Best areas to move to in London

Want to move to the Big Smoke, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you.

Providing you with a bit of background on the best boroughs in London, we’re confident that with our help, you’ll be able to find your new home in no time.

Let’s get started.

North London

The area north of the Thames is home to some of London’s famous spots, such as Camden Town, Alexandra Palace, Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. Packed with exciting sights to see and activities to do, North London offers you a range of opportunities to fill your evenings and weekends off.

Hampstead

Famous for its wild green space – Hampstead Heath – this area in the Borough of Camden attracts a lot of families and a more affluent community. Property prices currently lie at an average of £1,421,851, and average property rent is £5,610 per calendar month (pcm).* This picturesque area is home to many Edwardian and Georgian homes and is well-connected to central London via the Northern line, Jubilee line and Overground, as well as several bus routes.

Finsbury Park

Slightly further to the west, you’ll find Finsbury Park, a multicultural neighbourhood with a great community feeling. Average property prices are £738,350 and average property rents are £2,487 pcm.* Finsbury park offers its residents many great restaurants, cafés and the park itself to catch up with friends and family. And, if you’re a football fan, you’ll find the Emirates Stadium close by and various nature walks along an abandoned railway line, when you find the city’s hustle and bustle is too much.

East London

Popular with younger demographics, many of the East London boroughs and neighbourhoods are classed as up-and-coming. With a mix of restaurants, museums, parks and nightclubs, East London will keep you busy day and night.

Bromley

Although it may not be as well-known as other areas in East London, Bromley certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. With excellent transport connections to central London, many green spaces and good schools, Bromley is a popular location for families. The average property is £602,059 and average rents are £2,134 pcm.*

Shoreditch

Famous for its markets, restaurants, bars and shops, Shoreditch is the perfect place for anyone who loves to explore new flavours and have a rummage around its many shops and markets. Described by locals as having a great sense of community with much cultural diversity, this fast-growing area appeals to many Londoner and non-Londoners. Average property prices are £739,947 and average rental prices are £3,687 pcm. With only one Overground station, Shoreditch isn’t the most connected by tube; however, there are many bus connections and Liverpool Street Station isn’t far off either.

Bethnal Green & Bow

To the east of Shoreditch. The areas of Bethnal Green and Bow are great choices for those who want to live fairly central with great transport connections, while not paying Shoreditch prices. In this way, residents can still enjoy the bustling and vibrant city life, while also having the chance to relax in Victoria Park to the east of Bethnal Green. Average property prices in Bethnal Green are £593,850, while average rents are £3,015 pcm.* Average property prices in Bow are £498,274 and average rents are £2,441 pcm.*

South London

There’s a known and ongoing rivalry between North and South London – both of them claiming to be better than the other. And as we’ve shown you the highlights of the North, let’s dive into what the South has to offer so that you can choose which suits you better.

Clapham

Popular with students, young professionals and families, Clapham has got a lot to offer. It’s a lively area with green spaces, a mix of housing opportunities and great connections to the rest of London and south of London. Average property prices £916,063 and average rents are £2,903 pcm.*

Brixton

Right next to Clapham, in Brixton, you’ll feel right at home if you love live music, street food markets and vintage shops. Average property prices in Brixton currently are £644,731 and average rents lie at £2,542 pcm.* Known for its independent cafés, restaurants and pubs, this trendy part of London, together with its Caribbean roots, is a popular location for young professionals and anyone keen to socialise and enjoy live music.

Bermondsey

Although Bermondsey is technically in the South East of London, it lies south of the Thames, and so we’ll include it in this South London section. With many warehouses that have been converted into flats, restaurants, pubs and street markets, Bermondsey is an area of London attracting many young residents. Average property prices are £635,944 and average rents around £3,777 pcm.*

West London

Known for its green and leafy streets and parks, West London has many great locations for families and those looking for a slightly calmer lifestyle.

Kensington & Chelsea

Starting off with the Royal Borough, both Kensington and Chelsea feature beautiful old properties, great restaurants, luxury boutiques and with easy access to Hyde Park or Battersea Park for those living by the Thames in Chelsea. The average rent in Kensington is £7,674 pcm, while average property prices are £2,338,825.* Chelsea’s prices are slightly higher, with average rent lying at £8,302 pcm and average property prices being £2,395,227.*

Battersea

Whilst we’re close to the river, let’s take a look across the Thames, at Battersea, where average property prices are £1,035,636 and average rents are £4,856 pcm.* With many beautiful Victorian and Edwardian buildings and green spaces, this area attracts many young professionals and families, and it’s easy to see why.

Notting Hill

Famously known for the eponymous film, Notting Hill is a true mix of West End luxury and a slightly more hippie vibe. With cool bars, coffee shops and art galleries dotted around the area, as well as Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill is alive with options for people of all walks of life. Families and professionals feel especially at home here, and there is a great community feel. Average property prices are £1,652,400 and average rents lie at £5,073 pcm.*

Central London

Of course, one cannot forget Central London – living here means you basically have the city and all it has to offer at your fingertips.

Mayfair

Even though Mayfair is so centrally located, the W1 postcode still offers its residents that village feel with a charm, thanks to its great community spirit and beautiful townhouses and mews houses. The average property prices in Mayfair are £4,121,704, while average rents are £8,768 pcm.*

Westminster

The City of Westminster isn’t only a borough, but as already mentioned in the name, also a city. It covers a large part north of the Thames, encompassing Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and even most of Regent’s Park. As such, it's in a great location, offering its residents excellent connections to Greater London and its surrounding areas. Because of its prime location, Westminster is very sought after and attracts affluent families, politicians and business people alike. Average property prices here are £1,717,529 and average rents are £6,539 pcm.*

Finding the best place to live in London can feel a bit overwhelming, as the choice may seem endless. Hopefully, this article has offered you some insight into what locations might suit you best and otherwise, contact our friendly in-branch colleagues to help you further.