214 Comments »

Anna Costa said:
Hello! I found your site on google and i just had to say that it’s been quite helpful. The information is pretty direct and extremely useful. I’m a single mom and i’m planning to move to London when my daughter’s school ends in june, so i started researching good places to live in London with a teenage daughter. If you have any tips or sites that you know of that would help me refine my research i would be forever grateful! This specific article has already helped a lot! Already marked on my map for areas “cut-off” of my “places to look at”.
Congratulations on the web site!
Best!
Anna Costa
# 2 February 2008 at 9:54 am

Dominic said:
ummm… where’s Hackney and Tower Hamlets?
# 19 April 2008 at 11:02 am

Author: Stooly (author) said:
Dominic, you’ve got an excellent point there! Think we should review this article a bit. Another article is in the making to discuss all the places you should have a look at when making those final decisions.
# 19 April 2008 at 11:19 am

x said:
Hi
good website but can you update please. i have friends who live in France and they are very concerned about what happened in London last week so it will be useful if you can mention the other places so i can forward your site to the students in UNI in france who are thinking twice about coming to london to continue their studies. thanks again
# 10 July 2008 at 3:24 am

Elizabeth said:
Is Barnes a nice place to live?
# 20 November 2008 at 3:53 pm

Author: Stooly (author) said:
Barnes? I would say that it is a very nice place to live in but you will probably pay an arm and a leg to stay there. It’s what a lot of people call “posh”.
# 29 November 2008 at 5:51 am

Elizabeth said:
How posh? Is it over-the-top ritzy like Beverly Hills? I am just looking for a nice area where I can send my daughter to the store and not worry that she will be mugged or kidnapped on the way. I really like the schools in Barnes. What do you know about the area?
# 30 November 2008 at 10:27 pm

Ze said:
Hi
I’m about to move to london (still looking for a cheap-but-not-so-cheap-that-will-get-me-robbed-and-stabbed house) to finish my studies, and wanted to say thank you for all the helpful information you have here.
Once I’m living there I’ll surely try to contribute to your website.
# 24 December 2008 at 9:25 pm

Author: Stooly (author) said:
Ze, thank you for the kind words!
You could always leave another comment with your experience so far and we will stick it online, might help someone else. We’re in the process of revamping the site as it feels like the information is all over the place!
# 26 December 2008 at 4:42 am

magdalena said:
hey there
i’m moving to london quite soon. all i know is to avoid the east side although i’m sure there’s decent places there!
how is the area that contains islington, hammersmith, wandsworth and westminister? i guess i’m talking about a general central location. anything would be useful at this point! thanks!
# 11 February 2009 at 8:37 pm

P said:
Stoke Newington? What a load of rubbish. Youv’e missed out most of the percieved ‘dodgy’ areas (Peckham, Hackney etc.) but the truth is most areas in London has it’s fair share of crime.
As long as youre not an idiot walking around at night with an ipod or a member of a notorious gang you shouldn’t have any problems.
# 20 February 2009 at 12:15 pm

Author: Stooly (author) said:
magdalena, I personally loved living in the South West of London but I now live in the South East… although not as nice but not bad if you know how to stay safe.
Westminster and Hammersmith will be quite expensive… but if you can afford it, then go for it. Islington? That place gives me the shivers but all areas have a good side and a bad side…Wandsworth is quite cheap, not bad, I like the area but like I said, each area has their good side and bad side.
# 1 March 2009 at 8:16 am

Author: Stooly (author) said:
P!
You’ve got a valid point. I was thinking about your comment the other day and decided that I am going to review this guide completely… your help would be appreciated. Any tips?
# 1 March 2009 at 8:16 am

Jester said:
This website gives the crime stats for any postcode a far more objective view on crime in any area.
# 31 March 2009 at 7:28 am

