Peter Langley

By Peter Langley

Updated: Oct 16, 2023

19 min read

 Martin Panayotov

Fact-checked by Martin Panayotov

Reviewer & editor

London is a huge and exciting city to live in. But when deciding which part of London to relocate to it can be a daunting task.

There is no denying that moving to London can be a life-changing event, the buzz and excitement of the capital is difficult to explain and each part of London has its own culture, vibe, history, good and bad points.

Different parts of London can be as different as chalk and cheese, so this guide will tell you all you need to know about moving to each part of London to make the comparison easier for you.

Whether you are moving from Leeds to London, or are relocating from New York to London, this guide will tell you all you need to know about the costs of moving to London, what the cost of living is, compare wages with other UK cities, and much much more.

For those planning on moving to London to study, you will find a comprehensive list of every University and College with links to their websites as well as useful information on how to move to college, and what to expect when moving into a shared house in London.

London UK
London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world.

How Much More Can you Earn in London than Other UK Cities?

The extraordinarily high prices of homes in London is somewhat offset by the higher salaries and better job prospects in London. Here is an average weekly salary comparison as published by the BBC, and a full list of how your local wages compare can be found in that article.

  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Manchester, it is £512
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Birmingham, it is £527
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Leeds, it is £533
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Liverpool, it is £512
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in York, it is £501
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Leicester, it is £480
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Glasgow, it is £526
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Edinburgh, it is £598
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Bristol, it is £547
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Plymouth, it is £467
  • The average weekly wage in London is £727 and in Cardiff, it is £505

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Is it Expensive to Live in London?

According to www.numbeo.com the average monthly costs excluding rent or mortgage repayments are:

  • A single person on average will need £791.22 pm to cover living costs
  • A family of 4 on average needs an income of £2,809.46 pm to cover living costs

Cost of Living in London vs Major UK Cities

According to data from www.expatistan.com here is a comparison of the cost of living in London with other major UK cities

  • The cost of living in London is 39% more expensive than Manchester
  • The cost of living in London is 43% more expensive than Birmingham
  • The cost of living in London is 49% more expensive than Leeds
  • The cost of living in London is 55% more expensive than Liverpool
  • The cost of living in London is 42% more expensive than York
  • The cost of living in London is 56% more expensive than Leicester
  • The cost of living in London is 43% more expensive than Glasgow
  • The cost of living in London is 38% more expensive than Edinburgh
  • The cost of living in London is 33% more expensive than Bristol
  • The cost of living in London is 51% more expensive than Plymouth
  • The cost of living in London is 59% more expensive than Cardiff

How Much Does it Cost to Move to London?

How much does it cost to move a 1-2 Bedroom home to London?

Each home move is different, with many factors that will affect the final price, so the only way to get an accurate removal cost estimate is to contact a reputable removal company.

Must do: Get a home removal cost estimate for free.

But, excluding packing costs, you can expect to pay on average the following home moving costs when hiring a professional removal firm to move you to London.

  • Moving from Manchester to London costs on average £670
  • Moving from Birmingham to London costs on average £520
  • Moving from Leeds to London on average costs £650
  • Moving from Liverpool to London costs about £675
  • Moving from York to London costs about £670
  • Moving from Leicester to London costs about £495
  • Moving from Glasgow to London costs about £1,010
  • Moving from Edinburgh to London costs about £995
  • Moving from Bristol to London costs about £520
  • Moving from Plymouth to London on average costs £685
  • Moving from Cardiff to London on average costs £575

On average expect to pay about £150-£200 for a professional packing service for a 1-2 bedroom home.

You may also like to read: How much is the average cost to move a 1-2 bedroom home?

How much does it cost to move a 3 bedroom home to London?

  • Moving from Manchester to London on average costs £805
  • Moving from Birmingham to London on average costs £655
  • Moving from Leeds to London on average costs £785
  • Moving from Liverpool to London on average costs £810
  • Moving from York to London on average costs £805
  • Moving from Leicester to London on average costs £630
  • Moving from Glasgow to London on average costs £1,145
  • Moving from Edinburgh to London on average costs £1,130
  • Moving from Bristol to London on average costs £655
  • Moving from Plymouth to London on average costs £820
  • Moving from Cardiff to London on average costs £710

On average expect to pay about £600 for a professional packing service for a 3 bedroom home.

