London is one of the biggest cities in the world, so as you can imagine, picking the right area to live will become somewhat of a challenge. With so many different areas, prices and cultures to choose between, it’s going to take a lot more than a few hundred words into some of the more well-known or favoured areas to make that decision. What we hope, though, is that we provide you with a bit of a head start into where you might start your search.
You’ll need to decide what you want and need from your new home—long or short term—depending on your age, working and family status, and the reason you’re aiming for the Capital in the first place. Whatever you’re looking for, London has it all. And wherever you end up, you’ll have a world of fascinating experiences right on your doorstep.
The most popular areas to live in London
Isle of Dogs
Wrapped in the River Thames on almost all sides, the Isle of Dogs is a district with a real sense of community. Those lucky enough to live here have access to both the quiet, canal-side residential streets and the towering skyline of Canary Wharf.
Battersea
Battersea is a popular area for young families, and it’s easy to see why. There are plenty of wide-open green spaces for the kids (and the big kids) to enjoy. It has its own zoo, a Go Ape facility, and a proper 200-acre Victorian park too. When everyone is suitably worn out there are an ever-growing number of restaurants and bistros to take advantage of, making Battersea not just great for kids, but for grown-ups too.
Belgravia
Belgravia has excellent Underground links at Victoria, Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner, so nothing is ever really out of reach. Then there’s a wonderful option for rest and recuperation, taking a break from busy city life, in Hyde Park, just to the north.
Bermondsey
Situated just east of London Bridge, Bermondsey is packed with hip cafés and restaurants. This SE1 vibrant location is highly sought after, with a striking mix of industrial and modern architecture.
Blackheath
For those looking for a little more breathing room, Blackheath is a charming and delightful little village. This South East London location is full of independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as all of the expected transport links into Central London.
The most popular areas of London to stay on holiday
Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell makes an ideal base for the London tourist. There’s easy access to plenty of Michelin-star restaurants and thriving markets, and it’s renowned for its social stops, history and hotels. Its winding streets are full of character and perfect for exploration.
Covent Garden
You won’t find a more predominant and typical tourist trap in London than Covent Garden. It’s got everything a visitor could wish for. Whether you’re up for shopping, clubbing, street-culture and performance entertainment, theatre or dining—Covent Garden has it all. You’ll find plenty of quirky independents as well as the mainstream brands. It’s central for all the attractions and with plenty of transport links to get you wherever you need to be.
Soho
It’s come a long way from its hedonistic rock and roll years—and now, Soho is more family-friendly than it ever was. With theatres, restaurants and bars all within a few minutes walk, visitors are spoilt for choice. Full of spirit, Soho still has a real buzz about it, and with plenty of stop-and-stay options, it’s a great choice on any budget.
Hampstead
This wonderfully sophisticated village bustles with shops and cafés, against a marvellous backdrop of impressive city views. Its mix of cosmopolitan and countryside creates an ideal location for fresh air and rejuvenation with historical buildings, and of course, the famed Hampstead Heath.
Peckham
For the trendier of tourists, Peckham offers its visitors easy access to all the South London hotspots: Westminster, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market and The Shard, to name but a few. The food is multi-cultural, and there is an abundance of independent art hubs to check out.
The most popular areas to work in London
Shoreditch
It’s hard to imagine that Shoreditch was once one of the more rundown areas of the City. It’s now one of the finest areas of the West End. You’ll have no problem spotting the street art and upmarket eateries that the creatives drawn to the area thrive on.
London Bridge
London Bridge is one of the busiest business hubs in London. Hundreds of cafés and restaurants satisfy the needs and wants of the business community, and so they must, as it outnumbers the residential population by 10:1.
Waterloo
Waterloo Station caters for around a quarter of a million people, commuting in and out of the City, every day. It’s the largest transport hub in London, and with that, it’s becoming one of the major business districts too. It keeps growing in its capacity to feed and entertain its expansion, with new venues popping up wherever they can.
Farringdon
Farringdon is a vibrant and trendy hub for hipsters, creatives, and tech companies alike. As businesses expand into new areas, they’re taking advantage of all the current opportunities. Farringdon sees regular growth in its industrious community. With plenty of bars built for its hipster population, it’s becoming an ideal for working London residents.
Soho
As one of the first London business districts, Soho is still one of the biggest for creative arts, media and the TV industry. You’ll find a great deal of London’s most iconic film production industries making their headquarters in Soho, as well as some of the biggest media advertising agencies.
Wherever you decide to stay, work or play, London has something for everyone
With limitless options of tourist attractions, activities, restaurants, bars and theatres—London has it all. Living and working in any of London’s districts will provide an experience you won’t get anywhere else in the world. Rents and property prices are high, but so are salaries, so if you’re considering London as your home, an investment, or as an extra drop-in base to experience everything it has to offer on a slower and simpler basis, there really is something for everyone.