Where to Live in London?

London is the cultural, historical, educational, and economic heart of the UK. It’s also one of the world’s most important global cities, which means it’s full of opportunities and interesting things to do. It’s certainly not surprising so many people choose to call it home. 

It’s a place where modern skyscrapers sit next to ancient churches, and iconic landmarks and hidden gems can be found around every corner.

In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson famously quipped, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” 

Nearly 250 years later, that’s as true as ever. There is always something to do, somewhere to eat and places to be in London. Plus, with over 300 languages spoken in the city, it’s famously diverse and exciting. 

We know that choosing the right place to live is a huge decision. If you’re considering moving to London, you’ll need to know the best spots to be. Don’t worry; we’re here to lend a hand. This guide explores some of the best areas to live in London.

 

Where is London?

London is nestled in the heart of the South East of England on the banks of the River Thames, which dominates the city. A fairly flat city, London is easy to get around on foot, by bike or on the world-famous Underground. What’s more, it’s one of the greenest cities in the world, with nearly 50% of the total area consisting of parks and other natural habitats.

 

 

Being the capital of the UK and one of Europe’s largest cities, London is a global cultural, financial and technological powerhouse. As you’d expect, it boasts excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, Europe, and the world.

Rail travel is easily possible to every city in the UK, as well as Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and major European cities via Eurostar trains and the Channel Tunnel. Taking to the skies, London has four major airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted) as well as two smaller ones (London City and Southend), which offer direct flights to major destinations around the globe.

 

Living in London: population and lifestyle

A bustling and exciting city, London is truly unique. From fashionistas to financial advisors and artists to architects, millions of people call it home. 

How many people live in London?

London is home to nearly 9 million people, while the wider Metropolitan Area has nearly 15 million… that’s nearly 25% of the UK’s population! With such a huge number of people across a vast area, various parts of London can feel completely different from each other. Leafy, family-friendly suburbs surround the city, while trendy neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Brixton and Camden are found more centrally and boast hipster bars and cafes, trendy street markets and independent shops.

London cost of living

London is an expensive city to live in, with the highest rents and house prices in the UK. In fact, the average rent in London has increased by 32% in the last five years. According to Home Let, the average property in London now rents for £2148 per month. However, there are huge differences between areas, with properties in Kensington & Chelsea averaging £3,459 per month while those in Bexley and Croydon (the cheapest places to live in London) sit at around £1,520.

When it comes to buying and selling a house in London, the average price for a flat sits at around £560,000, while terraced houses are around £800,000, and the average semi sells for £780,000. However, London is also home to some of the most expensive houses in the world, with some selling for hundreds of millions of pounds.

What’s more the cost of food, drink and entertainment is also more expensive in London compared to other UK cities. If you’re looking for somewhere cheaper to live, check out our guide to The 6 Most Affordable Places to Live in the UK.

Where to live in London

There are 32 districts in London, officially known as Boroughs, and choosing the best place to live will depend on your circumstances and budget. If you’re a young professional looking for plenty to do and easy access to central London, areas such as Islington, Peckham, Brixton, Bermondsey Clapham, Camden, Hoxton, Wandsworth and Bethnal Green should be high on your list.

For families and those who prefer a quieter life, with plenty of green space, London has plenty to offer. Consider neighbourhoods such as Blackheath, Fulham, Richmond, Streatham, Twickenham, East Finchley, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Sutton, Barnet, Waltham Forest and others.

Although expensive, nothing can beat living in Central London for the true city experience. Whether it’s taking in a West End show, shopping on Regent Street or visiting famous galleries and attractions like the Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, British Museum or the South Bank Centre, it’s all on your doorstep. 

Is London a good place to live?

Yes! London is a fantastic city that can truly hold its own against other famous spots like New York, Paris, Tokyo and LA. It offers everything that anybody could want, from world cuisine and culture to high fashion, cutting-edge technology, world-beating education institutions and a history that spans millennia. Although it can be an expensive city, the price is often worth it for the experience alone. 

If you’re looking to sell your London home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will make you a free cash offer within 7 days. Perhaps you’re looking to move to the suburbs to start a family? Or maybe you’ve inherited a property in the capital? We bypass expensive estate agent fees and drawn-out processes to keep things simple.