You may also like to read:

And if you are moving to London then you may be interested in reading the reviews and getting a quote from some of the many removal companies who specialise in moving people into London:

Of course, it is just not people from other parts of the UK who are drawn to London to live. People come from all over the world to study and work here.

If you are in Europe and looking to move to London you will find the best European removal companies at www.umzugsbewertungen.com

If you are one of the many people who move to London from Canada and the USA you can find reputable international movers at www.mymovingreviews.com

If moving from the USA or Canada to London you may like to read this guide for lots of useful information: International Movers

If you are moving from Australia to the UK you may like to read this guide: Moving to the UK from Australia

No matter where in the world you are moving from, if you are coming to the UK, you can find reviewed and verified movers here.

London Area Guide

Thinking of moving to London and want to know what are the best areas of London to move to? There is a lot of choice when it comes to where to live in London, so here is a neighbourhood guide with the best places to rent or buy a home in London.

London is split up into regions: Central, North, East, South, and West with subdivisions within those.

House of Parliament
An iconic view of London, a city of culture, history and brand new experiences.

Moving to Central London

Being at the very heart of the city does not come cheap, but if you need to be so close to the city and have the funds, then there are some exclusive and very desirable places to live in Central London.

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in Central London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in Central London is £3,386 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in Central London is £5,063 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in Central London is £8,789 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in Central London is £13,570 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in Central London?

  • The average price of a detached home in Central London is £6,048,780
  • The average price of a semi-detached home in Central London is £5,939,000
  • The average price of a terraced home in Central London is £3,980,327
  • The average price of a flat in Central London is £1,143,170

Latest average home costs are taken from www.home.co.uk 

Central London is made up of the following boroughs or districts:

Moving to Camden

There is nowhere with the vibe or cosmopolitan feel in London like Camden. Nothing beats Sunday morning spent at Camden Market watching the world pass by, sampling some amazing food, before exploring the 1000 or so stores in the area.

With the legendary market by Camden Lock, some great music venues, and a diverse community, it could be argued that Camden is one of the trendiest areas of London to live.

There is a good range of shops, bars, and cafes in Camden Town, as well as Camden Market itself. Regents Park and Primrose Hill are nearby if you want to chill out in some open green spaces.

Transport links to the city centre are great, but you could even walk to the West End in less than half an hour, and you can be in the East End in less than 20 minutes by train. If you will be working in Canary Wharf you can even cycle there along the Regent’s Canal. The great transport links attract young professionals to live in Camden.

Home to University College London, Camden is very popular with students. And the highly regarded schools in the area, the lovely parks, easy commute, and the general buzz of Camden attracts many families to live here.

Moving to the City of London

The City of London is the hub of London’s financial district but it is the Barbican where you will find the majority of homes for sale and rent, mostly being high-rise apartment blocks.

After the Isles of Scilly, the City of London is the least populated district in England with around 10,000 permanent residents.

The parks of London are not far away and there is a selection of some of the finest local bars, and restaurants in this square mile of the city.

Local shops tend to be small locals or metro branches of the major supermarkets.

  • Find out about parking permits, council tax payments and more at cityoflondon.gov.uk
  • Find local healthcare in the City of London at nhs.uk
  • To see what the latest crime figures are for the City of London visit police.uk
  • Find out the average cost of a home in the City of London at www.home.co.uk
  • Find the latest listings of homes to rent and buy in the City of London at www.zoopla.co.uk 

Moving to Kensington & Chelsea

Some stunning homes are available here if you have the money to afford them in this very affluent area. From Victorian terraces to grand mansion blocks converted into apartments, there are some very nice homes in this area of London.

A huge and varied range of eateries can be found here with some award-winning restaurants right on your doorstep. Kensington Church Street and Kensington High Street offer fabulous shopping opportunities, but head to Notting Hill Gate for the exclusive boutiques.

Notting Hill has some wonderful and unique shops to explore and is a very popular area to move to. It is also the home of the annual Notting Hill Carnival.

