There are always going to be several variables to consider when deciding on the best place to live in London. However, for most people, the distance from the city centre will have a lot of sway in where they eventually settle.
Of course, there are other considerations, such as families and what there is to do in an area. Everyone prefers to live in a town with low crime rates, modern amenities, and convenient access to public transport. So, with all that in mind, here are some of the best places in London that we think are worthy of your consideration.
Hampstead has an abundance of green areas and is very dog-friendly if you and your furry friends need a place to call home. There are tons of pet-friendly shops in the area, so you don’t need to be shy about heading out on Sunday morning with Fido. It won’t take you long to get used to enjoying relaxing afternoons at the Red Lion and Sun pub, where well-behaved dogs are welcome, provided they are always kept on a lead.
Greenwich is a trendy area, made famous because it sits squarely on the Prime Meridian, the agreed-upon border between the eastern and western hemispheres. The River Thames runs through Greenwich, and the area is a transport hub for quick access to the city. There is plenty to do in the local area because you have your pick of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Greenwich is especially suited to families, as there are several top-quality schools in the area. Easy access to the city also makes it a prime location for young up-and-coming professionals.
Once one of the poorest locations around London, Hackney is now on the up and up and is considered one of the hippest and coolest places to put down roots. Young professionals with careers in the creative arts love living in Hackney, probably because of the many old factories being converted into hipster homes. The location has vast expanses of green areas for you to explore with your family and pets and maybe sniff out and chase a squirrel or two.
Crystal Palace is the budget end of town for those looking for somewhere cheaper, but it has a lot going for it. Of course, you will need to be prepared for a longer tube ride than other areas. Still, for young professionals starting their careers, the sacrifice means the price will be about right. There are lots of wide-open spaces for families to enjoy and the fact that you will be up on a hill gives you superb views of the city.
If you need fast access to the city but want your weekends to have that small-town feel where everybody knows your name, then Richmond is worthy of consideration. There are plenty of shopping options, and during the summer you will enjoy watching a spot of cricket. It’s not the cheapest place around London, but with one of the lowest crime rates around London, it’s a very safe area to raise a family.
Sutton may be down the list a little, but this location is highly sought after by people looking for a prime area to settle down with a family. It’s not the cheapest area, but it’s still at a more affordable level. Green spaces are plentiful, and well looked after, and your proximity to the North Downs means the crime rate is one of the lowest around London.
Barnet tends to be on the more expensive side. Still, it is a very safe area for families to enjoy the rolling green countryside of nearby Hertfordshire. You will never be short of things to do when you choose Barnet as your new home. There’s the Copthall Leisure Centre for sports fans, more than a handful of fantastic restaurants, and no shortage of shopping opportunities. Barnet is also home to several excellent schools to keep your kids educated from playschool, right through to college.
Families looking for family-friendly areas to settle down in London should keep Wandsworth at the top of their shortlist. The area features excellent facilities for shopping, and the Tooting Bec Lido is a fantastic place for parents and kids to cool off in the summer. Picnics during warm summer days are a treat for escaping suburbia at the Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common. Perhaps one of the favourite reasons to consider settling in Wandsworth is that London Victoria is just a 12-minute trip.
Dulwich in South London consistently scores highly with families with children. Nearby Dulwich Park is an excellent place for families to relax on their time off with 72 acres to roam, sporting facilities, café, and boating park.
Parents have a range of choices in both private and public schools, and the crime levels are incredibly low. Trains heading directly to London centre will get you there in around 15-minutes.
The pinnacle of suburban living is at Muswell Hill. It’s close to Alexandra Park, which provides families with the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Family dogs can get their fill of exercise at the many open dog-friendly areas around Muswell Hill.
Good schools are plentiful, and many of them manage to score a place in the educational top school statistics. Crime is also low, and there are plenty of shopping locations, dining opportunities, and cafes to chill out in. Muswell Hill is also famous for its farmers’ markets which regularly take over the town and is an excellent source of fresh produce, garden supplies, jewellery, and arts and craft. Jump on a train to London and King’s Cross station is just 20 minutes away.
As you can see, there is plenty of variety available when it comes to finding the perfect location for your new home with family and pets. Wide-open spaces, things to do, and places to go are all available in a range of budgets, with all locations providing convenient access to the city.
So, if you’re looking at relocating to the South London area, let Dumond move you there flawlessly and without any drama.
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