Posh vs. Practical: 31 Best Areas to Live in London for You (2024)

Are you moving to London, but overwhelmed by the sheer number of neighborhoods to choose from? I get it.

London is so massive that it’s impossible to tour every single neighborhood that might fit your needs.

I’ve compiled a list of the 31 best areas to live in London, broken down by family-friendly neighborhoods, areas great for couples, and neighborhoods for singles & solo living.

Best Areas to Live in London for Families

map of london with pins on the best places to live in london for families and colorful graphics with text: "the best london areas for families"

If you need a bit more space with good schools, here are the best neighborhoods to live in London for families.

Keep in mind that the best area to live in London for you and your family is the one that fit your budget, your lifestyle, and your commute. There’s a lot to consider, but here are some of my favorites.

Please Note: Since rental prices have surged in London this year, I’ve also included the average rent price in each area according to Foxton’s so you know exactly what you’re looking at. These average prices change all the time, so click through to see the most updated cost.

1. Richmond

where are the best places to live in london for families? Image of Richmond in greater London, with title text overlaid

Richmond is an ideal area for families to live in London. Recently popular with tourists who watched Ted Lasso, Richmond has always been known for its beautiful parks and prime Thameside location.

This quaint, leafy suburb offers a tranquil environment and Richmond boasts some of the best state schools in London.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 45 minutes
🏠 Richmond Average Rental Price: £591 per week
✅ Best For: Families who want more green space.

2. Wimbledon

It’s not all about tennis. Wimbledon is one of the best areas to live in London for families with great schools, open spaces, and a strong sense of community. The Northern Line takes you straight into the heart of the city.

🤑 Posh or Practical? A bit of both.
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 50 minutes
🏠 Wimbledon Average Rental Price: £687 per week
✅ Best For: Pretty green spaces.

3. Dulwich

Located a little further out in South London, Dulwich is renowned for its charming village atmosphere and vast green spaces. It may be farther out of Central London, but if you’re living in London with family, you can get more value for your money here.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 45 minutes
🏠 Dulwich Average Rental Price: £646 per week
✅ Best For: Posh little village atmosphere without the posh village price.

4. Hampstead

where are the best london neighborhoods for families? Image of Hampstead, a leafy North london borough that's one of the bets (but most expensive) boroughs for london families

Nestled is known for cobbled streets, winding alleys, massive wooded park Hampstead Heath, and a variety of private and public schools. This area is popular with celebrities who want the privacy of a suburb with the convenience of proximity to Central London.

Hampstead is in the borough of Camden, which has some of the best schools in the city, both public and private.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 25 minutes
🏠 Hampstead Average Rental Price: £1,700 per week
✅ Best For: Big budgets and posh tastes.

5. Greenwich

Is there a prettier area for families to live in London? I don’t think so. Greenwich is one of the best areas to live in London for families who want gorgeous views, tons to do, and a pretty quick commute to the city.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Both.
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 45 minutes
🏠 Greenwich Average Rental Price: £586 per week
✅ Best For: Families who want a village-feel.

6. Blackheath

The name feels straight out of Peaky Blinders, but Blackheath couldn’t be farther from Tommy Shelby’s dark digs. Adjacent to Greenwich, Blackheath features a village-like ambiance, a large open heath, good schools, and a range of family-oriented activities.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 25 minutes
🏠 Blackheath Average Rental Price: £570 per week
✅ Best For: More space for a lot less!

7. Barnes

where to live in london with your family? Image of Barnes, a quiet area of London that's often overlooked for london families looking for the bets places to live

Just across the Thames from Fulham, Barnes has a serene riverside setting, with stunning views and peaceful walks along the Thames. What more could you ask for in a family-friendly London neighborhood? It’s a bit pricey lately, but it’s absolutely serene.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 50 minutes
🏠 Barnes Average Rental Price: £717 per week
✅ Best For: More space, less money.

8. Chiswick

A bit northwest of Barnes, Chiswick offers community, excellent schools, a wide range of shops and amenities, and easy access to parks. Chiswick is one of the best areas to live in London that feels like a cozy village, yet with all the perks of big city living.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 45 minutes
🏠 Chiswick Average Rental Price: £625 per week
✅ Best For: More space still with a great vibe.