Kensal Green, Holland Park, Kensington Palace Gardens and Hyde Park are all close by.

The borough of Kensington and Chelsea ranks as the best in London for school exam results and has many fine schools. Imperial College London is ranked the 5th best University in the UK.

Moving to Islington

Just 4 miles from the city centre, Islington stretches from Haringey to the edge of Farringdon.

There are some lovely Victorian terraced homes in Islington, but the closer you get to Angel underground station, the more prices start to rise. Cheaper properties are to be found in Archway and Holloway.

This area is particularly suited to young professionals.

Well known for its antique shops and antique market, Islington also has a fine range of shops in Upper Street and the High Street. There is also a weekly Farmers Market on Penton Street.

Exmouth Market is famed for its international cuisine and there is also a great range of bars and eateries throughout Islington. Sadlers Wells is amongst the many many theatre venues in this area.

Moving to Lambeth

Stretching from Clapham Common all the way up to Southbank, Lambeth is the fourth most densely populated area in Britain.

Lambeth offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle and attracts many young professionals with its nightlife and easy access to the city.

Lambeth has a great range of homes from converted apartments to Victorian terraces. Locally there are some great bars and restaurants, as well as a number of well-known venues such as the South Bank Centre, Old Vic, and the National Theatre.

Lambeth is perfect for a stroll by the Thames, Brockwell Park is well worth a visit, and Clapham Common offers outdoor gyms, and a running track.

The borough of Lambeth is also where you will find the London Eye, on the banks of the Thames.

Moving to Southwark

Home of The Shard, the Tate Modern, HMS Belfast, London Bridge, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Southwark stretches from Dulwich to central London.

There are some great state and independent schools in this borough which makes the southern edge of this borough a favourite location for families to move to.

It should be noted though that certain parts of Southwark suffer from above-average crime rates such as Peckham and Livesey. For this reason, the price of homes varies widely in this borough.

Borough Market is a magnet for foodies as are the highly-rated restaurants found locally.

There is a wide variety of grocery stores, with many international stores and specialist grocery stores, especially in Dulwich and Peckham. All the usual high street brands are also evident here.

Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park in North London.

Moving to North London

North London has undergone much regeneration and investment in recent years so it offers some outstanding amenities, but not at central London prices.

North London is convenient for the M25, A1, and the M1 so not only London but many parts of the UK are easily accessible from North London. Luton and Stanstead Airports are close by offering UK and International flight routes.

You’ll find a mix of restaurants, bars, shops and cultures in North London which all shape the local vibe to create a unique environment to make your new home.

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in North East London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in North East London is £1,568 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in North East London is £2,112 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in North East London is £2,487 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in North East London is £2,323 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in North East London?

  • The average price of a detached home in NE London is £820,580
  • The average price of a semi-detached home in NE London is £621,979
  • The average price of a terraced home in NE London is £552,780
  • The average price of a flat in NE London is £405,445

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in North West London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in North West London is £1,483 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in North West London is £2,178 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in North West London is £3,467 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in North West London is £4,986 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in North West London?

  • The average price of a detached home in NW London is £1,334,555
  • The average price of a semi-detached home in NW London is £677,926
  • The average price of a terraced home in NW London is £666,328
  • The average price of a flat in NW London is £431,752

Latest average home costs are taken from www.home.co.uk 

North London is made up of the following boroughs:

Moving to Barnet

Barnet is a magnet for families who want to live in an area famed for its natural resources and great schools. Barnet is the second-largest, and 11th most expensive, of the London Boroughs.

Families looking to move to Barnet usually head for the more budget-friendly areas of Hendon, Finchley, and Colindale, whilst the pricier properties can be found in High Barnet and Hadley.

Barnet has some of the top-performing schools in London and one of the major reasons that families make Barnet their new home. You can compare all the local schools in Barnet at the link at the bottom of this guide.

The Totteridge Yew, at 2,000 years old, is the oldest tree in London, and Barnet has an abundance of trees and open green spaces. Barnet is also home to a number of Golf Courses.

Moving to Enfield

At the very edge of North London is Enfield, one of the most affordable boroughs in London.

