Moving to London soon - which area is best ?

Hi Anya. London is a big place so it would be useful to know exactly where you are studying but saying that transport is very good and quick, particularly the underground, so you can rent in most places if the university is central. The best areas are near the centre but they are also the most expensive. The outer areas vary from place to place, the southern suburbs of Clapham, Tooting and Southfields are popular, some of the northern suburbs like Kensal, Hoxton, etc are good value and popular with students. Suburbs to the west like Hammersmith and Chiswick are more genteel and still fairly expensive. Safety-wise London is like most cities, fairly safe unless you hang around in dangerous pockets or wander around late at night having drunk too much. There are loads of real estate agents (simply called 'estate agents' in England) and most are fairly reputable. Don't know if this is any help but let me know if you have specific questions on any areas to live in and I will give the best answer I can. 

Hi Anya,

There is an area in London to suit everyones lifestyle.

If your on a budget, I would recommend you take a look at accommodation options in South London in areas like Clapham or Wimbledon.Alternativley, look at places in East London, like Leyton or Stratford. You'll find that a lot of young expats choose to base themselves in these areas.

If you are looking to make new friends, it maybe a option to move into a house-share. You'll find it significantly cheaper than getting your own flat and mix with others.

When I lived in London, I got a room in a house share for £110 per week (but you might even find a place cheaper than that). Gumtree is a good place to start your search.

I wouldn't worry too much about safety. London is like any other big cities - so just take the normal precautions you would when keeping yourself safe back home. You should be most worried about pickpockets on the underground, than being victim to anything more serious.

We've just launched our Expat Arrival's Areas and Suburbs in London page and I think you'll find the overview useful in helping you choose a place to live. 

Good luck with the move to London.

Anya: You live in the USA and you are bleating about safety in London? You clearly are not aware that you'll be far safer in London than in many, if not most, of the wretched big cities in the USA. By some estimates, you are about 14 times as likely to be shot to death in the USA than in any other country in the world. bh

I live in Fulham and it is a very safe area but as Tom mentioned before it depend on where you are studying where you want to live. There are lots of nice areas, Inslington in the North East is vwry nice but also Shoreditch is an up and coming area. On the website www.spareroom.co.uk you can have a look at houses and prices and areas.

We all like to live ingood areas where we would get security in living at a minimum price. Being a student you should look for prime locations such as Mayfair, Kensington, Regent Street and Marble Arch where you would get good transportation facilities, required amenities and these areas are highly secure too. Mayfair, in particular, has seen something of resurgence in the past few years, with many of the offices being converted back into houses and flats. You should conduct a property search through real estate agents to ease up your purchase. In London, for example the Plaza Estates firm can provide you complete information about rentals as well as properties for sale in every region.

Mayfair, Kensington, Regent Street and Marble Arch are all great areas, but also have some of the highest rents of anywhere in the world. Many students moving to London may want to look further afield in their search for the best area to live!

Hi,

I agree with Tom. Having been a student in London myself - I would say that you would be better off saving your money and living further away from the city centre.

Living in Mayfair or Kensington will afford you a great lifestyle but at a premium. If you look at suburbs in East or South London you'll find more affordable rentals. Furthermore, you might find a place that you could share with other students and this might enhance your experience of the city.

One of the best things about London is that, it offers countless living options to suit one's lifestyle and budget. London is a city made up of numerous towns and counties, and each has its own unique type of residents with distinctive character. Thus each place offers a distinct living experience. Though it is reputed as a place for expensive living, there are enough options for anyone to live within the city limits. Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Westminster and the city of London itself are great areas in London. If you are planning to move to London you can try a reputed real estate agency like www.plazaestates.co.uk.