Exploring the best places to live in London? Our guide will help you get a deeper understanding of the unique charm of each borough in London. Factors being rated are diverse, such as budget, transportation ease, facilities, comfort, and friendliness. From the lively Camden to trendy Shoreditch, discover which neighbourhood is right for you!
Discover the Best Areas to Live in London
Before we look into where are the best places to live in London, we need to understand the regions of this metropolitan city. Generally, London is divided into 5 areas with different lifestyles: Central, North, South, West and East. For you, which is the best area to live in London? Let’s dive right in!
- Central London: Central London is undoubtedly the most important part of this city. As the most densely populated and developed area, you can get the most job opportunities and enjoy the colourful city life in the region.
- North London: Calmer North London is known for its community-oriented living and hilly areas. It is also the 3rd most populated region of London.
- South London: Peaceful South London, situated south of the River Thames, is perfect for spending quality time alone. It is a perfect blend of social scene and green space, giving you unparalleled life experience. By the way, you can see the best sunset scenery here.
- East London: Bustling East London screams of creative and free-spirited vibe. It is regarded as the coolest place to live in London for teens, young adults, artists, and musicians. Living in East London, you don’t need to look hard to find culturally diverse restaurants and boutiques, trendy bars and parties, and historic houses and museums.
- West London: Green and leafy West London is the best place to live in London, UK, for those seeking a quiet and serene environment. Despite being pricier, it merits its price considering the safety, great architecture, and convenient infrastructures. Besides, there are also more affordable neighbourhoods, like Acton and Ealing, giving you easy access to central London via a short tube ride.
Having understood how London is broken down, you’re more prepared to explore the great neighbourhoods and their highlights. So follow on to find your new home!
10 Best Places to Live in London
- Camden
- North Greenwich
- Shoreditch and Hoxton
- Putney
- Marylebone
- Brixton
- Dulwich
- Bermondsey
- Highbury and Islington
- Clapham
1. Camden
Located in North West London, Camden Town, home to eye-catching markets and diverse culinary scenes, is undoubtedly a lively neighbourhood amidst the buzz of city life. The street art and the iconic music venues like Electric Ballroom and Roundhouse also add to its unique charm. For nature lovers, the lush rose gardens in Regent’s Park are a must-visit. And from Primrose Hill, you can get breathtaking views of London’s skyline. In a word, Camden is the best borough to live in London for those seeking a dynamic and creative environment to call home.
From modern flats to characterful houses, Camden Town has various housing options to cater to diverse needs. The most popular flats include The Stay Club Camden and Camden Hawley Crescent.
- Average property price: £816,000
- Average rent: £2,767/month
2. North Greenwich
North Greenwich is one of the great places to live in London. With its modern developments and scenic river views, the Greenwich Peninsula neighbourhood is a hub for sightseeing, entertainment, and dining. You might like the O2 Arena, where you can enjoy exciting tours and sports events. Or you might visit the National Maritime Museum and embark on a journey to explore seafaring history through its vast collections. This vibrant neighbourhood boasts beautiful riverside trails, excellent transport links, and leisure facilities. For those who are seeking the best location in London to live, North Greenwich offers a nice living experience with leisure and convenience.
Accommodation in Greenwich includes contemporary apartments and luxury developments, attracting a diverse community. Prices vary, reflecting its status as a thriving, upscale part of London.
- Average property price: £458,000—£586,680
- Average rent: £1,856—2,331/month
3. Shoreditch and Hoxton
Nestled in the heart of East London, Shoreditch and Hoxton are vibrant neighbourhoods known for their trendy vibe. These areas are bustling with restaurants, cafes, and eclectic markets like Old Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane. For an artistic atmosphere, you can visit the Victoria Miro Gallery, which showcases innovative contemporary art. Shoreditch and Hoxton offer a dynamic nightlife with fashionable bars and clubs. Their unique display of urban culture and community vibe makes them one of the nicest places to live in London.
You can find an eclectic loft or chic apartment in Shoreditch and Hoxton. Most students prefer to rent student accommodation here, like Scape Shoreditch and East Central House. Prices in the east part of the area are generally lower.