Popular with families, first-time buyers, and retired couples, Enfield is blessed with many areas of green parklands, a Go Ape play area, and a trampoline park.

There are many great shops and restaurants in Enfield, with plenty of local pubs serving great food and drink too.

Commuters are well served with services into Liverpool Street, Leicester Square, and St Pancras, whilst the M25 and North Circular are easily accessible from Enfield.

Moving to Haringey

Haringey is home to Alexandra Palace, famous for the varied and regular programme of events which attract visitors from all over London.

The vast majority of homes in Haringey are terraced, with plenty of new-build apartments springing up.

The great schools, local parks, and lower than average crime rates attract families to areas such as Crouch End, Highgate, Alexandra Park, and Muswell Hill.

There are plenty of local shops around the residential area of Green Lane, but there is also a large retail park to the south. Wood Green is home to The Mall shopping centre whilst Highgate has many boutiques and independent stores.

The area has some great pubs and restaurants and a lovely green space can be found at Finsbury Park, where the Wireless Music Festival is held each year.

London Docklands
East London Docklands, voted one of the best places in London to Live.

Moving to East London

East London has undergone massive regeneration since the 1980’s with the development of the docks and then the investment from the Olympics. What was once the East End as most people imagine has long gone. Although there is just something about the history, the legend of the East End, that no matter what, still exists.

From deprived inner-city areas to million-pound apartments, street markets to award-winning restaurants, the East End has it all and then some.

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in East London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in East London is £1,519 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in East London is £1,911 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in East London is £2,386 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in East London is £2,424 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in East London?

  • The average price of a semi-detached home in East London is £580,226
  • The average price of a terraced home in East London is £497,187
  • The average price of a flat in East London is £458,158

Latest average home costs are taken from www.home.co.uk 

East London is made up of the following boroughs:

Moving to Barking & Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham have undergone massive regeneration, and investment here continues. There are many new build apartment blocks as well as traditional terraced homes, and the larger family homes this area is well known for.

With easy commuting into the city or Canary Wharf, and City Airport on your doorstep, this is a very popular area with families.

The A12 and A13 are the two major roads through this area giving fairly easy access to the city and to days at the seaside in Southend.

Property prices in Dagenham are some of the cheapest in London and attract many investors so there is a good supply of rental properties, and first-time buyers are therefore attracted to this area too.

Barking has two parks that offer great recreational activities such as boating, bowls, baseball, and football pitches. Maybrook Park is a beautiful local nature reserve and in total there are about 25 parks in this borough.

Moving to Bexley

Bexley is a very affordable borough of London, but not because of high crime or deprivation. There is a great selection of homes from new build apartments to family-sized period homes, so the area attracts families, and first-time buyers equally.

Bexley Heath, Sidcup, and Crayford are among the most sought after areas to live, with many very good schools and nice homes to be found here.

Everything is understated and low key in Bexley, you will not find the glitzy clubs or super fashionable restaurants of some London boroughs. But there is everything you could want here and being on the border of Kent means that you have easy access to some beautiful countryside.

There are over a hundred parks and green open spaces in Bexley, some lovely walks along the Thames, and the Grade 1 listed Hill Place.

Moving to Greenwich

Famous for the Observatory at Greenwich Park, homes in Greenwich do not come cheap but equally are nowhere near the prices in more central boroughs.

The village atmosphere, quaint and unique local shops, and the great local bars and restaurants attract many families and professional couples to move here.

And when I lived here the commute was made so much more enjoyable by taking the River Bus to Canary Wharf or Waterloo. Although the Docklands Light Railway and trains into central London are frequent and easy.

Whilst not a place to be for nightlife, there are plenty of good bars and restaurants and the café culture is alive and kicking here, especially at weekends. And the 02 arena is on your doorstep.

Greenwich is laid back, the Thames glides by, and it really does feel more like a village than being in London. With a couple of golf clubs, the Cutty Sark, and an area steeped in maritime history, Greenwich can seem like an oasis from the rush of London.

There are some amazing independent shops and boutiques, the antique and second-hand stores provide hours of retail therapy, the park is fantastic for chilling out in, and there are some beautiful buildings.

