Right this moment I need to carry you my information to the most effective locations to stay in south London on your type. I get requested the place to stay in London on a regular basis, and I’ve quite a bit to say about it. There are many south London areas to select from, and I’m going to indicate you the place you’ll be able to transfer primarily based in your private preferences, pursuits, and stage of life. I’ve included an interactive map of all of the neighborhoods on my checklist, too.
Finest Locations to Dwell in South London
There’s quite a bit to like about south London. Since transferring to this a part of the UK capital, I’ve found nice London neighborhoods and loads of enjoyable locations to eat, drink, and discover.
However what precisely constitutes “south London”? The phrase refers back to the space south of the Thames, however it’s a broad time period and never all the time a exact one. Some areas are technically south of the river, however are thought of east or west London.
Others are literally north of the river, however due to the bends in its path, they sit farther south than some components of south London. However usually talking anyplace south of the Thames is in south London.
The geographical space covers quite a lot of neighborhoods, from the South Financial institution with its points of interest to up-and-coming locations like Deptford which are favorites with the hipster crowd.
There’s a giant rivalry between north and south London, and born-and-raised Londoners will typically inform you there’s a cultural divide. As an expat, I like having the ability to see the most effective in each areas.
Having lived north, west, central, and south, I additionally prefer to assume I’ve had a reasonably broad expertise of town. Since shopping for a flat south of the river, I’ve gotten to know lots of the neighborhoods right here properly.
There are leafy villages and concrete hotspots, residential neighborhoods and commuter areas. All of them make south London engaging for their very own distinctive causes.
No matter whether or not you’re an expat, couple, younger skilled, pupil, household, or one thing else, there’s part of south London that may suit your type, funds, and preferences.
Finest Neighborhoods in South London
Under you’ll discover my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London. After you’ve had a learn, you’ll be able to determine which a part of the realm suits your tastes and circumstances greatest.
If you wish to purchase a property within the metropolis, my information to the best way to purchase a flat in London can assist with subsequent steps.
If you wish to dig deeper into which components of south London suit your type greatest, you’ll be able to learn by my neighborhood guides. I’ve printed various them and I’ve linked to them on this weblog submit.
Consider this because the spotlight reel and people as locations the place you’ll be able to dig deeper.
In case you want extra inspiration or need to get to know a specific space higher, my free self-guided south London walks and south east London walks will lead you thru a number of the neighborhoods on the checklist.
The walks will take you to excessive streets, aspect streets, and hidden locations in south London, they usually’ll enable you get to know the areas and their distinctive traits.
If you wish to spend time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in south London right here. There are many choices, together with motels, condo leases, and different lodging.
Battersea
First on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London is Battersea. This space is true on the Thames, and it’s change into an more and more standard place to maneuver over time. The identical is true for neighboring 9 Elms.
Battersea is understood for its riverside strolling paths, the large expanse of Battersea Park, the outlets and eating places in Battersea Energy Station, and fairly pockets like Battersea Sq..
The US Embassy is positioned in 9 Elms, so the realm attracts American expats, too.
Professionals of residing in Battersea embody the riverside location, Overground, tube, prepare, and riverboat transport hyperlinks, outlets and eating places, and central location.
Cons of residing in Battersea are the development and lack of historic environment in a number of locations.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Battersea right here.
Brixton
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London is Brixton. This multicultural space is understood for its vibrant markets, nice nightlife scene, and enjoyable eating places.
Brixton is for you in the event you like artistic areas and a superb night out. It’s additionally house to standard venues like Pop Brixton and coated markets like Brixton Village.
Professionals of residing in Brixton embody good tube and rail connections (which is usually a rarity in south London), and enjoyable eating places, bars, and pubs.
Cons of residing in Brixton embody greater housing costs than another components of south London (though there’s higher worth in Brixton Hill and close by Tulse Hill), and crowds on the markets on the weekends.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Brixton right here.
Brockley
Subsequent on my checklist is Brockley. This under-the-radar south London neighborhood has numerous colourful road artwork, a fantastic market, and a park with views.
Brockley is a perfect space in the event you prefer to stay away from the apparent locations and also you need one thing with a neighborhood really feel. This place has good eating places and loads of inexperienced areas, too.
