storage Units
You can store your items for as little as £79 per month when you hire a LOVESPACE storage unit. Choose from several different sized units: 15 sq ft, 25 sq ft, 50 sq ft, 100 sq ft or 200 sq ft. No matter how much you need to store, we have a suitable storage space where you can store your items safely until you need them again. Plus, collection, packing and delivery are included!
By-the-box Storage
Our by-the-box storage plan does what it says on the tin. If you only need to store smaller items such as clothing, books and other small items, our by-the-box storage option is perfect as you only pay for the space the boxes use. Plus, we collect your items directly from your doorstep—there’s no need to lug them to a storage facility yourself.
Drive-up Lockers
From only £11.63 per week, store your items in our on-demand, 24/7 drive-up lockers. Move your stuff into one of our lockers at any time, day or night. After you’ve put your items into the drive-up locker, we move them to one of our secure storage facilities, where we’ll look after your belongings until you need them back. When you decide that need your items back, simply let us know, and we’ll deliver them back into your locker, ready for you to pick up. It’s that simple!
Removals
Need help with removals? You can now book a removal on demand with LOVESPACE. Enjoy upfront pricing, optional additional packing and wrapping for just £99, and same day moving! Simply place a booking on our website and we’ll pack up your stuff and transport it to your new property. Book your removal today and leave all the heavy lifting to us!