Moving to Hackney

After much investment, Hackney is now a sought after location for young families and city professionals. Hoxton and Shoreditch are the parts of Hackney that attract young professionals, so prices here can be quite high.

The area has now become very bohemian with many art galleries and a thriving café scene.

The shops and eateries reflect the arty vibe of Hackney with pop-up food markets and cafes.

Hackney now has some of the chicest bars and clubs in London and attracts people from all over to sample its great nightlife.

And of course, the legendary Hackney Empire continues to host top names in entertainment.

You will find plenty of open and green spaces in Hackney, from Victoria Park where a number of local events are held, to the meadows of London Fields.

Moving to Havering

The appeal of rural Essex meets the buzz of big towns in Havering. There are beautiful quaint villages such as Havering, and large towns such as Romford, in this borough.

First-time buyers are attracted by the lower than average London home prices, whilst families come for the great schools, the beautiful parks, low crime rates, and quick access to both Essex and London.

Romford is a great place to shop and the market with over 150 stalls, has been here for centuries. There are plenty of big supermarkets in the area as well as a good selection of eateries.

Moving to Lewisham

Lewisham has some stunning Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties, as well as many new build apartment blocks, so attract young professionals and students alike.

Regeneration has meant that there are some great new homes, bars, and restaurants here. Deptford, Catford, and Brockley are noteworthy areas that are attracting a lot of people to the area.

There is plenty of recreational areas in and around Lewisham. Ladywell Fields has a café, skatepark, football pitch and bowling green. Lewisham Park has a children’s playground, and Greenwich Park is only a short distance away.

The area is very popular with families due to the great parks and schools in the area. Commuters love the area because it has great links to the city and Canary Wharf which is only 10 minutes away by DLR.

Moving to Newham

Newham has benefited from a major investment over the last decade or so. The Olympics in 2012 saw this whole area improve, most noticeably in Stratford which is particularly attractive to young professionals looking for a new build apartment and easy access to Docklands.

Commuting to Docklands or the city is a rail journey of less than 10 minutes, whilst City Airport is just minutes away on the DLR.

Newham has plenty to offer its residents, with some fantastic restaurants, two great venues for live entertainment, Theatre Royal Stratford East, and Stratford Circus Arts Centre, a superb shopping centre (Westfield Stratford), state of the art sports facilities, and numerous cinemas.

There is a good choice of schools in Newham, a range of homes from Victorian terraces to penthouse apartments, and property prices are low compared to most London boroughs.

Moving to Redbridge

Redbridge is less than 20 minutes via some great transport links to the city, whilst the M11, A12, and North Circular are all close by.

Add to that the fact that Redbridge has some of the best schools in London, crime rates are below average for London, there is a great range of shops, and property prices are lower than the London average, and you see why families, retirees, and first-time buyers love this area.

Redbridge is not a destination for those seeking thrilling nightlife but rather those who will enjoy the multitude of open green spaces, the aquatic sports at Fairlop, and the laid back lifestyle of this underrated borough.

Moving to Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets IS the East End. It brings together the huge diversity of culture and extremes that can be found all over East London. From the multimillion-pound developments at Canary Wharf to the deprived areas where unemployment is high and life expectancy low.

Crisp Street Market, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, Columbia Road Flower market, all iconic and legendary places of note.

Nearly all the homes in Tower Hamlets are apartments and cost about average by London prices.

Mile End and Bow are where you will find the most affordable homes, whilst Canary Wharf is one of the most expensive areas in Tower Hamlets to live.

www.housebeautiful.com recently published the Sunday Times list of the best places to live in London. The Isle of Dogs was voted as the best place in London to live.

Commuters are well served by public transport including the river bus to Canary Wharf.

There are many schools in the borough which have been rated very good or excellent By OfSTED, and although crime rates are quite high, there are few green spaces, people are drawn to live here for the eclectic mix of cultures, the history, and the magnetic effect that East London has on its residents.

Moving to Waltham Forest

Walthamstow continues to be the hotspot of this borough, attracting young professionals and first-time buyers due to its affordable housing, low unemployment, and great amenities.

A very green and leafy borough with some great schools, families are being increasingly drawn to live here too.

Commuters are well served by the Central and Victoria lines, whilst the A12 and North Circular are both close by.