Professionals of residing in Brockley embody rail connections into town heart, barely decrease housing costs than another components of south London, and quite a lot of issues to do.
Cons of residing in Brockley embody the marginally farther distance from central London and the dearth of a tube station.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Brockley right here.
Camberwell
One other of the most effective locations to stay in south London is Camberwell. This space is house to galleries, parks, and impartial cafes. It’s for you in the event you’re artsy and you want a novel espresso store.
From Camberwell Inexperienced to Burgess Park and the outlets and eating places round Camberwell Church Road, there’s quite a bit occurring right here. Add to that Camberwell School of Arts, and there’s all the time one thing thrilling occurring.
Professionals of residing in Camberwell embody good rail and bus connections into central London, lovely streets in areas like Denmark Hill, and enjoyable eating places and pubs.
Cons of residing in Camberwell embody the marginally greater value of residing than another components of south London, and the dearth of a tube station.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Camberwell right here.
Clapham
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective areas to stay in south London is Clapham. With its charming previous city, massive frequent, and in depth transport hyperlinks, many individuals prefer to name this a part of south London house.
Clapham Outdated City is filled with fairly streets and homes, and Abbeville Village is charming. Clapham Frequent is a good place to take a stroll, and the bars and pubs on Clapham Excessive Road and round Clapham Junction are full of life each night time.
Professionals of residing in Clapham embody nice tube, Overground, and prepare connections, the frequent, and the nightlife.
Cons of residing in Clapham embody the busy commute into central London, and that the nightlife scene is usually a bit rowdy (if that’s not your factor).
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Clapham right here.
Crystal Palace
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective areas to stay in south London is Crystal Palace. This place is legendary for its dinosaur sculpture-filled park, views of London, triangle of excessive streets, and neighborhood really feel.
Numerous folks transfer to this space and neighboring Sydenham as a result of housing prices will be considerably decrease than in different components of London. It’s standard with younger professionals, {couples}, long-term expats, and people trying to get on the housing ladder.
Professionals of residing in Crystal Palace embody decrease housing costs than in different places within the metropolis, prepare and Overground stations, good outlets and eating places, and Crystal Palace Park.
Cons of residing in Crystal Palace embody the dearth of a tube station and the lengthy commute into central London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Crystal Palace right here.
Deptford
Subsequent on my checklist of the place to stay in south London is Deptford. This fashionable space is understood for its espresso outlets, market, and impartial shops. It’s one of many coolest London neighborhoods.
Positioned proper subsequent to Greenwich on the Thames, Deptford is a perfect space in the event you like all issues new and hip. From pubs to pop-ups and railway arches full of eating places, it has all of it.
It’s a preferred place with younger professionals and people trying to get on the housing ladder.
Professionals of residing in Deptford embody comparatively low housing prices, rail and DLR stations, a riverfront location, hip outlets and nightlife venues, and the proximity to Greenwich.
Cons of residing in Deptford embody the dearth of a tube station and a barely longer commute into central London than from another areas.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Deptford right here.
Dulwich
In case you’re searching for probably the most lovely place to stay in south London, Dulwich is for you. This village-like space options picture-pretty streets, a well-known artwork museum, and leafy parks with lush gardens.
Dulwich is right in the event you like elegant homes and also you need to get away from the bustle of town. Dwelling right here looks like being removed from an city heart. Given the standard of the faculties right here, it’s standard with households, too.
My self-guided stroll in Dulwich village can present you extra of the realm and offer you a really feel for what it has to supply residents.
Professionals of residing in Dulwich embody the gorgeous village environment, rail and bus connections, inexperienced areas like Dulwich Park and Dulwich Wooden, and the world-class Dulwich Image Gallery.
Cons of residing in Dulwich embody a better value of residing than most different components of south London, the dearth of a tube or Overground station, and fewer eating places, outlets, and pubs than different areas round it.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Dulwich right here.
East Dulwich
Proper subsequent to Dulwich village, East Dulwich is one other of the most effective locations to stay in south London. It has a nice excessive road known as Lordship Lane that has numerous outlets and eating places.
East Dulwich additionally has the weekly North Cross Street Market, which is among the greatest south London markets. It’s in a perfect location between leafy Dulwich and hipster Peckham, too.
