How to choose your London neighbourhood

Other than your budget, there are many factors you should consider when deciding where to live in London. Decide which of them are more or less important to you👇

1. Proximity to your work. If you have an office or a working site to go to, you may want to live somewhere within a relatively short commute. Remember that the further you live, the more you will be spending on your transportation every day. 
   
2. Accessibility of the city centre. If you have to attend a lot of events, meet clients in-person, or simply enjoy all the experiences London has to offer, you might not want to move beyond Zone 1-2 – or at least make sure your journey doesn’t take you too long.
   
3. Transport links: Check the overall availability and convenience of public transport options, including tube stations, bus routes, and train services. Some areas might offer better connectivity than others.
   
4. Cost of living. Some London boroughs are more expensive than the other – and it’s not just about the rent or the council tax. The closer you are to the centre, the more you are likely to be spending – both on your rent and on other living expenses. Posh neighbourhoods will likely boast expensive artisan and organic shops, while more low-key residential districts will have large megastores and street markets.
   
5. Safety and cleanliness. Some boroughs of London are less safe than others. Check crime statistics covering your preferred areas to see what the situation is like there. Take into account that the division between safer and “dodgier” parts of London is literally by streets – within one neighbourhood, the situation may vary dramatically. It’s also worth noting that in more challenging areas, along with “party” boroughs, the cleanliness of the area can be more problematic than in quieter residential districts. 
   
6. Schools in the area. For families, it’s vitally important to live in close proximity to good schools. It’s best to research the schooling situation in your preferred areas before moving in.
   
7. International communities. Some areas of London tend to attract specific groups of immigrants by country and nationality. If you feel more comfortable around people speaking your language, this may be an important point. But do remember that London is generally a mix, and you are quite likely to meet people from your country regardless.
   
8. Local amenities and green spaces: Consider what facilities are important to your lifestyle, such as supermarkets, restaurants, parks, gyms, and hospitals.
   
9. Noise and Pollution: Some areas might be noisier or have higher levels of pollution than others, especially those near busy roads, airports, or industrial sites. 
   
10. Various subjective preferences. Maybe you’ve always wanted to wake up with a view of classic English Gregorian houses from your window. Or maybe you’d rather live near water. Or there is a specific part of the city you really like. No wants are too small – you’re looking for your future home, after all. You may not find your perfect place from the first attempt, but there’s no reason not to try.