Kingston Upon Thames
Kingston is one of the most desirable places in South London to live.

Moving to South London

South London attracts those who want easy access to the buzz of the city but appreciate the more peaceful lifestyle south of the river. The borough is subdivided into South West and South East. The southwest tends to be greener with easy access to some beautiful countryside, has more characterful buildings, and lower crime rates but equally, prices can be quite steep in some places.

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in South West London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in SW London is £2,033 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in SW London is £3,096 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in SW London is £4,847 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in SW London is £5,714 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in South West London?

  • The average price of a detached home in SW London is £1,487,738
  • The average price of a semi-detached home in SW London is £905,189
  • The average price of a terraced home in SW London is £880,487
  • The average price of a flat in SW London is £594,783

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in South East London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in SE London is £1,650 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in SE London is £2,205 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in SE London is £3,041 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in SE London is £3,229 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in South East London?

  • The average price of a detached home in SE London is £952,741
  • The average price of a semi-detached home in SE London is £566,007
  • The average price of a terraced home in SE London is £561,426
  • The average price of a flat in SE London is £500,721

Latest average home costs are taken from www.home.co.uk 

South London is made up of the following boroughs:

Moving to Bromley

Bromley is a great location for retirees and families to relocate to.

From quaint cottages to large Victorian detached family homes, to new build modern apartments, Bromley has a diverse property market, although none of them will be cheap.

This is an affluent area with property prices slightly above the London average.

There are some great schools, easy access to some stunning local countryside on the Kent Downs, low unemployment, low crime rates, and a serenity that is hard to find in many London boroughs.

Along with the usual high street chain stores that you would expect to find in any town these days, Bromley has the unique Charter Market that is held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There is a huge range of stalls to wander around and discover unusual and locally produced goods.

Commuting is slightly more difficult in that there are no underground train stations here, although overground train services will connect you to London Victoria and Charing Cross.

For international travelers, Gatwick, Heathrow, and City Airport are all within easy reach.

Moving to Croydon

Croydon is the second most populated borough in London and for good reason.

People are drawn to live here for the easy access to some beautiful countryside, many local parks and open spaces, a great range of local shops, a thriving local business community, and easy access to both the city, and Gatwick Airport which is a hub of employment in this area.

The lower than average crime rate and great local schools attract many families to Croydon.

There is a good mix of property to rent and own in Croydon and prices are lower than the London average. Purley is considered one of the most desirable areas of Croydon in which to live.

Although there are no underground stations in Croydon, there are good public transport links throughout the borough and the M25, M23 and A3 are all easily accessible.

Moving to Kingston Upon Thames

The ancient market town of Kingston, with the Thames and Richmond Park close by, offers an escape from the concrete and frenetic pace of the city.

With a fine range of good-sized family homes, terraces, and apartments, many families are attracted to this very desirable borough.

There are some very good schools in the area as well as Kingston University. The crime rate in Kingston is below the average for London.

Kingston University ensures that there is a good number of students in the area, whilst professionals are drawn here by the lovely apartments and reasonable prices.

London Waterloo is just 30 minutes away by train and public transport runs frequently throughout the borough. The A3 and A243 are the main connecting roads in the area.

Moving to Merton

Merton is an affluent area of South London with property prices about average for London.

Families and those seeking an escape from the city head for this borough, in particular, Mitcham, whilst those who want the best of both worlds head for Wimbledon.

There are many very good restaurants, especially in Wimbledon, and a couple of large shopping malls. More independent and boutique type stores can be found in Wimbledon Village.

Transport links within the borough and to the city are good with services to London Bridge, London Waterloo, and West London. The A24 connects the borough to the city and onwards to the M25.

Moving to Sutton

Sutton is a unique borough within London, it offers you some stunning countryside right on your doorstep whilst many houses in the area also come with good sized gardens, not something many houses offer in the capital.

Property prices are below average for London and the range and quality of homes are impressive. From Victorian terraces to large detached homes, Sutton attracts many families to come and live here.

The high quality of education in the area, coupled with very low crime rates is another reason families choose to live here.