- Average property price: £675,295
- Average rent: £2,300—3,461/month
4. Putney
Putney, located in Southwest London along the River Thames, offers a quieter and balanced lifestyle. It’s well-connected by transport, with easy access to central London. This neighbourhood is famous for its green spaces, such as Wandsworth Park and Richmond Park, offering tranquil river views and outdoor activities. And if you are interested in history, the Fulham Palace Museum is a nice place to visit. Together, these features make Putney an attractive and culturally diverse place to live in London.
Living in Putney, you’ll experience serene riverside living with a mix of modern apartments and Victorian houses.
- Average property price: £751,768
- Average rent: £1,820—£2,150/month
5. Marylebone
Marylebone is one of London’s most atmospheric shopping destinations. Lies at the centre of the area is Marylebone High Street—a vibrant stretch of shops, restaurants and cafes. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a range of cultural activities in the neighbourhood, from art exhibitions to major community events, such as the Marylebone Food Festival and Marylebone Summer Festival. All these features make Marylebone among the best areas to live in London.
Marylebone features a mix of luxurious apartments and elegant Georgian terraces, relatively cheaper than nearby areas of central London.
- Average property price: £1,221,396
- Average rent: £2,253/month
6. Brixton
Brixton, located just 10 minutes from central London, is a vibrant nightlife hub and a haven for food enthusiasts, featuring bustling markets and innovative restaurants. You can enjoy diverse global cuisines at popular spots like Pop Brixton, Brixton Village, and Market Row. What’s more, Brixton is the birthplace of renowned figures like David Bowie and poet Linton Kwesi Johnson. And that’s why living in this area means immersing yourself in a rich tapestry of art and music. The area is teeming with exceptional entertainment and events that you don’t want to miss, such as live music performances at the O2 Academy Brixton. With its unique cultural atmosphere, Brixton stands out as one of the coolest places to live in London.
There are various accommodation options in Brixton, from vintage houses to contemporary apartments. It attracts a diverse crowd with relatively affordable housing costs and easy access to the Soho and King’s Cross.
- Average property price: £566,732
- Average rent: £1,950/month
7. Dulwich
Dulwich, located in South London, is celebrated for its blend of urban charm and village tranquillity. The neighbourhood is renowned for its collection of boutique and independent shops, elegant residences, and abundant green spaces. The art enthusiasts will enjoy an impressive collection of masterpieces at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the first purpose-built public art gallery in the world. Additionally, Dulwich Park provides a leafy escape with its serene lake and recreational spaces. Dulwich is among the best places to live in London, England, for those seeking peace of mind.
Dulwich offers a mix of spacious detached houses and charming flats, catering to families and young professionals alike. Housing costs are above average due to its tranquil, upscale suburban character and complete amenities.
- Average property price: £250,000—£475,000
- Average rent: £1,079/month
8. Bermondsey
Bermondsey, nestled close to the renowned Tower Bridge and The River Thames, is one of the most central but affordable places in London to live. The heart of the area—Bermondsey Street, is lined with independent shops, bars, and restaurants. It is also well-served by various transport links, including the Jubilee line and many bus routes.
Homes in Bermondsey include modern apartments and waterfront houses. More affordable properties, like YourTRIBE South Bermondsey, can be found close to South Bermondsey station.
- Average property price: £530,597
- Average rent: £3,615/month
9. Highbury and Islington
Highbury and Islington, located in North London, is dotted with elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, adding a historical charm. Caledonian Road, bustling with shops and cafes, enriches the local community spirit. You can also enjoy the vibrant culture and art here in hidden gems like Highbury Arts Club. In addition, its proximity to the West End and the City of London makes it one of the best boroughs to live in London for expats.
Living in the attractive neighbourhoods of Highbury and Islington doesn’t come cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, the best option may be flatshare.
