Best places to live in London 2021

Whether you are planning a major move to London or simply looking to relocate to somewhere new in the capital, there are many amazing boroughs to choose from. From those with modern apartment blocks that look out over the city through to colourful neighbourhoods with quirky bars, shops, and restaurants, and even those which are great for families.

In this article, we will take a look at the best places to live in London, whether you are renting or buying.

Best for affordable housing - Bexley and Croydon

If you have already started your search for a new home in London, you may have noticed that many areas are notoriously expensive. However, there are still some areas that offer great value whilst still being an excellent place to live.

A great example is Bexley, which is located in south-east London. The cost of renting and the cost of buying is lower than in neighbouring boroughs, yet Bexley is still packed with parks, vibrant markets, and great transport links to central London.

Another option is Croydon, which is situated on the outskirts of the capital. However, for those working in the centre of London, the fastest train will have you in town within just 18 minutes. Although Croydon itself is one of the furthest boroughs from the centre, it does offer a low cost of renting and a low cost of buying, without losing its bustling vibe.

Best for vibrant shops and cafes - Camden

If you are looking for a vibrant borough, Camden is the best place to be. With its mixture of vibrant cafes, vintage stores, street food vendors and trendy bars, this quirky area has you covered. Camden is well-known for its famous market, where you will be able to spend hours browsing the vintage clothes, records, and homeware.

Best for students - Islington

If you are moving to London as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you certainly have a lot to be excited about! As a student, you are probably looking for somewhere affordable and close to campus, with plenty of bars and great connections to other areas of the city.

Considering these factors, we think that Islington is a great choice, thanks to its variety of cafes, bars, independent shops, and proximity to the universities that lie to the north of the Thames. There are plenty of great house shares to choose from and the area is more affordable than many other options, without having to compromise on convenience.

Best place for those with children - Richmond

If you are relocating to London with a family, you will need to be on the lookout for homes in the safest areas, with excellent schools and plenty of green spaces. At the top of our list is Richmond, which sits to the southwest and consistently has some of the lowest crime rates in the capital. In addition, the area has great schools with many rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted. In terms of green space, Richmond is a far cry from the concrete towers in the centre of the capital, with its leafy parks and deer-filled forests.

Although, Notting Hill is also a great spot for those who are able to invest in one of the million-pound properties the area has to offer. There are many great schools, an excellent community spirit and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Best place for those who love to dine out - Shoreditch

If you spend your evenings and weekends scouring for the nicest restaurants and cafes, Shoreditch is the place for you! This area really does have something for every foodie, from high-end restaurants to cafes devoted to cereal.

Wherever you choose to base yourself in Shoreditch, you will be within walking distance of the capital's leading foodie markets, including Spitalfields, Brick Land and Boxpark. Plus, if you do ever manage to try everything the area has to offer, there is a regular stream of pop-up cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants to try.

Best place for those who love the outdoors - Lewisham

If you are moving to London, you may be wondering how you can nurture your love for the great outdoors in the capital. However, there are plenty of places that offer lots of green space, including the southeast borough of Lewisham.

Over the years, Lewisham has transformed itself into a borough that is known for its green spaces that are perfect for nature lovers. In particular, Beckenham Place Park, which covers a massive 96 hectares, is situated in Lewisham. There is even a golf course, woodland and an open water swimming lake!

Best place for a young professional - Fitzrovia

If you have secured your dream job in London, you will need to find a flat that is close to great shops and pubs, whilst also being one of the safest and most affordable places to live. Our pick is the neighbourhood of Fitzrovia, which borders the busy shopping areas of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street.

There are excellent transport links, some great pubs and quiet residential streets which feel safe and welcoming. Wherever your new job is located, you will benefit from a quick commute and there will be plenty of other young professionals travelling daily from Fitzrovia's central location.

Best place for those looking for a great investment - Shoreditch

This borough sits to the east of the capital and is currently one of the trendiest places to live. Properties in Shoredtich do carry a hefty price tag, however, with many warehouse apartments and up and coming streets, there is always a bargain available for those looking to make a sound investment.

The area was once known as the hub for textile and furniture manufacturing, however, today it offers a great neighbourhood for those looking for the best restaurants, cocktail bars, and shopping amenities.

Best for apartment living - North Greenwich

The peninsula of Greenwich is quickly developing and stretches south of the iconic leisure complex, The O2. The area of North Greenwich is packed with modern-high rise apartments, world-class retail outlets and riverside trails.

As an area that is almost exclusively apartments, you will find many young professionals and couples in the area that are commuting to Canary Wharf, which is just a stop away. It is also an ideal location for those who like to travel, as London City Airport is within easy reach.

Best for peace and quiet - Putney

It is not very often that you hear 'London' and 'quiet' in the same sentence, however, if you are a fan of living a peaceful life away from work, Putney is a great option. The borough is located in southwest London on the leafy banks of the Thames, with a feel that is closer to a quiet town than a busy capital city.

There is a great mixture of walking and running trails, not to mention the area's proximity to nearby Richmond Park. Although it is quite far from the city centre, the train journey takes just 15 minutes, which makes it a popular choice for young couples, families and those looking to move out of the hustle and bustle.

Best for culture - Brixton

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the many cultures of London, Brixton will draw you in with its sights, sounds and smells. The area is a perfect example of multicultural London, with a lively community spirit and many places to socialise, eat and drink. It is also well connected, with great transport links to King's Cross and Soho.

Although Brixton may have had a poor reputation in the past, the area has undergone many improvements and the cost of buying and renting is still lower than in other parts of London. With its mixture of apartments, new build houses, Victorian terraces and older council estates, there is something for every budget.

Best for a village feel - Dulwich

The leafy borough of Dulwich is located in south London and is one of the best-kept secrets in the capital. If you need quick transport into central London, it may not be for you, but if you want to be close to London and still live in an area which feels more like a village, Dulwich is a great choice. Although, there are direct trains which will take you to London Bridge in just 15 minutes.

There is a small-town vibe with quiet pubs, cafes, and a popular boating lake, not to mention Dulwich Hamlet FC which is great for football fans. There are many families and young professionals which choose Dulwich as their home, with housing consisting of a variety of Victorian and Edwardian houses and converted flats. In terms of pricing, there are many competitively priced options available, although you will pay more for a home with a park view with quick access to the train station.

We hope this list has helped to make your decision a little easier, and before you know it, you will be settled into your new home and exploring the city. If you would like to discuss anything within this article in more detail, please contact us today.