Commuters can drive straight to central London via the A24, the M25 is just a few miles away, whilst trains will get you to London Victoria, and Clapham Junction in about 30 minutes.

Moving to Wandsworth

Wandsworth, and particularly, Putney, Battersea and Balham are affluent areas of London and have a lovely selection of Victorian and Edwardian homes, as well as stylish riverside apartments.

Wandsworth is quite an expensive area to live but more affordable properties can be found in Tooting and Roehampton.

Excellent local schools, plenty of green parks, very low crime rates, and being within easy commuting distance of the city, makes Wandsworth a mecca for families.

Stylish boutiques, chic cafes, and a riverside setting attract plenty of young professionals to Wandsworth too.

View over West London
A view over Ealing West London, a great place to live if you want access to the city and big green open spaces.

Moving to West London

West London is a great option to move to if you need access to the centre of London but are moving home on a budget.

Generally the further west out of London you move the cheaper the properties are, but equally the harder your daily commute into town will be. Whilst public transport links are great, the roads can be particularly congested.

If you need to travel outside of London by car regularly then West London is a great location to live. The M4 connects you with the M25, whilst the A40 takes you onto the M40. Heathrow Airport is easily accessible via the M4 whilst the M25 will take you to Gatwick and Stanstead.

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in West London?

  • The average rental cost of a I bedroom home in West London is £1,109 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 2 Bedroom home in West London is £1,304 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 3 Bedroom home in West London is £1,642 pcm
  • The average rental cost of a 4 Bedroom home in West London is £1,987 pcm

What is the Average Property Price in West London?

  • The average price of a semi-detached home in West London is £1,573,998
  • The average price of a terraced home in West London is £1,763,477
  • The average price of a flat in West London is £889,593

Latest average home costs are taken from www.home.co.uk 

West London is made up of the following boroughs:

Moving to Brent

Brent is a very multicultural area of London with some beautiful temples and mosques dotted throughout the area.

Home prices can be quite expensive in Brent and local wages are lower than the London average.

Commuters are well served by Jubilee, Metropolitan, Bakerloo, and Piccadilly tube lines. The A406 (North Circular) runs right through Brent and connects you with the M4 and M1, whilst train services connect you to Oxford and Birmingham.

The most desirable areas of Brent to live are Sudbury and Kenton, which offer some good schools, low crime rates, and affordable housing.

Moving to Ealing

Perfectly situated for easy access to the West of England and for trains into London from Hanger Lane. The District and Central lines will get you into central London in just 20 minutes.

Ealing is very popular with families due to large detached and semi-detached homes, as well as streets of terraced homes.

Ealing Village is considered the most desirable place to live with some very beautiful Art Deco homes to be found here. Ealing Common is popular with young professionals because of the range of apartments here as well as easy access to all the action in Ealing Broadway. Mount Park Conservation area has many fine large 5 bedroom plus Victorian homes.

Ealing has a great shopping centre as well as many bars and restaurants. Walpole Park and Pitshanger Park are great for family days out, and there are two golf courses, Hanger Hill Golf Club, and Ealing Golf Course.

Moving to Hammersmith & Fulham

A favourite location for families, young professionals and first-time buyers who want the convenience of Kensington and Chelsea without the price tags. Although mainly apartments within large Georgian mansions, there are still some very large and desirable homes overlooking the river.

Home to the River Café, there is no shortage of bars, restaurants, and great shops in this area.

The Thames Path runs through Ravenscourt Park which has well cared for gardens and a lake.

Although there are frequent buses, the District Line is the only tube line that runs in Fulham making commutes to North and East London difficult.

By contrast, Hammersmith has excellent transport links with the District, Circle, Piccadilly, and Hammersmith tube lines making commuting easy and Heathrow Airport can be reached in a little over 30 minutes.

Moving to Harrow

Home of the famous boys boarding school at Harrow-on-the-Hill, a low crime rate, a number of award-winning local parks, and easy commuting to central London, Harrow attracts many families and retirees.

South Harrow has some very affluent areas, whilst Pinner and West Harrow tend to attract more families.

The Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines run through Harrow making this borough popular with commuters who want to escape to a peaceful and leafy neighbourhood after the hustle and bustle of central London.

