If you’ve just landed a job or post-graduate internship, and you’re moving to London for the first time, it can feel almost impossible to know where to look for places to live…
London is huge, with so many different areas and neighbourhoods. How can you possibly choose where to relocate, or know where the best places are?
And more importantly, how can you find somewhere you can afford?
In this guide, we’ll provide top tips on how to decide where to live in London and an overview of the best areas to live in London for young professionals.
The number one factor to consider is the price. London is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world. So, finding affordable housing for young professionals in London can be challenging. One way to keep the price down is to rent a room in a shared house.
Usually, accommodation that’s further away from the city will be cheaper. However, you could potentially be stuck with a lengthy commute if you work in central London. Balancing an affordable location with good transport links and easy access to the centre is essential to ensure you’re not wasting hours sitting on a crowded tube.
Another important factor to consider is the kind of location you want to live in. Even if it’s cheap and an easy commute, the neighbourhood might be too quiet, too lively, or even feel unsafe. Some of the best places to live for young professionals in London are trendy, fashionable, up-and-coming locations like Brixton and Shoreditch. Whichever’s your ideal vibe, it’s worth considering your new neighbourhood’s ‘feel’ before signing your contract.
North London is known for being a multicultural hub with a lively social scene. Close to the Thames, it’s vibrant, cosmopolitan, and full of tranquil green spaces. It’s also right on the edge of the City of London’s financial district, so it’s perfect if you’re commuting to the Square Mile!
Hoxton is a trendy place to live as a young professional, especially if you value a bohemian vibe. It’s full of art galleries and the famous Hoxton Street Market. There’s also many relaxing green spaces nearby, such as Shoreditch Park, Hackney Downs, Hoxton Square, and the Regent’s Canal.
In terms of transport, Hoxton Overground station and Old Street station are nearby. Hoxton also has some of the best cycle routes in London. The average rental price in Hoxton for a one-bedroom flat is approximately £500 – £600 per week; meaning it can be pricey if you’re renting by yourself.
This area has a reputation as a creative area with a village-like atmosphere. It’s home to the Camden Passage – a mixture of antique, vintage, and contemporary shops. There’s also the well-known Almeida theatre which produces a diverse range of drama, and a Farmer’s market in Chapel Market every Sunday.
There are excellent transport links, and you can quickly get to Kings Cross and Euston Stations. Rental prices are similar to Hoxton at around £550 a week.
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This part of London is made up of lots of little village-like areas which each have their own atmosphere. Some parts of South London feel pretty rural, with numerous green spaces and extensive parks. Life in London doesn’t mean being constantly surrounded by skyscrapers.
Brixton has risen in popularity recently and is now known as a trendy, multicultural, and lively place to live. There are various independent restaurants and bars in Brixton Village, perfect for young professionals. There’s also Pop Brixton, a community space made of shipping containers housing trendy bars and eateries. It’s pretty much a foodie’s paradise.
There’s plenty of green spaces to relax in, such as Brockwell Park with its outdoor swimming pool. Located in Zone 2, Brixton has excellent transport links because it’s on the Victoria Line. This means you can get into the centre of London in just 12 –15 minutes.
Despite its increasing popularity, prices are still more reasonable than in other areas, at around £450 a week for a one-bedroom flat.
This neighbourhood is home to lively Clapham Common, which regularly hosts various events. The Venn Street Market – an award-winning local community food market, is also every Saturday.
The nearest station is Clapham Junction Station, and you can get to the centre in around 10 minutes if you commute. Clapham is also well-known for being bike friendly.
The average rental price for a one-bedroom flat is approximately £350 per week, so it’s a more affordable area.
East London had a poor reputation in the past, but nowadays it’s full of creatives and young professionals making the most of all the independent shops and restaurants. Alongside this, you’ll find a vibrant nightlife, meaning it’s a great area if you want to spend your time somewhere trendy and happening.
Shoreditch is famously known for being one of the hippest places in London. Well known for its street art and popular with creatives, this is a great place to live if you’re a fan of trendy art galleries and cafes. There’s also the famous Columbia Road Flower Market and the unique Brick Lane market experience.
When it comes to location, Shoreditch is ideally located in the inner city. It’s only a 20-minute walk to the centre! It’s also close to Liverpool Street Station.
However, being so central means that rent is on the steeper side. The average rental price for a one-bedroom flat is about £600 per week.
This is another area quickly becoming more popular with young professionals. Located along the Thames, you can take scenic walks towards London Bridge or Greenwich. It’s also home to Deptford Street Market, one of London’s liveliest street markets.
It’s easy to commute to central London, which takes less than 10 minutes by train. Deptford is also reasonably affordable, with a one-bedroom flat costing around £450 per week.
This part of London has a reputation for sophistication and charm. Neighbourhoods here are varied and range from the highly expensive West End to more rural areas on the outskirts of Greater London.
This neighbourhood is very green and has a rural feel too, so it’s perfect if you’re a nature lover living in the big city. It’s near the Thames and has many vibrant green spaces, such as Kew Gardens and Chiswick Gardens. In addition, it’s full of independent shops, bars, and restaurants around Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green.
Chiswick has excellent transport links and is close to four London Underground stations and major roads. If you’re commuting, it’s only a 16-minute tube ride to South Kensington station.
Rents are more reasonable in Chiswick, where a one-bedroom flat is usually around £350 per week.
This livelier area in west London combines a vibrant atmosphere with riverside views. This is excellent if you prefer to be in the middle of the buzz. However, there are also plenty of traditional pubs overlooking the river and quiet green spaces.
Hammersmith has plenty of transport links with three tube lines. If you’re commuting into the city, it’s only 15 minutes to Paddington station. Rent here is pricier than in some other neighbourhoods, with a one-bedroom flat costing around £500 a week.
If you’re set on living in a trendy neighbourhood or a central area, but the one-bedroom flat rental prices seem way out of your budget, consider a house share instead. A house share can be a great way to live in a beautiful modern house or flat with huge common areas for considerably less than renting a cramped studio flat.
House sharing in London can also be a great way to make new friends if you’re new to the area. Plus, splitting bills means that you will pay less towards utility costs.
However, this can present a new challenge – splitting the bills. This can be especially tricky if you share with people you don’t know. You might be worried about people not paying their portion of the shared utility bills or that you’ll be stuck with all the stress and responsibility.
This is where a bill-splitting service like Split the Bills comes in. We’ll sort out setting up utility accounts and direct debits, making splitting bills hassle-free. Choosing from our list of trusted suppliers, we’ll ensure your bills are the cheapest they can be. So, all you and your housemates have to do is pay one neat bill each month!
It’s super easy to sign up, and you can choose a package that suits you. If you’re unsure if Split the Bills is the right option, you can find out more about what we do or get in touch with our team!
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