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6 Best Places to Live in London - The Full Guide
London is one of the most popular places to live in the world. With access to globally renowned educational facilities and a thriving jobs market, London is naturally the most popular city in Britain to settle in.
According to the UN, the UK is one of the top 20 happiest places in the world. If you’re thinking of moving to London, there are many advantages of settling in the UK’s capital.
It’s home to many well-preserved historic buildings, and there are countless tours and attractions dedicated to the communities that helped make London what it is today. As a capital city, it’s also at the forefront of modern technology - the infrastructure in London is some of the smoothest you’ll find in the UK, which should make your morning commute relatively painless.
London proudly owns some of the world’s greatest museums and galleries, a prestigious theatre scene and is the epicentre of much of the UK’s media.
In 2025, London’s population is projected to reach just under 10 million. It has a reputation as one of the world’s major financial and business centres, and it has a busy pace to match, where it’s never difficult to find shops and restaurants that are open all night.
But where are the most coveted boroughs in London? We’ve put together a guide of the top 6 places to live in London based on factors like transport, prestige, cultural offerings and housing stock.
Here are the top 6 best places to live in London:
Islington
Situated just a short distance from the City and the West End, the borough enjoys excellent transport links. The Northern Line at Angel and the Victoria Line at Highbury & Islington provide quick access to key parts of London, while the Overground and extensive bus routes make getting around seamless.
Despite its proximity to the capital’s busiest districts, Islington retains a distinct neighbourhood feel, offering a welcome retreat from the frenetic pace of central London.
It’s a paradise for food lovers. Upper Street, the borough’s main artery, is lined with an eclectic mix of restaurants, whether you’re looking for a pub lunch or trendy fusion food. It has a thriving bar scene, ensuring a lively nightlife without the chaos of Soho or Shoreditch.
Islington boasts some of London’s finest theatres, including the renowned Almeida Theatre, known for its world-class productions, and Sadler’s Wells, a global powerhouse for contemporary dance. Art galleries, independent bookshops, and boutique cinemas add to the area’s creative energy, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate the arts.
Green spaces, though perhaps not as abundant as in other parts of London, are carefully preserved and well-loved by locals. Highbury Fields provides a large, open space perfect for jogging, tennis, or simply unwinding, while the Regent’s Canal offers a picturesque walking route away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Ultimately, what makes Islington such a desirable place to live is its balance. It offers the energy and convenience of London living while maintaining a strong sense of identity and local character.
Dulwich
Dulwich is one of London’s most picturesque and charming neighbourhoods, offering a blend of village-like tranquillity and easy access to the capital’s bustling centre. Known for its leafy streets and beautiful period homes, it’s a haven for families and those looking for a slower pace of life without sacrificing convent transport links to London’s city centre.
One of the best things about Dulwich is that it has an abundance of green spaces. Living in London has many advantages, so finding a borough that manages to keep all of the amenities of a large city without feeling overcrowded or claustrophobic is quite the feat that Dulwich manages to accomplish. Dulwich Park is great for outdoor activities, and Brockwell Park offers panoramic views of the city skyline. These pockets of nature give Dulwich a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find so close to central London.
It also has the benefit of being a cultural hub. The Dulwich Picture Gallery, the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery, houses an impressive collection of Baroque masterpieces, attracting art lovers from across the city. Dulwich Village has quaint shops, historic pubs, and independent cafés and feels worlds away from London’s urban sprawl.
Dulwich is particularly appealing due to its exceptional schools. Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS), and Alleyn’s School are among the most prestigious independent schools in London, while local state schools also enjoy strong reputations. This, combined with the area’s safe, community-driven environment, makes it a popular choice for those raising children.
The food and drink scene in Dulwich is understated yet refined. Local favourites like The Crown & Greyhound, a historic pub in the heart of the village, and Franklins, a much-loved neighbourhood restaurant, offer high-quality dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, Lordship Lane in East Dulwich is a hub of independent shops, artisanal bakeries, and lively bars, adding a vibrant edge to the area’s otherwise serene character.
Dulwich’s property market is dominated by elegant period homes, from grand Georgian houses to Edwardian terraces and Victorian cottages. While prices reflect its desirability, the area’s timeless appeal and strong community spirit make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking long-term roots in London.
Ultimately, Dulwich offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green retreat with a rich cultural heritage, all within easy reach of the city. It is a place where history, nature, and a strong sense of community come together, making it one of London’s most desirable places to call home.
Crouch End
Nestled between the green expanses of Highgate and Alexandra Palace, Crouch End has long been a magnet for creatives and young professionals. It doesn’t have a tube station, but its self-containment is part of what makes it somewhat of a hidden gem. There are also plenty of buses to Finsbury Park providing quick access to the Victoria and Piccadilly lines.