Moving to Richmond Upon Thames

Richmond is famous as the home of Richmond Park, one of the finest parks in London, home to wild deer, hundreds of acres of woodland, and open green fields. But Richmond also has a further 128 parks making it one of London’s greenest boroughs.

Richmond is a borough popular with families and retirees who seek a neighbourhood with excellent schools, a great sense of local community, and a very low crime rate. Although that does come at a cost with Richmond being amongst the most expensive boroughs to live.

Commuters can be in central London in about 20 minutes. Heathrow is just 15 miles away, whilst the M4 and A3 are easily accessible.

Moving to Hillingdon

Home to Heathrow International Airport, Hillingdon is blessed with a number of large businesses bringing employment and prosperity to the area.

One of the reasons many businesses choose to move to this borough is the excellent transport links via the M25 and M4. This also means that the area attracts many commuters from other boroughs.

Families choose to make this area, particularly Uxbridge, their home for the great schools, transport links, green spaces, and affordable housing. Plenty of new-build apartments tend to attract young city workers to Ruislip and Northwood.

Hillingdon has some particularly good schools as well as Brunel University and Buckinghamshire New University offering higher education within the borough.

Hillingdon has much to offer nature lovers with many very fine parks and open spaces, as well as canal-side walks along the Grand Union which snakes its way through the borough.

With prices of homes lower than the London average, it is a good choice for first-time buyers and families on a budget.

Moving to Hounslow

Prices of homes in Hounslow are slightly below the average for London, although the large Victorian and Edwardian homes of Chiswick contrast with the more affordable family homes in Feltham.

The Piccadilly and District lines are great for commuters wanting to get to central London, whilst the overground trains offer regular services for North and East London commuters.

Heathrow Airport is right on your doorstep for easy international travel whilst the M4, M25, A308, North and South Circular roads offer great road links to many parts of London and the UK.

There are some very highly rated schools in Hounslow whilst crime is relatively low, and with many local parks, great recreational facilities, and many leisure activities, it is easy to see why Hounslow is a family favourite.

You may also like to read:

Moving to London Alone

Are you thinking of moving to London alone, perhaps as a student or for work? Is London a good place to live for single people? Here are some essential things to know when moving to London as a single person.

  • Consider renting a room in a shared house, or flat sharing, if you want to save some money, get to know the area, and make instant friends in London. Useful websites for finding rooms to rent in London include: gumtree.co.uk, www.spareroom.co.uk, or www.nestpick.com
  • Join local social media groups to find out all the best places to go and find out all the local London news.
  • meetup.com has plenty of local groups to join so that you quickly find new friends in London.
  • To find out all about local events in London, activities, groups, and societies by visiting interests.me
  • Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and do some good at the same time. london.gov.uk will give you lots of volunteering opportunities across London.

You may like to read: Can I Move to A New City Alone?

University College
University College London, one of the many world-class centres of education in London.

Living in London as a Student

Some of the finest universities in the world can be found in London and there are far too many to do justice to in this short guide.

However, you can click on the links for each university and college in London to be taken directly to their website where you will find all the information you need to make studying in London a fantastic experience.

A List of All Universities in London

A List of All Colleges in London

Useful information:

How to Find the Best Local Removal Firms

As you would expect there are some great removal companies that can help you with your home move to or within London.

Being one of the most mobile relocation centres of the country, competition is fierce between removal companies in London, each striving to offer the best service at the best price.

So take the time to thoroughly research any removal company you intend to hire and to ensure they will offer you the best service at the right price.

You may find these guides useful:

All that remains now is to get your free home moving cost estimate and to check out the reviews of removal companies who can help you move within or to London.

And no doubt you will have many more questions regarding your home move, so be sure to visit our resources section where you will find a wealth of useful information to make your home move to London easier, cheaper, and safer.

Going to live in London can be a life-changing experience. We hope you enjoy all that London has to offer you.

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More about the author

Peter Langley

Written by Peter Langley

Moving Expert & Contributor

Posted on Tuesday, February 11, 2020,
Last updated on October 16, 2023

Peter is a regular contributor to the blog and a relocation specialist. He is also a seasoned UK and International homeowner which gives him real-life moving experience.

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