7 Best Places to Live in London (Zones 1–4)

Camden – Bohemian and Lively (Zone 2)

Camden Lock’s canalside market is the heart of this boho neighborhood, known for street food, indie shops, and live music.

Camden in North London has long been a hub of alternative culture and creativity. At its heart is Camden Lock Market, a maze of vintage shops, food stalls and bars along the Regent’s Canal. The area boasts legendary music venues like the Electric Ballroom and the Roundhouse, keeping its rock ’n’ roll spirit alive. You’ll also find green respite on Primrose Hill, a park offering panoramic city views – a reminder that even amid Camden’s urban buzz, nature is close by.

Housing in Camden ranges from modern apartments near the high street to elegant Victorian terraces closer to Primrose Hill. This boho-chic vibe doesn’t come cheap. The average property price is around £816,000, with flats dominating the market and average rents about £2,767 per month. However, more affordable homes can be found in adjacent pockets like Chalk Farm or Kentish Town.

Camden is well-connected and convenient. Camden Town Station (Northern Line) puts you just 10 minutes from central London. King’s Cross/St. Pancras International is a short walk or one stop away, ideal for Eurostar travelers.

Safety in Camden is generally good, though like any lively nightlife area it sees some petty crime – nothing unusual by London standards. Families are drawn to the nearby Primrose Hill enclave for its village feel and good schools (e.g. Camden School for Girls), but Camden’s core is especially popular with students and young professionals.

Overall, Camden offers a unique mix of artistic flair and urban convenience, making it one of North London’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Shoreditch & Hoxton – Trendy Creative Hubs (Zone 1/2)

Shoreditch’s streets are lined with vibrant murals and pop-up markets, reflecting its edgy art scene and youthful energy.

In East London, Shoreditch and Hoxton form a cutting-edge enclave famed for its trendy vibe. Once an industrial area of textile factories, today this neighborhood is where fashionable locals flock for street art, nightlife and start-up tech offices. Every corner offers something interesting – whether it’s vintage boutiques, the eclectic Brick Lane market, or hip cafes in converted warehouses.

Shoreditch has a legendary bar and club scene, and you’ll find an array of rooftop bars and pop-up events that keep the area buzzing after dark. Green space is limited, but locals make use of Shoreditch Park and smaller garden squares as needed.

Housing here is as diverse as the community. You can live in a sleek loft-style apartment carved from a warehouse or in a newer high-rise with a city view. Many buildings hint at Shoreditch’s industrial past, now repurposed as modern flats. The average property price is around £675,000, with rents often between £2,300–£3,500 per month for a two-bedroom. Prices tend to drop as you move further east from the City core – some young Londoners even opt for houseboat living on the Regent’s Canal for a cheaper, quirky lifestyle.

Shoreditch isn’t particularly known for family living (schools here are improving but not a major draw), rather it attracts young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs drawn to its creative energy.

Transport links are excellent. Shoreditch High Street Overground and nearby Old Street (Northern Line) and Liverpool Street stations offer quick access to the rest of London. Liverpool Street is just a 5-minute walk, making commutes to the City or Canary Wharf a breeze for finance and tech workers.

Safety is generally fine; the area is busy at night, so usual city precautions apply. In short, Shoreditch and Hoxton offer London’s trendiest urban living, with endless eateries, galleries, and nightlife on your doorstep.

Brixton – Diverse and Vibrant (Zone 2)

The entrance to Brixton Village market highlights Brixton’s multicultural food scene and community spirit.

Few areas capture London’s multicultural spirit like Brixton in South London. Step out of the Victoria Line at Brixton and you’re hit with the energy of street vendors, reggae music, and the aromas of global cuisine. Brixton has evolved into the “multicultural face of modern London,” as one guide puts it. The neighborhood is famous for its outdoor market and Brixton Village – a covered arcadia of global eateries and indie shops. It’s also a nightlife hotspot, home to the O2 Academy Brixton (an iconic concert venue) and many late-night bars.

Despite a historically rough reputation, today Brixton enjoys a lively community vibe and residents are proud of its artistic, Afro-Caribbean heritage. Brixton’s buzz has drawn many young professionals, which has driven housing demand up – though it remains more affordable than many parts of London.

The area offers a mix of housing: grand Victorian terraces on quieter streets (often split into flats), new-build apartments, and former council estates under regeneration. Average property prices around £567,000 and typical rents around £1,950 per month mean you get more space for your money here than in North or Central London. Families and first-time buyers appreciate that value, though prices are rising as Brixton’s popularity grows.

For green space, locals enjoy Brockwell Park, a large park (just over the border in Herne Hill) with a lido and views of the city, perfect for weekend relaxation.

Transport links are a major plus. As the southern terminus of the Victoria Underground Line, Brixton offers a swift 12-minute ride to Oxford Circus. Numerous bus routes radiate from Brixton, including 24-hour services, linking to Clapham, Streatham, and beyond.

