Around one-third of the United Kingdom’s foreign-born population live in the capital. Even with a higher cost of living compared to other parts of the country, London’s economy, opportunities, culture, entertainment, cuisine and diversity attract newcomers. In a city of more than 9 million people and 32 boroughs, working out where to live can be overwhelming.
If you ask 100 Londoners where to live, you’ll get 100 different opinions on why their corner of the capital is the best.
And the arguments about whether it’s better living north or south of the River Thames will never be resolved.
Getting around town
Unless you’re chauffeured to work, you work in a lesser spotted London office with an employee car park, or your job is fully remote, you’ll probably take public transport to work.
Is there a tube, tram or National Rail station near your workplace? If so, what line is your workplace on? What bus routes are nearby? What neighbourhoods are within a reasonable commuting time and distance? Check time, distance and public transport options on the TFL journey planner.
How affordable are these neighbourhoods? What’s important to you – can you compromise on location, budget or commuting time?
If you work remotely, narrow down the search by asking yourself what you need nearby, such as cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, amenities and green spaces. Do you want an easy commute to central London’s attractions?
Do a recce
Plenty of neighbourhoods sound good on paper – or come recommended by passionate locals – but visit before making a decision. Do you like the area’s general vibe? Do you feel safe? What are the local facilities? Do the properties appeal to you? Are you after a lively neighbourhood? Do you prefer something quieter or family-friendly? If you’re bringing children, check the quality of local schools on the Ofsted website.
How much will this cost?
Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, do your budget research. The London Rents Map is a good online tool for checking average rents by area, while the government’s website for checking sold property prices is useful if you’re planning to buy a house or flat. For many newcomers, this is the reality check that helps them decide where they can genuinely afford to live.
Here’s a sampling of two-bedroom rentals from the least affordable to the most affordable (Source: Homeviews)
• Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, at least 2,900 pounds per month
• City of London, 2,500 pounds per month• Islington and Camden, at least 2,000 each month
• Southwark, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth, at least 1,800 per month
• Lambeth, 1,750 per month
• Richmond Upon Thames and Haringey, at least 1,600 per month
• Barnet, Ealing and Merton, at least 1,500 per month
• Kingston Upon Thames, Greenwich, Brent andNewham, 1,450 per month.
Real expats share where they live:
Sam, 61, Australia: “I chose the Bayswater/Notting Hill area because Queensway tube station is on the Central Line and I was going to work at Liverpool Street.”
Leslie, 47, US: “I lived in Leyton and Leytonstone because I was working in White City. It was one tube to work and a good walk to the station – or plenty of buses if I was running late. We moved to Leytonstone to be closer to my son’s school. It’s close to Wanstead Flats and Epping Forest, there were great food and coffee places, and both had really nice communities.”
Ivy, 54, Malaysia: “I moved to Islington by default because I already had a friend there. I stayed with her for three weeks while I looked for a place of my own. I lived in Whitechapel and Clapham, and I now live in Wandsworth – it’s affordable and I wanted to live in a house rather than a flat.”
Daniel, 32, Guatemala: “I went with friends to Columbia Flower Market and London Fields on one of those amazing rare sunny Sundays. I ended up in Broadway Market and still like it. Walking to London Fields or Victoria Park makes this city more lovable. There are some concessions you make on transport, such as no close tube connection, but there is the Overground.”
Jai, 46, married to Noah, a New Zealand expat: “We couldn’t afford North London, so it was south of the river. We went for the edge of Zone 4 because we could afford a flat with a garden and there was free parking.”
Beth, 51, US: “I initially moved to Mitcham because it was where my ex and I had bought a house. When I moved to Crystal Palace, I wanted to stay south of the river because it’s so much prettier and greener, and it was convenient for work. I wanted to be next to a major park as a runner. Plus I love the Crystal Palace dinosaurs!”
Sangeeta, 51, India: “I’m one of those rare Londoners with no attachment to either side of the river.. Having travelled thousands of miles and many rivers to move here, I can move across this little river easily. I’ve lived in South West and South East London, but I love living in East London. I’ve got three tube stations, and the joy of innumerable cool markets, hangouts and bookshops. Living in a creative part of town makes it best for me.”
Constantine, 53, Russia: “I lived in Hackney, historically seen as rough, but I felt completely safe and loved it. It is in Zone 2, which was attractive to me. Only after moving in, did I really understand what the neighbourhood was like. Each London area is almost like its own city or even its own country. It deserves its own tourism and exploration.”
–––––––––––
Read more about London here in Dispatches’ archives.
Georgia Lewis
Georgia Lewis is an Australian expat who spent five years living in the United Arab Emirates before moving to London in 2011. She is a freelance writer and editor. When she's not writing or editing, she loves cooking, trying new restaurants, going to the theatre and travelling. Her favourite destinations are the Greek islands, Mallorca, Oman and Vietnam.