9. Clapham

Popular with families, Clapham provides a mix of green spaces, good schools, a variety of family-friendly events, and convenient transportation links. In the center is Clapham Common, where you can enjoy parkside pubs and restaurants, picnics and summer festivals.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 25 minutes
🏠 Clapham Average Rental Price: £651 per week
✅ Best For: More space with an easy commute.

10. Islington

Islington is a massive North London borough with tons of places to choose from. There’s a diverse range of family-friendly amenities, such as parks, playgrounds and museums. Regent’s Canal winds through this picturesque little bit of London, which is great for walking and boat watching. Plus, it’s only a few stops on the Northern line to Central London.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Both.
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 20 minutes
🏠 Islington Average Rental Price: £720 per week
✅ Best For: Good schools still very close to Central London.

11. Kingston-Upon-Thames

where to live in london for families? Image of the river Thames running through the village of Kingston-upon-thames, an underrated area of london for families with excellent schools and good transport links

Living in Kingston-upon-Thames is living in London without living in London. It’s a quaint little village on the river with lots of green space, more square footage for your money, and great schools.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical but pretty.
✏️ Good Schools? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 1 hour
🏠 Kingston-Upon-Thames Average Rental Price: £619 per week
✅ Best For: More space, pretty views and great schools.

Best Areas in London for Couples

If you have a partner but no kids, party on! Here are the best neighborhoods in London to live for couples who want to make the most their time in this city.

1. Shoreditch

Image of georgian terraced homes in the cool London neighborhood of Shoreditch - one of the best areas in london for couples to live

Known for its nightlife, trendy bars, and creative scene, Shoreditch is a popular choice for young professionals seeking an artsy & alternative vibe. Enjoy incredible street art, vintage boutiques, street markets, craft breweries and a great live music scene. It’s also close to the ‘silicon roundabout’ of Old Street, so it’s great for proximity to tech offices.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh price, practical location.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: You’re already there.
🏠 Shoreditch Average Rental Price: £727 per week
✅ Best For: Chill, artsy Londoners.

2. Notting Hill

Famous for its colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and trendy boutiques, Notting Hill offers a mix of charm, convenience, and a thriving social scene. The high streets get a bit crowded on the weekends, but that’s the perfect excuse to pop to nearby Paddington Station and take a train anywhere in the UK.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 35 minutes
🏠 Notting Hill Average Rental Price: £945 per week
✅ Best For: Big budgets and posh tastes.

3. Canary Wharf

image of canary wharf from the river thames, one of the newest areas that london couples are calling home

Located in the heart of London’s financial district, Canary Wharf is perfect for young professionals working in banking, finance, and related industries. It’s really a city unto itself, with everything you need on this island, and great transport links to get you everywhere else.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠Canary Wharf Average Rental Price: £676 per week
✅ Best For: Young professionals who want modern flats.

4. Hackney

Known for its creative vibe, independent shops, and trendy eateries, Hackney has become a popular choice for young professionals looking for a vibrant and artistic community.

This one has been an up-and-comer for a few years, and has become quite a cool spot for shopping, dining, and pub hopping. Plus, you may get a bit more for your money as it hasn’t been totally gentrified yet. It also has great schools, if that is in your future.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical price, getting posher by the day.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 20 minutes
🏠 Hackney Average Rental Price: £672 per week
✅ Best For: Renters who want the up-and-coming neighborhoods.

5. Camden Town

With its iconic markets, live music venues, and alternative culture, Camden Town attracts young professionals who appreciate a vibrant and eclectic lifestyle. If you’re into the artsy scene, Camden has the coolest fashion, music, body art, and markets to inspire you.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Both.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Camden Town Average Rental Price: £762 per week
✅ Best For: An artsy, alternative London experience.

6. Angel

image of the leafy north london borough of Angel with street sign reading: "moon street, N1, Angel" and a cherry tree in bloom. Angel is a very central and pretty neighborhood for london couples to live.