Safety has improved greatly over the years; while Brixton is busy and urban, community initiatives and a strong police presence keep serious crime in check. Culturally, the area is thriving – from the Black Cultural Archives to street murals and an annual splash of Caribbean culture.

In Brixton, you’ll experience a vibrant, diverse community with an artistic edge, and a balance of city convenience with a neighborly feel.

Walthamstow – Up-and-Coming Community (Zone 3)

Walthamstow, in northeast London (E17), has recently been crowned the best place to live in London 2025 by The Sunday Times – and for good reason. It’s described as “diverse, vibrant and cool without being frosty,” encapsulating so much of what’s great about the capital.

Once somewhat overlooked, “Stow” (as locals call it) has transformed into a creative, community-driven enclave that still retains a down-to-earth feel. Its town center boasts what is thought to be the longest street market in Europe along Walthamstow High Street, where you can buy anything from fresh produce to fabric. There’s also a growing foodie scene – local favorites include authentic Uyghur cuisine at Etles and tasty slices at Yard Sale Pizza. In 2023, the revived Soho Theatre Walthamstow opened, adding comedy and drama to the cultural mix.

One of Walthamstow’s biggest draws is affordability relative to inner London. The average property price is about £532,800, offering young families and first-time buyers a chance at a house with a garden. Streets are lined with Victorian terraced homes, many lovingly updated by new owners. There are also new apartment complexes and conversions catering to professionals.

Community spirit is strong – from local art studios to weekend markets at Lloyd Park, which itself hosts the William Morris Gallery and ample green space. In fact, Walthamstow is blessed with greenery: the vast Walthamstow Wetlands, a 520-acre nature reserve of reservoirs and trails, provides a peaceful escape for walkers and cyclists.

Commuting from Walthamstow is easy. The Victoria Line at Walthamstow Central rockets you to King’s Cross in about 15 minutes and Oxford Circus in around 20. There’s also an Overground train to Liverpool Street (about 15–20 minutes), making the City accessible for work.

Schools in the area are improving, with several rated good or outstanding, adding to the family appeal. Crime rates are about average; the area feels generally safe and residential, especially in the quaint Walthamstow Village enclave known for its cottages and pubs.

Overall, Walthamstow offers an up-and-coming neighborhood feel – it’s a place where you can enjoy a slice of real London community, get a bit more space for your money, and still commute to Central London with ease.

Greenwich – Historic and Family-Friendly (Zone 2)

A cable car glides over the Thames at North Greenwich, with the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf skyline illustrating Greenwich’s blend of leisure and business.

Greenwich, in southeast London, is where maritime history meets comfortable suburban living. Famous as the home of the Prime Meridian Line and Greenwich Mean Time, this area offers a charming village atmosphere steeped in history. The heart of Greenwich centers on the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Greenwich Park and the Old Royal Naval College. On weekends, Greenwich Market bustles with artisan stalls and street food, while tourists and locals alike visit the Cutty Sark (a 19th-century clipper ship) and the Royal Observatory.

Despite these attractions, Greenwich maintains a relaxed community vibe, making it a gem for families seeking culture with a touch of calm.

Housing in Greenwich is varied. Greenwich Town Centre has Georgian and Victorian townhouses, converted warehouses along the Thames, and modern riverside flats. On the Greenwich Peninsula (North Greenwich), you’ll find shiny new developments around the O2 Arena. Accommodation here is largely apartments – contemporary high-rises with river views – popular with young professionals. Average property prices on the Peninsula range from £458,000–£586,000, with rents around £1,800–£2,300 per month, reflecting its modern, upscale appeal. In Greenwich proper, prices can be higher for period homes, though still generally more affordable than in West London’s prestige areas.

Crucially, schools in Greenwich are excellent, with a mix of highly rated state and independent schools (many primary schools boast outstanding Ofsted reports). This, along with plenty of parks and playgrounds, makes Greenwich very popular with families.

Transport links balance Greenwich’s slightly removed location. Cutty Sark DLR station in the town center gives quick access to Canary Wharf (15 minutes) and the City (Bank in ~20 minutes). From Greenwich rail station, trains reach London Bridge in about 15 minutes. North Greenwich (Jubilee Line) connects to Canary Wharf in 2 minutes and Bond Street in 20 minutes. Getting around locally is easy too – even the Emirates Air Line cable car (pictured) links North Greenwich to the Royal Docks.

As for leisure, beyond the historical sites, you have the massive O2 Arena (for concerts, cinemas, dining), tranquil walks by the Thames, and Greenwich Park’s open spaces (perfect for picnics with views of London’s skyline). Crime in Greenwich is relatively low, and the community feel is strong through events like the annual Greenwich+Docklands International Festival.

If you want a neighborhood with heritage, green space, and family-friendly amenities while staying connected to the city, Greenwich is hard to beat.