East Dulwich is standard with everybody from younger households to {couples} and professionals. College students from the neighboring tutorial establishments additionally prefer to name this space house.
Professionals of residing in East Dulwich embody rail and bus connections into central London, the outlets and eating places on and across the excessive road, and the marginally decrease value of housing than in neighboring Dulwich.
Cons of residing in East Dulwich embody the dearth of a tube or Overground station, and a barely greater value of residing than another components of south London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in East Dulwich right here.
Elephant and Fort
Elephant and Fort is one other standard place to stay in south London. This space is filled with new high-rise buildings, buzzing meals markets, and impartial outlets and eating places.
Given its proximity to central London, Elephant and Fort is a well-liked place for professionals, college students, and {couples} to stay.
Professionals of residing in Elephant and Fort embody good rail, tube, and bus connections into central London, markets like Mercato Metropolitano, and the marginally decrease value of housing than in central London.
Cons of residing in Elephant and Fort embody the dearth of a neighborhood really feel and perpetual development.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Elephant and Fort right here.
Forest Hill
Forest Hill is one other standard space to stay in south London. This neighborhood is understood for all the pieces from the Horniman Museum to the nice views of the London skyline.
Forest Hill additionally has enjoyable cafes, scrumptious markets, and fairly gardens. The outlets on and round London Street are standard, too.
Professionals of residing in Forest Hill embody rail and bus connections into central London, the Horniman Museum and its weekly market, and the marginally decrease value of housing than in some areas round it.
Cons of residing in Forest Hill embody the dearth of a tube station, and barely fewer eating places and outlets than different areas of south London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Forest Hill right here.
Greenwich
Greenwich wants no introduction. This well-known space in south east London is bursting with maritime historical past and royal residences.
From Greenwich Park to the coated market and the nice outlets and eating places by the Thames, this space has quite a bit going for it. And that’s to say nothing of the gorgeous streets and homes. My self-guided Greenwich stroll will take you to a number of the greatest.
Professionals of residing in Greenwich embody the rail and DLR connections into town heart, the cultural points of interest, the outlets and market, and the gorgeous residential areas.
Cons of residing in Greenwich embody the dearth of a tube station, the space from central London, and the upper value of housing than in some areas round it (however neighboring North Greenwich is cheaper, and Blackheath to the south is nice, too).
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Greenwich right here.
Herne Hill
Again over by Dulwich, Herne Hill is one other of the most effective locations to stay in south London. It’s recognized for Herne Hill Market, the massive inexperienced house in Brockwell Park, and enjoyable outlets.
Herne Hill has nice pubs and eating places that give the realm a neighborhood neighborhood really feel. It’s a preferred place for households, {couples}, and professionals to stay.
Professionals of residing in Herne Hill embody rail and bus connections into town heart, the market, the park, and the proximity to the tube station in Brixton (relying the place you reside within the space).
Cons of residing in Herne Hill embody the dearth of a tube station and barely fewer eating places and outlets than in some areas round it.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Herne Hill right here.
Kennington
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London is Kennington. This space is house to leafy parks and gardens, a weekly out of doors meals market, impartial cafes and eating places, fairly residential streets, and hidden squares.
Resulting from its proximity to the river, Kennington is standard with professionals and {couples}. It’s additionally close to The Oval, so it’s nice in the event you’re a cricket fan.
Professionals of residing in Kennington embody tube, rail, and bus connections into town heart, inexperienced areas, and the relative closeness to central London.
Cons of residing in Kennington embody the marginally fewer eating places and outlets than some areas round it.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Kennington right here.
Kingston upon Thames
Out in south west London, Kingston upon Thames looks like a city in its personal proper. That’s as a result of it was as soon as an historic market city the place Saxon kings have been topped.
Because the title implies, Kingston is true on the river. It has heritage buildings galore, and an actual sense of historical past.
Professionals of residing in Kingston upon Thames embody rail connections into central London, the historical past, the riverside location, and a decrease value of housing than in another components of south London.
Cons of residing in Kingston upon Thames embody the dearth of a tube station and a protracted commute into town heart.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Kingston upon Thames right here.
London Bridge Space
Simply throughout the river from the Tower of London, London Bridge, Borough, Bermondsey, and Southwark have nice eating places, pubs, nightlife, and points of interest.