Offering a mix of trendy bars, restaurants, and cultural venues, Angel appeals to young professionals looking for a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a touch of sophistication.

Regent’s Canal runs straight through, which makes for beautiful walks to work and lovely riverside pub hopping. Camden Passage is a posh little shopping alley with great boutiques and antique stalls.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Both.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Angel Average Rental Price: £728 per week
✅ Best For: Being super close to Central London but with a tiny bit more space to breathe.

7. Brixton

Known for its multicultural atmosphere, bustling street markets, and diverse music scene, Brixton has become a popular choice for young professionals. Music history was made in Brixton, and the street art, markets, parks, and oh-so-cool vibe reflect this tradition.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 35 minutes
🏠 Brixton Average Rental Price: £587 per week
✅ Best For: Chill vibes and lower prices.

8. Marylebone

image of bright pastel mews homes in Marylebone, a west london neighborhood great for posh couples to live in london

Offering a mix of charming streets, upscale boutiques, and excellent transport links, Marylebone provides a central location with a more relaxed and refined atmosphere. Bordered by Baker Street and Regent’s Park to the North and Oxford Street to the south, you’re right in the middle of everything you need, and more.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 20 minutes
🏠 Marylebone Average Rental Price: £1,407 per week
✅ Best For: Big budgets and posh tastes.

9. Southwark

Bordering the Thames, Southwark offers a mix of cultural attractions, trendy bars, and excellent dining options, making it an appealing choice for young professionals. Being able to shop at the iconic Borough Market on the weekends is only one of the advantages of living here! Excellent transport links make it a super convenient place to reside.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Both.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 10 minutes
🏠 Southwark Average Rental Price: £800 per week
✅ Best For: Central London vibes south of the river.

10. Mayfair

Near Hyde Park, posh Mayfair offers proximity to retailers, world-class restaurants, art galleries, and green spaces. Flats in its elegant Georgian townhouses make a perfect home base for a young couple from which to enjoy the city. It’s one of the most expensive places to live in London, so it’s not for everyone. But if you can afford it, why not?

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh, posh, posh.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Mayfair Average Rental Price: £1,856 per week
✅ Best For: Big budgets and posh tastes.

Best Areas in London On Your Own

map of london with pins on the best areas for singles and solo renters to live, with pins on highlighted locations and text overlaid: "the best london areas for solo living"

Moving to London solo, or want to join up with some flatmates? These are the best areas to check out and make the most out of your time in this city.

London is an amazing place to live on your own or with friends!

1. Soho

image of pride flags flying over soho, london, a great neighborhood to live in london for singles and the LGBTQ community

Known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and bustling entertainment scene, Soho is a popular choice for singles looking for an energetic vibe. Soho is the heart of London’s LGBTQIA+ community, and whether you’re a part of that community or not, Soho is an amazing place to make friends and socialize. There’s never a dull moment here.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh price, practical location.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Soho Average Rental Price: £936 per week
✅ Best For: Being right in the centre of all the action!

2. Covent Garden

With its mix of theaters, street performers, trendy bars, and boutique shops, Covent Garden is an incredible place for singles to enjoy the city. Winding alleys and cobbled lanes converge in Seven Dials, lined with shops, pubs, theaters, food halls and more.

Candidly, if I were single and could afford it, I would choose Covent Garden hands down. Sure, it gets touristy, but there are so many cool spots right on your doorstep that I wouldn’t think twice about it.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Covent Garden Average Rental Price: £1187 per week
✅ Best For: Being right in the middle of all the action.

3. Hoxton

image of historic court in Hoxton, london, a great area for singles and young professionals to live in london

Located near Shoreditch, Hoxton offers a trendy and artistic atmosphere with hipster cafes, galleries, and a thriving nightlife scene that attracts young and single residents. You get all the advantages of living near Shoreditch without the huge price tag.

Hoxton is also one of the best places to live in London for families as you can get a bit more space for your money, while still being very close to the city center.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh price, practical location.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Hoxton Average Rental Price: £789 per week
✅ Best For: Shoreditch vibes for less.