Richmond upon Thames – Leafy and Prestigious (Zone 4)

View from Richmond Hill: the Thames winding through lush meadows in Richmond, which offers a rare blend of city and countryside.

For a tranquil slice of London life that doesn’t feel like city living at all, Richmond upon Thames is the place to be. This affluent area in southwest London consistently ranks as one of the safest and happiest boroughs. In 2024, Richmond had the lowest crime rate in London – about 60.7 offences per 1,000 people, significantly below the city’s average. It truly offers a peaceful environment, with residents often describing it as “a bit of countryside in the city.”

Richmond is situated along a particularly beautiful stretch of the River Thames, with rowing clubs, riverside pubs, and walking paths under weeping willows. The jewel of the area is Richmond Park, London’s largest royal park at 2,500 acres, home to wild deer and ancient oak trees. Having such a vast green space on your doorstep is a luxury – on weekends you’ll see families cycling and picnicking, and even commuters sometimes bike through the park to start their day with greenery.

Housing in Richmond reflects its upmarket reputation. You’ll find everything from palatial Georgian houses and smart Edwardian terraces to modern flats. Prices are high – the average house price is around £786,000, making it one of London’s priciest boroughs. Family homes often go well above that (semi-detached homes average ~£1.1 million, and detached homes fetch around £1.7 million). Renting is also expensive (around £2,150 per month on average for private rentals).

In return, you get a very high quality of life. Schools in Richmond are among the best in London, with an abundance of Outstanding-rated primary and secondary schools. The presence of excellent schools (both state and private) and abundant parks makes Richmond extremely popular with families – in fact, it was rated the top borough for families in some surveys.

Despite being on the edge of Zone 4, Richmond’s transport links are convenient. The area is served by the District Line (tube) and South Western Railway trains. A fast train from Richmond Station will get you to London Waterloo in about 20–25 minutes. There’s also the London Overground linking to West and North London. Commuters feel the distance is a fair trade-off for the peace at home.

The town center in Richmond has a charming high street with boutiques, cafes, and a mix of upmarket chains. You’ll find a thriving dining scene (from cozy brunch spots to upscale restaurants), a local theatre and cinema, and community events like the Richmond Literature Festival. The vibe here is comfortable and village-like, yet sophisticated – don’t be surprised to spot local celebrities enjoying the same coffee shops and river walks as everyone else.

If your budget allows, Richmond offers an idyllic London lifestyle with top safety, nature, and schools – a truly prestigious place to call home.

Hampstead – Village Charm and Green Escapes (Zone 2)

Period homes overlooking one of Hampstead Heath’s ponds – an idyllic scene that captures Hampstead’s blend of elegant housing and natural beauty.

In North London, Hampstead has an almost storybook quality. Often described as a “village within the city,” it’s known for its historic charm, intellectual heritage, and the sprawling wilds of Hampstead Heath. Wandering Hampstead’s winding streets, you’ll pass elegant Georgian houses, quaint cottages, and blue plaques noting the former homes of famous artists, writers, and thinkers. The area’s cultural pedigree is evident – it hosts sites like Keats House (the poet’s former home) and small galleries, and has long been a haven for creatives and academics.

Despite its refined tranquility, Hampstead is just minutes from the bustle of central London, giving residents a best-of-both-worlds existence.

Living in Hampstead comes with a high price tag. The average property price is about £1.34 million, reflecting the exclusivity of the area. Many homes are multimillion-pound properties, especially the grand detached houses near the Heath. There are also upscale apartments, often conversions of period properties, that appeal to downsizers and professionals. Renting can range widely, but expect to pay well above the London average for a flat here.

What you get for the money is a beautiful and safe environment. Hampstead has a low-crime, almost small-town feel – you’ll see locals greeting each other on morning dog walks. Hampstead Heath, covering 320 hectares, is a major attraction for residents: it’s an ancient park of woodlands, meadows and ponds where people swim in the summer and fly kites on Parliament Hill year-round. Having this vast green escape means weekends feel like a retreat in nature without leaving your neighborhood.

Families in Hampstead enjoy access to some of London’s top schools. The area includes high-performing state schools (such as Hampstead Parochial and Eleanor Palmer primary schools) and renowned private schools (University College School, South Hampstead High, etc.), making it very attractive for education-focused parents.

Community life is active, with farmer’s markets, book fairs, and cozy pubs like The Holly Bush fostering a village atmosphere. Transportation is convenient: Hampstead Station (Northern Line) takes you to Leicester Square in about 15 minutes, and Hampstead Heath Overground connects east-west. Plus, several bus routes serve the area. Parking can be tight on little lanes, but many residents walk locally – everything from gourmet grocers to pharmacies is close at hand.

The overall vibe is affluent, quiet, and cultured. Hampstead is ideal if you seek a prestigious address with green space galore and a strong community, all while being a quick hop from central London’s museums, shopping, and workplaces.