Our Top 5 London areas to move to!
Starting a property search in London can be challenging especially if excellent transport links and high achieving schools are at the top of your wish list. Today, I want to give you a helping hand with your property search, explore my top 5 London areas to move to.
Altogether, aach of my chosen areas is a fantastic location for a family home, but is often overshadowed by a more popular neighbouring district. Please read on to find out why you should consider my top 5 London areas to move to:
1. Fitzrovia
Often referred to as the poor relation to Marylebone and Mayfair, Fitzrovia is now starting to claim its own prominent status.
And for those who prefer to live centrally with a great vibe, Fitzrovia is an attractive choice.
Why?
- Look past its commercial side and you’ll find an enviable community spirit.
- New Elizabeth Line station (Crossrail) due to open at Tottenham Court Road in 2018.
- All Souls C of E Primary School in Foley Street has been ranked in the top 10% of schools in England based on pupils’ progress in reading, writing and maths.
- Michelin starred restaurants such as The Ninth and Portland are plentiful.
- Coupled with a superb choice of independent cafes; try Roots Juicery on Charlotte Place for high quality, freshly prepared organic produce.
Coming to Fitzrovia…
- Facebook will add to Fitzrovia’s tech scene by moving into its new offices this year.
- Monica Galetti will be opening her own restaurant, Mere, in Charlotte Street this month.
2. Kew
If leafy, tree lined streets and large period homes are more your thing, Kew could certainly suit you. Further, neighbouring Richmond often comes first in the house hunting pecking order, but don’t be fooled; Kew is an area where families like to put down roots.
Why?
- Kew has a village feel with plenty of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
- Strolling around Kew’s 75 acre Royal Botanic Garden gives a distinct feeling of being more than 8 miles from central London.
- Contemporary riverside apartments, Georgian townhouses and large, detached Victorian and Edwardian houses make Kew an attractive proposition for a range of buyers.
- Not to forget, good transport links along the District Line from Kew Gardens station and overground to Waterloo from Kew Bridge station.
- A wide choice of schools including Kew Green Prep School, which makes full use of Kew Green, Kew Gardens and the river.
Coming to Kew…
- Additionally, in February the rich and vibrant Orchids Festival returns to Kew Gardens.
3. Ealing
As Kew is to Richmond, Ealing is to Chiswick. Moreover, many buyers looking to move to west London prefer to start their property search in Chiswick, W4. It offers beautiful, period houses, excellent high achieving schools and an enviable choice of cafes, restaurants and independent shops. Yet cast your eye slightly further west to Ealing, W5 and you will be pleasantly surprised with what the Queen of the Suburbs has to offer.
Why?
- There’s a plentiful supply of large, detached period houses on peaceful roads withing walking distance to Ealing Broadway station.
- Ealing offers an ever increasing number of restaurants including Charlotte’s W5 and The Walpole Restaurant.
- Also, Ealing is host to a range of annual festivals including a jazz festival and beer festival.
- There are green, open spaces aplenty in just this one neighbourhood: Walpole Park, Lammas Park, Pitshanger Park and Ealing Common are some.
- High achieving independent schools include Durston School, Notting Hill & Ealing and St Augustine’s Priory.
- Ealing Broadway station is served by the Central Line, District Line and overground to Paddington, Heathrow and beyond.
Coming to Ealing…
- Regeneration is rife in Ealing due to the Ealing Broadway Crossrail service opening in 2022.
- Work on the long awaited, much anticipated Ealing Filmworks cinema has begun. The development will include a Picturehouse cinema, shops, cafes, restaurants and apartments.
4. Isleworth
To start with, Isleworth is St Margaret’s more affordable neighbour. Lots of history and provides excellent transport links into and out of London. If you are looking for a listed Georgian house, a pretty Victorian terraced cottage or a luxury Thameside townhouse, you will find all of this and more in Isleworth.
Why?
- Perfect for the commuter who requires easy access to the city, but enjoys riverside living.
- Explore acres of parkland at nearby Osterley Park.
- Choose from a fine selection of high achieving state primary schools including The Blue School.
- A popular riverside Artisan & Farmers market takes place on the second Saturday of every month.
- As a matter of fact, Heathrow Airport is just a 20 minute drive away.
Coming to Isleworth…
- Equally important, Isleworth is set to benefit from a multi million pound regeneration scheme, to be complete by 2025.
- The Green School for Boys is outstanding.
5. Harlesden
Harlesden is known as the more ‘gritty’ neighbour of Queen’s Park and nearby Notting Hill. Yet for those who notice regeneration afoot and enjoy living in a vibrant and multicultural area, Harlesden is a great choice for the long term investor.
Why?
- Local Leopold Primary School is a Good with Outstanding elements school and has a fantastic reputation.
- Local grocery shops sell a mouthwatering array of ingredients from around the world.
- Harlesden station and Willesden Junction with the Bakerloo line and London overground.
- Harlesden Gardens, St Mary’s Road and St John’s Avenue are good locations for family homes.
- Roundwood Park sits at the centre of the community and boasts a cafe that’s a favourite haunt for local residents.
Coming to Harlesden…
- London Borough of Brent is currently investing £4m in improving the centre of Harlesden. In collaboration with Harlesden Town Team, a local community group that includes local resident Louis Theroux.
- Nearby Old Oak Common is the best transport link in London with Crossrail. And, potentially, HS2, London Overground and Underground. New bus, pedestrian and cycle links reduce the need for cars.
If you would like me to kick start your property search or to discuss my top 5 London areas in more detail please call Harriet on +44 (0) 782 532 1564 or email: hrowlands@nplhome.co.uk