From Borough Market to Extra London, Bermondsey Road, Vinegar Yard, Maltby Road Market, Flat Iron Sq., and the Thames, this space has quite a bit going for it. My self-guided London Bridge stroll can present you the highlights.
Professionals of residing in and round London Bridge embody nice rail and tube connections, tons to do, and a central location on the Thames.
Cons of residing in and round London Bridge embody the excessive value of residing in contrast with different components of south London, and the crowds on weekends, within the stations, and through peak vacationer season.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in London Bridge right here.
Nunhead
Again down by East Dulwich, Nunhead is one other of the most effective locations to stay in south London. This under-the-radar neighborhood is legendary for its otherworldly Victorian cemetery, cool bars and pubs, and group really feel.
Nunhead Inexperienced lies on the coronary heart of the realm, and there are many impartial outlets and eating places round it. The neighborhood has fairly streets and many greenery, too.
Professionals of residing in Nunhead embody rail and bus connections to central London, a neighborhood vibe, and decrease housing costs than lots of the areas round it.
Cons of residing in Nunhead embody the dearth of a tube station and a smaller variety of eating places and outlets than some areas (however it’s proper close to Peckham, so there are tons extra close by).
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Nunhead right here.
Peckham
Multicultural Peckham is among the most hipster areas in London, and it’s a preferred place to stay south of the river.
Peckham is understood for its nightlife, and it has a number of the greatest rooftop bars in south London. It additionally has a fantastic artistic scene and many impartial eating places, cafes, and pubs.
Professionals of residing in Peckham embody good rail and bus connections to central London, a cool vibe, and nice nightlife.
Cons of residing in Peckham embody the dearth of a tube station and better housing prices than another components of south London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Peckham right here.
Putney and Barnes
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London are Putney and Barnes. Positioned proper on the Thames, these areas are recognized for his or her fairly streets and inexperienced areas.
Putney is legendary for rowing, pubs, and streets full of retailers and eating places. This place has numerous riverside surroundings, and it’s house to massive inexperienced areas like Putney Heath. It’s additionally a fantastic place to observe the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge.
Barnes sits in a bend of the Thames. It’s house to nice native pubs, beautiful outlets, and the London Wetland Centre. The neighborhood has a pleasant village really feel to it, too.
Professionals of residing in Putney and Barnes embody a tube station in Putney, prepare stations, parks, and the riverfront areas.
Cons of residing in Putney and Barnes embody greater housing costs than many different components of south London, and the marginally farther distance from town heart than areas like Fulham.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Putney right here.
Richmond
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London is Richmond. Out within the south west, this prosperous space is understood for its riverfront surroundings, expansive park, busy excessive road, and fairly aspect streets.
Stately houses like Ham Home add a pleasant cultural aspect to the realm, and historic alleys like Brewers Lane are charming. Neighboring Kew is a good place to spend time (or stay), too. Kew Gardens is legendary.
Richmond Inexperienced has nice pubs, and it’s a enjoyable place to catch a glimpse of a neighborhood cricket match (it’s additionally a filming location for Ted Lasso). My self-guided Richmond stroll can present you the highlights of the realm.
Professionals of residing in Richmond embody the prepare and tube stations, lovely streets, Thames Path, inexperienced areas, and neighborhood really feel.
Cons of residing in Richmond embody excessive housing costs in contrast with many different components of south London, and an extended commute into central London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Richmond right here.
Rotherhithe
Again in south east London, I’ll proceed my information to the place to stay with Rotherhithe. This space is steeped in historical past. It’s recognized for being the positioning the place the Mayflower ship departed London for America in 1620.
Rotherhithe can also be house to nice riverside surroundings, heritage pubs like The Mayflower and The Angel, small museums, and leafy streets and parks.
Professionals of residing in Rotherhithe embody an Overground station within the coronary heart of the realm, pubs, inexperienced areas, historical past, fairly streets, and the river.
Cons of residing in Rotherhithe is that there isn’t a excessive road with numerous outlets and eating places, and there’s no tube station (however Canada Water isn’t far).
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Rotherhithe right here.
Tooting and Balham
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London are Tooting and Balham. Positioned south of Clapham, these London neighborhoods are recognized for his or her residential environment, buzzing excessive streets, nightlife scenes, and inexperienced areas.
