So you have decided that London is the perfect city for you and the place that you want to call home! London, a melting pot of cultures and opportunities, offers a wide array of boroughs to choose from - 32 to be exact - and you will need to decide which one of the boroughs you will settle in to call this vibrant city home. Each borough has its own unique charm, amenities, and characteristics, and finding the right fit depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate through your options and discuss key considerations to help you make an informed decision for your new home.
Exploring London's Boroughs by Location
London is composed of 32 boroughs, in addition to the City of London, which is a distinct entity. Each borough operates as a local government district, with its own council responsible for local services and administration. The City of London, often referred to simply as "the City," is the historic core and primary financial district of London, governed by the City of London Corporation. For ease, we have grouped London's boroughs into five main regions, central, north, south, east and west:
Central London
Westminster, Camden, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets (note - most of the Central London boroughs also span across the other regions below)
North London
Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington.
South London
Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Southwark, Sutton, Wandsworth.
East London
Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest.
West London
Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames.
London Boroughs
Each have their own unique flair and feel. Find that one that best suits you!
Exploring London's Boroughs by Zone
Transport for London (TfL) has divided London into 9 fare zones to manage and calculate public transport fares efficiently. For Londoners, understanding these zones is crucial for navigating the extensive transport network, which includes the Underground, Overground, buses, and trains. zone 1 covers the central London, where many of the London's iconic attractions such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are located. Zones extend outward, with zone 2 encircling zone 1 etc., reaching the suburban areas in zones 5 and 6. The fare you pay depends on the number of zones you travel through, so planning your journey would be wise. For instance, if you live in zone 2, you can enjoy slightly lower fares while still being close to central London.
The London boroughs by zone follows below, and again this is a general list as there is some overlap for certain boroughs:
Zone 1: Westminster, Camden, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, City of London
Zone 2: Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Hackney, Haringey, Lewisham, Newham, Greenwich, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Waltham Forest
Zone 3: Barnet, Bromley, Haringey, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Wandsworth, Redbridge, Hounslow, Ealing, Brent
Zone 4: Barnet, Croydon, Harrow, Enfield, Bromley, Ealing, Hounslow, Redbridge, Waltham Forest
Zone 5: Harrow, Hillingdon, Enfield, Barnet, Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Redbridge
Zone 6: Hillingdon, Havering, Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Sutton
Things to Consider When Choosing a Borough
Proximity to Work or Study: Consider the commute time and transportation options to your workplace or educational institution. Living closer can save you time and costs in the long run.
Affordability: Research the cost of living in each borough, including rent prices, council tax rates, and general expenses. Determine which borough aligns with your budget and lifestyle.
Neighbourhood Vibe: Visit different boroughs to get a sense of their atmosphere and community. Assess if it matches your preferences, whether you prefer a quiet residential area or a bustling cosmopolitan neighbourhood.
Amenities and Facilities: Look into the availability of quality schools, healthcare facilities, leisure centres, parks, shopping centres, and cultural attractions within each borough.
Safety: Investigate crime rates and safety statistics for the boroughs you are considering to ensure you feel secure in your new area.
Diversity and Cultural: London is renowned for its multi-cultural environment. Consider the diversity of a borough and the range of cultural activities it offers, such as museums, art galleries, theatres, and culinary options.
Our Favourite Considerations
Central London - Kensington and Chelsea
Affluence and Quality of Life: Known for its upscale residential areas, high property values, and quality of life.
Cultural Institutions: Hosts famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
Shopping and Leisure: Notable for high-end shopping districts like King's Road and Kensington High Street, as well as the vibrant Notting Hill area.
North London - Camden
Cultural Diversity and Vibrancy: Famous for its eclectic mix of markets, music venues, and cultural institutions.
Tourist Hotspot: Attracts visitors to Camden Market, the British Museum, and Regent's Park.
Education and Research: Home to prestigious institutions such as University College London (UCL) and the British Library.
South London - Greenwich
Residential and Quality of Life: Greenwich hosts various festivals, cultural events, and community activities, fostering a strong sense of community.
Cultural Significance: Greenwich is renowned for its maritime history, being home to the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and the National Maritime Museum. The area has royal connections dating back centuries and was granted Royal Borough status in 2012.
Transport and Accessibility: Regular Thames Clippers services offer a scenic route to central London, combining transport with sightseeing.
East London - Hackney
Eclectic and Diverse Community: Hackney is known for its vibrant and diverse community, with a rich mix of cultures, ethnicities, and creative energy. This diversity is reflected in the borough's festivals, food, and arts scenes.
Start Ups and Innovation: The borough is a hotspot for tech startups and innovative businesses, particularly in areas like Shoreditch, which is part of the wider "Tech City" cluster.
Regeneration and Development: Many parts of Hackney have undergone significant regeneration, improving housing and amenities while maintaining the area's unique character.
West London - Kingston upon Thames
Historical and Cultural Significance: Kingston upon Thames is one of only four Royal Boroughs in England, with a history dating back to the coronation of several Anglo-Saxon kings. Notable landmarks include the Coronation Stone, where seven Anglo-Saxon kings are believed to have been crowned, and All Saints Church, which has been a place of worship for over a thousand years.
Landmarks and Attractions: A scenic walk along the River Thames, with picturesque views, restaurants, pubs, and leisure activities such as boat trips. Although technically in the neighboring borough of Richmond, Hampton Court Palace is very close to Kingston and is a major attraction with its stunning gardens, Tudor history, and the famous maze.
Transport and Accessibility: Kingston is well-connected by train, with regular services to central London (Waterloo), making it convenient for commuting.
Summary
Finding the best London neighbourhood for your next home requires balancing your lifestyle needs, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you're attracted to the vibrant culture of Camden, the serene parks of Richmond, the artistic buzz of Hackney, or the upscale charm of Kensington, London has something for everyone.