It has a thriving independent scene, choc full of boutique shops, artisanal bakeries, and cosy cafés, giving the high street a refreshing absence of the usual chain stores.
The ArtHouse, an independent cinema and arts venue, hosts an eclectic mix of films, theatre, and live music. Alexandra Palace is a short walk away and offers concerts and food festivals.
A number of musicians, writers and actors have called it home over the years, adding to its reputation as a creative hub.
Crouch End’s streets are lined with attractive period homes, from Edwardian and Victorian terraces to grand mansion flats, many of which retain their original character. The area’s family-friendly atmosphere and strong schools, such as Coleridge Primary and Highgate Wood Secondary, make it particularly popular with those looking to settle down.
Kensington
The prestigious postcode of Kensington must be listed. Its famous Victorian terraces are synonymous with London’s history. Proximity to attractions such as the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall cement its place as a cultural cornerstone of London and, in fact, the UK as a whole.
Hyde Park is a short walk away, where major events like Winter Wonderland, the BBC proms and the BST Hyde Park Music Festival take place every year.
Kensington High Street has a mix of high-end boutiques, designer brands, and stylish cafés, while the more exclusive boutiques of Knightsbridge, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols, are just a short stroll away. The area’s dining scene is equally impressive, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy bistros and elegant brasseries. Local favourites include The Ivy Kensington Brasserie, Clarke’s, and Kitchen W8, each offering refined dining experiences.
The area is known for its immaculate garden squares, where elegant homes overlook private, beautifully maintained green spaces. Property prices definitely reflect its exclusivity, but the neighbourhood’s timeless appeal and strong investment potential make it a coveted destination for both UK and international buyers.
Wimbledon
Known globally for the annual tennis tournament, Wimbledon is an affluent suburb an hour’s commute to central London. Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park are nearby, some of London’s largest expanses of parkland, where you can regularly see red deer and fallow deer.
It benefits from both National Rail and District Line services, providing direct links to Waterloo in under 20 minutes, as well as easy access to central London via the Tube and Tramlink connections to South London and Croydon. This makes it an attractive choice for those who work in the city but want a more tranquil home environment.
Every year the Wimbledon Tennis Championships bring buzz every summer, attracting visitors from all over the world. The New Wimbledon Theatre hosts a range of productions, from West End transfers to comedy and ballet, while the Polka Theatre, one of the UK’s few dedicated children’s theatres, adds to the area’s family-friendly feel.
The Village is home to a number of period properties, many of which come with large gardens and leafy surroundings. Wimbledon Town offers a mix of Edwardian terraces, modern apartments, and purpose-built flats, catering to different lifestyles and budgets. The presence of excellent schools, both state and private, such as King’s College School and Wimbledon High, further cements its status as a prime location for families.
Ultimately, its charming village atmosphere and excellent transport links provide an idyllic retreat from the hustle of city life while maintaining all the benefits of London living.
Camden
A lot of boroughs in London are popular because they provide a sense of peace while retaining the convenience and culture of the capital. This isn’t the case for Camden, which is famous for its raucous nightlife, graffiti-laden streets, and musical heritage.
Districts like Dartmouth Park do offer a quiet retreat and ample opportunity for a stroll along the Heath, but Camden Town steals the limelight, particularly among young people and creatives. Singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse lived on Camden Square for much of her life, and the extensive Camden Market is one of the most famous cultural attractions in London – offering delicious street food, handmade clothing and jewellery.
Music venues like the Roundhouse, the Electric Ballroom, and the Dublin Castle have hosted early gigs from artists who went on to become global icons, contributing to its reputation as a pivotal part of the UK’s music scene. This has attracted all kinds of artists for decades, and it’s not uncommon of to see the occasional celebrity dotted around the more affluent parts of the borough every now and then.
Camden is diverse and exciting, with a rich history. Beyond Camden Town, the borough sports London’s classic period properties, excellent amenities, and serene gardens that would put any artist at ease.
Considering Buying a House in London?
London is renowned as a great place to live, but like any coveted spot, buying a home here can be competitive and the house prices reflect this. Whether you're settling down or looking to expand your investment portfolio, it'll help to ensure you're getting the best deal, as this will help boost your mortgage affordability. An experienced mortgage broker can use their network to match you with the most suitable lender and get you access to the best deal for your circumstances.
This will be especially helpful if you're buying from abroad, as a specialist mortgage broker will be able to iron out any issues that may pop up as a result of your overseas residence. At Clifton Private Finance, we have long-standing relationships with high street, private and specialist lenders, and we'll always work on your behalf to get you the most favourable rate for your unique situation.
If you're looking for high-end property finance or you have a complex income structure, we could get you access to tailored finance with private lenders.
To see what we can do for you, give us a call at 0117 205 4827 or book a free consultation below.