Tooting and Balham profit from massive parks like Tooting Bec Frequent. They’re standard with mid-career professionals who need to stay on a tube line and purchase London property, however don’t need to pay Zone 1 costs.
Professionals of residing in Tooting and Balham embody the decrease housing costs than in central London, prepare and tube stations, outlets, eating places, and parks.
The primary con of residing in Tooting and Balham is the considerably longer commute into central London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Tooting or Balham right here.
Vauxhall
Subsequent on my checklist of the most effective locations to stay in south London is Vauxhall. This London neighborhood has distinctive cafes and nightlife, a hidden lavender backyard, riverside walks, and peaceable inexperienced areas.
Vauxhall Park and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens are nice locations to absorb the solar on heat days, and hidden spots like Bonnington Sq. are enjoyable to find. The world additionally has cool meals markets beneath the railway arches.
Professionals of residing in Vauxhall embody the central location, a tube and prepare station within the coronary heart of the realm, good bus connections, the Thames, the parks, and the cafes and nightlife.
Cons of residing in Vauxhall are the dearth of a excessive road with numerous outlets and eating places, and a better value of housing than in another components of south London.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Vauxhall right here.
Wandsworth
Subsequent on my checklist of the place to stay in south London is Wandsworth. This space begins on the Thames and extends an honest means south from there. It’s house to numerous parks, native pubs, and fairly streets.
Wandsworth is a good space to be primarily based in London, not least due to its native eating places and outlets, and its proximity to central London. It’s standard with professionals, {couples}, and expats.
Professionals of residing in Wandsworth embody the riverside location, rail and bus connections into central London, outlets and eating places, and inexperienced areas.
Cons of residing in Wandsworth are the dearth of a tube station and a barely farther commute into central London than locations like Battersea.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Wandsworth right here.
Waterloo and Lambeth
Subsequent on my checklist of locations to stay in south London are Waterloo and Lambeth. Proper on the Thames, these neighboring areas are centrally positioned and have eating places, markets, museums, and outlets to find.
Whereas Waterloo will get overshadowed by the South Financial institution and the enormous prepare station, there are a number of nice bars, eating places, pubs, and markets right here. Decrease Marsh is one in all my favourite streets close to the river.
Lambeth is extra residential, and it’s house to vital museums just like the Imperial Conflict Museum and the Backyard Museum. Lambeth Palace is right here, too.
Professionals of residing in Waterloo and Lambeth embody the riverside areas, tube, rail, and bus connections into central London, outlets, eating places, and museums.
Cons of residing in Waterloo and Lambeth are that the areas will be busy they usually lack a group really feel.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Waterloo or Lambeth right here.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is subsequent on my checklist of the place to stay in south London. Finest recognized for the annual Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the village is price contemplating as a spot to name house for the remainder of the 12 months.
Wimbledon village has a fantastic excessive road with pubs and outlets, and Wimbledon Frequent is an expansive inexperienced house that’s good for entering into nature within the metropolis. There’s horseback using, too.
Professionals of residing in Wimbledon embody tube, tram, and prepare stations within the coronary heart of the realm, inexperienced areas, and a village really feel.
Cons of residing in Wimbledon embody the comparatively excessive housing costs and the longer commute into central London than from a number of different locations.
If you wish to spend a little bit of time right here earlier than making an official transfer, you’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain in Wimbledon right here.
Map of the Finest Areas to Dwell in South London
As I discussed at first of this submit, you’ll discover a map of all the most effective locations to stay in south London right here. In case you click on on the pins, you’ll be able to see my weblog posts about every neighborhood. I hope it helps you uncover the one that matches your type!
Finest Locations to Dwell in South London
I hope this weblog submit has helped you get a really feel for the most effective locations to stay in south London. There are a number of nice areas to name house right here, and no scarcity of neighborhoods to think about transferring to.
In case you’re focused on different areas, check out my guides to the greatest locations to stay in north London, the greatest locations to stay in central London, the greatest locations to stay in west London, and the greatest locations to stay in east London.
If you wish to see the complete metropolis in a single place, my map of London neighborhoods can assist. And in the event you’re researching the best way to relocate to the UK, you’ll be able to check out my information to the best way to transfer to London. Good luck!
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