4. Peckham

With its burgeoning food scene, art galleries, and rooftop bars, Peckham has become an increasingly popular area for singles. One of the most affordable on this list, you could grab a few roommates and snag a roomy flat with quick access to the city.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Basics nearby, quick trip north for everything else.
🚊 Commute to Central London: 30 minutes
🏠 Peckham Average Rental Price: £534 per week
✅ Best For: A bit more space for your money, but still being close to Central London.

5. Battersea

image of the newly renovated battersea power station in london, a great neighborhood for singles and young professionals to live

Situated along the Thames, Battersea offers a mix of parks, riverside walks, and trendy bars and restaurants, making it an attractive area for singles seeking a blend of tranquility and social life.

The newly-renovated Battersea Power Station may be out of your price range (well, most people’s price range!), but you can still enjoy all of the amenities of nearby shopping, dining, grocery stores, and entertainment.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh but good location.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 40 minutes
🏠Battersea Average Rental Price: £830 per week
✅ Best For: Young professionals.

6. Whitechapel

No longer the dark and dingy Whitechapel of the Jack the Ripper era! Whitechapel is diverse with excellent transport links, parks, restaurants, co-working spaces and more affordable flats for rent.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 Whitechapel Average Rental Price: £607 per week
✅ Best For: A bit more space for your money, but still being close to Central London.

7. Southbank/Waterloo

image of the southbank of the thames in london at sunset, one very cool area for singles and young professionals to live in london

Situated along the River Thames, Southbank is home to cultural landmarks like the Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre, making it an attractive area for singles interested in arts, culture, and scenic walks along the river.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh price, practical location.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 20 minutes
🏠 Southbank Average Rental Price: £800 per week
✅ Best For: Being super close to Central London with more water views.

8. Wembley Park

Sports fans, this one’s for you. With incredible sporting facilities, you can watch and play all day. Plus, you’ll be close to incredible live music with big name talent at Wembley Stadium. Sure, it’s a little ways out of Central London, but you get a whole lot more for your money, with all you need still right nearby.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Basics all nearby, quick trip east for everything else.
🚊 Commute to Central London: 45 minutes
🏠 Wembley Park Average Rental Price: £606 per week
✅ Best For: A bit more space for your money, but still being close to Central London.

9. King’s Cross

image of joggers running on sunny Regent's canal through kings cross in london, a very central and newly posh area in london for singles and young professionals to live

King’s Cross went through a massive redevelopment in the last decade, with new trendy restaurants and shops at Coal Drops Yard. It’s absolutely the best place for transport links, being right next to both King’s Cross Underground and St. Pancras Station (national rail), so you can hop a train to Paris from your doorstep. This area has it all.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Posh price, very practical location.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 15 minutes
🏠 King’s Cross Average Rental Price: £644 per week
✅ Best For: Being super well connected to the entire city.

10. Poplar

Poplar is the East End at its finest. It’s a real community here, where Londoners look out for one another, which is exactly what you want when you’re on your own. Life near the docks means you’ve always got a view of the Thames, and being a little further out of Central London means you can afford your rent.

🤑 Posh or Practical? Practical.
🌆 Lots to See and Do from Your Doorstep? Yes
🚊 Commute to Central London: 30 minutes
🏠 Poplar Average Rental Price: £603 per week
✅ Best For: A bit more space for your money, but still being close to Central London.

My Final Thoughts on Where to Live in London

Your favorite neighborhood in London may surprise you, and the places you’d never considered may be the place you’d be incredibly happy. This city is nothing if not surprising and endlessly diverse.

The best areas to live in London for families is ultimately where you end up feeling safe and comfortable.

The best areas in London for couples is really anywhere that fits in your budget and lifestyle.

And living in London solo? Use your budget as a guide, grab some roommates if you need to, and make the most of your time in this incredible city.

Keep your options open, keep an open mind, and don’t give up–your perfect London flat is right around the corner.

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The Best Secondary Schools in London: 6 boroughs to Live In

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First time Renting in London? The Ultimate Rental Guide