Recommendations for areas to live in London?

Hello,

We will be moving from San Francisco to London in mid-April to May.   We'd like to hear some of your suggestions of London neighborhoods that we should check out.  Here are some things to know about us and what we're looking for:

1)  Our budget is +375 GBP per week (+1500 GBP per month - not sure how much more to allot for this?)
2)  We're a young couple that enjoys eating, drinking, going to parks, walking, and recreational sports - we also have two dogs.
3)  We would like to be close to restaurants, pubs (traditional, not clubs), and shops
4)  We would like to be within a 25-30 minute commute of the Hammersmith Underground Station.
5)  We would like a safe neighborhood

Any London neighborhood suggestions that fit the above would be much appreciated!

Thank you,
Sam

What do you expect to get for £375/week which is actually £1625/month?

Are you assuming that will include all bills, or is it just the rental portion?  Once you tack on NI and internet, etc that starts to add up.

Do you need a one bedroom or a two bed?  Furnished or unfurnished? How large are the dogs?  That could make it a bit tricky.

We only need a one bed/one bath for right now, and we are fine with the less space/storage, etc. We might make due without cable and just get internet, and will likely go the furnished route as we are not bringing much with us, at least for now. I guess the most important aspect will likely be the kitchen as I plan to spend more time cooking than eating out (I'm guessing that this area is also a lot smaller than in the US). Our dogs do not take up much space as they are small (Pug is 18 pounds, the French Bulldog is 24 pounds). Near a park would be nice would be nice for them.

Our dogs do not take up much space as they are small (Pug is 18 pounds, the French Bulldog is 24 pounds). Near a park would be nice would be nice for them.

Maybe somewhere in Chiswick could suit you all?  Some lovely parks near Ravenscourt Park/ Turnham Green/ Chiswick rail station, and just a short bus ride (or district line train) to Hammersmith.  You may have to agree with the landlord regarding your pets first, or pay a greater deposit before moving in. Not exactly sure how pets+renting in London works out, but I have seen plenty of people walking their dogs in those parks.

Best of luck!

Try the Ealing/South Ealing/Northfields area. There are plenty of parks, nice cafes and you would be close to places like Chiswick, Richmond, Brentford and Kew which also have beautiful parks, canals, cafes, etc. Ealing is 20-30 minutes away from Hammersmith, suburban and quiet.

I currently live in Highgate area and it's lovely. We lucked out finding a ground floor flat  that has a 150 ft backyard and parking. We're also a 5 min walk from East Finchley tube Highgate Wood is a beautiful park and Time Out rated the cafe there 4 stars! Crouch End is also nice and they have Priory Park, which is gorgeous too! The Fun Yum Cafe there has tasty food too.

I currently live in Highgate area and it's lovely.

Just a note that the commute to Hammersmith from this area (East Finchley) on public transportation would be ~1 hour.  I also haven't heard particularly great things about the Northern Line during the morning rush.

Just a note that the commute to Hammersmith from this area (East Finchley) on public transportation would be ~1 hour.  I also haven't heard particularly great things about the Northern Line during the morning rush.

My husband currently commutes to Wapping everyday and for the most part hasn't had a problem. There are other factors the OP listed that my area easily meets. If the commute is extremely important to the OP, then yes, perhaps they should consider other areas as well.

There are other factors the OP listed that my area easily meets. If the commute is extremely important to the OP, then yes, perhaps they should consider other areas as well.

True, I've definitely hard that about Highgate, Crouch End, and the surrounding areas.  I quite like North London as well, and am currently in the Islington area.  On another thread, I noted that the "standard" London commute is about an hour, but am personally not sure how that works if you have pets/children and whether they need to go out at lunch or whatnot. (Though I certainly wish I had a dog!!!)

Clapham also might be an option, but out of what has been mentioned, Chiswick is probably the best bet.

maat1976

We moved to London last year and we live in Chiswick. We absolutely love it. Lots of bars, restaurants, and shopping. Very close to Hammersmith and super safe.

Rent in this area is not cheap, but I think you can find something in your price range. But bear in mind, that 375 a week is not 1500 per month. They do this weird calculation of the rent for the year and then divide by the days in the month, so you'll likely pay a little more.

Also, you'll have to pay council tax which for us is about 170£ per month.


Good luck.