Best places to live in London
London is one of the best cities in the world. There's something for everyone, which makes it an exciting, vibrant place to live. But that can also mean it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to start.
Don't worry, we're here to help.
If you're wondering where to live in London, whether you're new to the UK or moving from another part of the country, our guides to the best places to live in London will start your search off on the right track
The best places to live in London
Angel
Angel is a lively neighbourhood, adjacent to Kings Cross and just North of central London. Find out what it's like to live there in your guide to living in Angel
Balham
Located in South London, Balham neighbours Tooting and Clapham, but has a more community and family-oriented vibe. Find out more in your guide to living in Balham.
Battersea
Situated south of central London, Battersea has had a resurgence in popularity since the makeover of its iconic Power Station. Check out what the area has to offer in your guide to living in Battersea.
Bermondsey
Filled with converted warehouses, stylish riverside flats and a village-like stretch of pubs, bars and restaurants, Bermondsey is a hidden gem in a prime location - see why you should consider it as a place to live in your guide to living in Bermondsey.
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green boasts more bars/restaurants/cinemas/East End boozers than you could ever need, as well as excellent transport links and cheaper than average east London prices. See what the area has to offer in your guide to living in Bethnal Green.
Brixton
Famed as David Bowie’s old stomping ground, the creative hub of Brixton has become one of south London’s must-visit neighbourhoods. See why in your guide to living in Brixton.
Camden
Previously known for punk music and its grunge scene, the area now brings in a diverse group of young people to live, work and play. If you’re thinking of visiting or moving to Camden, check out your guide to living in Camden.
Canary Wharf
It's long been one of the Capital's key financial districts, with big banks and high rise offices dominating the skyline, but it’s recently become a desirable area to live in too. Find out why in your guide to living in Canary Wharf.
Clapham
Clapham was once the bitter end of the Northern Line, but is now one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Wonder why? Take a look at your guide to living in Clapham.
Croydon
With a billion pound regeneration program in progress, Croydon stands as a bustling hub of not just finance and commerce, but also arts, culture and gastronomic delights. See why in your guide to living in Croydon.
Finsbury Park
With an excellent pub scene and a variety of independent shops and places to eat, this north London neighbourhood should be on your watch-list of places to live. If you needed more convincing, read your guide to Finsbury Park.
Fulham
With the Thames right on your doorstep, you're never far away from a scenic stroll along the river, or even a pint at one of the many riverside pubs. See why Fulham is a great place to live in your guide to living in Fulham.
Greenwich
As well as being home to Greenwich Mean Time and steeped in historical attractions, the area has open spaces, galleries, and a great selection of places to eat and drink. Find out if this is the neighbourhood for you in your guide to living in Greenwich.
Hackney
The borough of Hackney spans quite a vast area – including Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington, Clapton, London Fields and Hackney itself. Find out why it's known for being one of the trendiest areas in London in your guide to living in Hackney.
Hammersmith
Sitting comfortably on not one but four major tube lines, and with countless lively bars, award-winning restaurants, and a prime riverside location – Hammersmith is certainly making a name for itself as one of London’s most liveable areas. See why in your guide to living in Hammersmith.
Kings Cross
King’s Cross is one of north London’s liveliest areas and has earned itself a solid status as one of London’s foodie hotspots. The area’s amazing transport links also mean you can go pretty much anywhere too. Sound like a bit of you? Read your guide to living in Kings Cross.
Mile End
Mile End has had a rough-and-ready reputation, but is now competing against the rest of (now trendy) east London for the next up-and-coming place to live. See what the fuss is about in your guide to Mile End.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill has the best of both worlds; if you’re looking for a perfect balance between electric and laid-back, then this area of west London is for you. Find out more in your guide to Notting Hill.
Peckham
TIME Magazine named Peckham the 11th coolest neighbourhood to live in the world. See why in your guide to living in Peckham.
Putney
Putney is packed full of homely riverside pubs and laid-back coffee shops, as well as trendy bars and live music venues – meaning it's loved by families, young professionals and students alike. Read more about the area in your guide to living in Putney.
Shepherd's Bush
Home of great music and theatre venues, Shepherd’s Bush is a hectic pocket of west London that’s enjoying a new lease of life thanks to Westfield shopping centre and new food/bar openings in the area. Fancy living there? Check out your guide to living in Shepherds Bush.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is a common reference point for describing east London to those who don’t know the area. Best known for vintage shopping, street art and independent food and drink, you’ll never find yourself bored - see why in your guide to living in Shoreditch.
Stoke Newington
If you’re at the stage of life where farmers' markets and handmade homeware spark joy, then you’ve found the right place. See why 'Stokey' could be your perfect neighbourhood in your guide to living in Stoke Newington.
Stratford
Since its major revamp for the 2012 Olympics, Stratford has been steadily making a name for itself as one of London’s most exciting areas. Find out why in your guide to living in Stratford.
Tooting
Once the shabby sibling of Wandsworth and Balham, SW17 is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. So much so that Lonely Planet voted the town one of the coolest neighbourhoods on earth. Be the judge yourself after reading your guide to living in Tooting.
Walthamstow
Walthamstow provides an escape from bustling east London. The area swaps vintage markets for gorgeous green parks, and crowded pubs for spacious warehouse breweries. Discover why it could be your ideal future neighbourhood in your guide to living in Walthamstow.
West Hampstead
It seems that West Hampstead is perfect for those wanting a part of the action, without being in the heart of it. Sound intriguing? Check out your guide to living in West Hampstead.
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If you're searching on a budget, our handy list of the cheapest places to live in London right now is a good place to start.
We've also got a dedicated London search page, which lets you search based on what's most important to you. You can find rooms by commute time to your workplace, by travel zone, by tube line or by location.
If it's all a bit overwhelming, our Where to live in London overview will ease you into things a little more gently.
London is a wonderful place to call home. Finding the best place for you can feel like a challenge, but you'll get there and, just as we are at every step of the way, SpareRoom is here to help.
If you're looking further afield, make sure you check out our guide to the best places to live in the UK.