- Average property price: £643,000
- Average rent: £1,500—£2,660/month
10. Clapham
Clapham, Lambeth, is a lively neighbourhood in South London with countless trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. It is the best location in London to live for students and young professionals. The area boasts many green spaces like the Clapham Common and over-presented traditional Victorian buildings. Clapham’s excellent transport links, including the Northern Line and numerous bus routes, make navigating the city effortless. Clapham is a blend of leisure and convenience, making it one of the nicest places to live in London.
Clapham is a mix of chic flats and shared houses. Costs vary, with more affordable options in Clapham North, like Glassyard Building, and pricier choices near the Common and High Street, like Chapter Westminster.
- Average property price: £800,000
- Average rent: £1,700—£1,900/month
What is it like to live in London?
As a metropolitan city, London is a magnet for people all around the world with its pulsating energy, historic landmarks, and cultural richness. You can enjoy easy access to world-class museums, theatres, and restaurants alongside sprawling parks and riverside walks. Meanwhile, more job opportunities and educational resources will allow individuals to stay in London. However, life here comes with high living costs and traffic jams. What you need is an affordable house close to your university or workplace. Here is where uhomes.com, a reliable platform for renting student accommodation in London. With uhomes.com, you can enjoy the highest cashback in the whole network and all-around utility bills. In addition, we ensure an easy search and seamless booking to make it effortless to find your dream home.
How to find the best place to live in London?
1. Know Your Preferences
Before you start searching for the ideal flat or house to rent in London, you should have a clear idea about your personal preferences. For example, optimal floor height for scenic views or noise reduction, room orientation for natural light, smoking and pet policies, a lively community vibe, and essential services like security and maintenance that enhance the living experience.
2. Searching and Viewing
After considering your preferences, you can start looking for properties from trustworthy online platforms, like uhomes.com. With the help of a professional team, finding your ideal student accommodation would be significantly easy and free of trouble. Make sure you view the property in person, and you can ask your friends for company.
There are several things you need to look out for during your viewing:
- Check the surroundings, including the nearby transportation, supermarkets, restaurants, shopping centres, gyms, parks, etc.
- Pay attention to the state of doors and windows, smoke detectors and alarms, and anything that requires electricity.
- Make sure to ask who is responsible for maintaining the facilities in the building when they get damaged.
- Ask about utility bills and the Council Tax.
3. Budgeting for Your Move
Budgeting is an essential step when looking for places to live in London. Understanding initial costs, monthly expenses, and hidden costs will be helpful. By the way, if you rent student accommodation through uhomes.com, then you don’t need to pay the utility bills!
4. Connecting with the Local Community
Connecting with the local community is a strategic step before settling into a new home in London. You can browse social media or online forums like Reddit and Quora for invaluable insights into the area’s vibe, safety, amenities, and even specific rental advice. This approach helps you make an informed decision about where to live and embeds you into the fabric of the community.
Conclusion about Best Places to Live in London
In this guide, we have introduced the best places to live in London, including Camden, Shoreditch, Putney, and many more. We also list some tips on how to find your dream home. Take action at once!
FAQs about Best Places to Live in London
Is £3000 a month enough to live in London?
Yes, £3,000 a month is generally enough to live in London. It covers average rent for a one-bedroom flat outside the city center, utilities, public transport, and modest leisure activities. However, you may want to be careful about budgeting, as living costs can vary widely based on lifestyle, location, and personal spending habits. Prioritizing expenses and choosing accommodations wisely can make this budget work well, allowing for a comfortable and not extravagant life in London.
Where do most celebrities live in London?
Holland Park is one of the highly sought-after neighborhoods for London’s affluent and renowned individuals. Distinguished by its exquisite tree-lined streets and its convenient proximity to High Street Kensington and Notting Hill, this captivating locality has attracted numerous celebrities. Among the notable residents are Sir Richard Branson, the Beckhams, Elton John, Simon Cowell, Jimmy Page, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, to name a few.
What is the average rent in London?
As of April 2024, the average rent in London is approximately £2,100 per month. The prices can vary significantly based on the exact location, with more sought-after areas demanding higher rents. Budgeting for utilities and other expenses is also essential when considering rental costs in London.