Gladys said:
I’m thinking to go to live to london. I come from buenos aires originally, but I’ve been living in England for 18 years know. I would like to buy flat in an area which is cheap but with lots of things to do, like music, has to be multicultural. I like to go out at evenings and I do not drive, I’ve got a bike. I like to have breakfast in cafes. Can someone help me to find THE place?
Thank you very much,
Gladys
# 12 May 2009 at 3:26 am

ashleigh said:
Hi, i live in east london, have done all my life, i come from east ham in newham, its ok, not much crime, not really any gangs as such, its quite a small town really bit shabby round the edges, loads of different cultures, to be honest its very crowded now, i would like to move to another area, just for a change really as i have lived in this borough for years, i have found a house in walthomstow, very close to billet round a bout, so more north, but i have heard terrible things, there is lots of crime, gangs wearing bandanars on their faces, robbing and stabbing people, and some gun crime, the house is lovely and was really looking forward to going to another borough, is walthomstow really this bad, i have young children so they would grow up in this area, can some one help, is it that bad, iv got a n headache thinking about it, stay in newham east ham or go walthomstow, help please
# 18 May 2009 at 5:39 am

Author: Stooly (author) said:
ashleigh,
I have done a bit of research to help you with your decision in moving to Walthamstow. According to the crime figures for the rolling year, it seems like Walthamstow is much safer if you compare it to Newham. The MET does have a plan to introduce more Safer Neighbourhoods to patrol problem areas. Here is the link directly to that Safer Neighbourhood, get in touch with them, they are a friendly bunch and will help you out with any queries regarding safety.
http://www.met.police.uk/teams/walthamforest/highamhill/index.php
Oh, and I would definately poke around the council’s website for advice about raising your children in the area.
http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/community.htm
# 24 May 2009 at 1:22 pm

anam said:
hi
i lived in walthamstow for about 5 years…n i must say that now i don’t feel myself any more safe because of the crime rate.
i would definately waht to move from here.
# 8 June 2009 at 4:32 pm

Author: Stooly (author) said:
anam, thanks for your input!
It seems like crime is on the increase all over London, nobody is safe anymore. I think we need to stand together as a community to make a change for the future.
What crime bothers you the most?
# 9 June 2009 at 1:39 pm

sandrar said:
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. Cheers! Sandra. R.
# 10 September 2009 at 5:54 pm

david said:
i am from australia, and i feel that places in london are either crap, or too posh.. its really hard to find just a decent balanced part of london with normal average type people!
# 5 February 2010 at 9:05 pm

Katie Prior said:
Hello! I have lived in Brixton for 10 years and have never been a victim of crime. Its a brilliant area to live in if you want to live in an urban environment and London is an urban environment! I live on an extremely friendly and community minded road. I have many friends in Stoke Newington with families and they love it. Your basis for marking these areas as non-livable is extraordinary! You’ve travelled through Brixton and that is how you’ve made your judgement? As a previous poster has said, London is a big city and there is crime in any area I’m afraid. You just have to be street-wise and embrace life in a big city. Fear may stop you from experiencing the best of this wonderful place.
# 19 February 2010 at 7:27 am

morthon said:
Hi,
I am moving to London as from the 4th March…and I am looking for a nice place to live in near Canary Wharf…which areas do you advise me??
Best regards
Morthon
# 28 February 2010 at 8:07 am

Mirra said:
Hi,
I found your website on google. At this moment I look where to live in London and which area better when I live now.
I lived in Tottenham, Seven Sisters, Walthamstow and now I live in Custom House (East London). All these areas are bad, but cheap. you should be careful every time. in my area (Custom House) and especially in my street where I live now, it’s very dangerous, because police is coming everyday. Crime, crime, crime!!! Really tired! Don’t live in Newham Borough!
I’m a single mum and have 3years old daughter. I think to move to Richmond Borough Council area. Better, I will pay more, but I and my daughter feel safe.
I found useful your article!!!
# 7 March 2010 at 9:26 am

Peter said:
I’m about to move to London as well. Thanks for your website, it’s really helpful!
So, we know the bad areas of London, but can anyone say what would be a really nice and safe place for living? I’m not a celeb or millionaire so of course I’m not looking for a really “posh” place. I want that area to be nice, safe (if this word has a meaning in London), not too cheap but not too expensive. Please can anyone name those places, that would be really helpful.
# 6 April 2010 at 3:01 pm

Marion said:
I lived in London for 8 months, firstly in a share house in Kilburn for 3 months then East Acton. I wouldn’t recommend Kilburn, many businesses have shut down on the high street, making it increasingly deserted. I agree with your statement about Acton, it is fine during the day on the high streets, but like all places you need to keep your witts about you. I lived in East Acton, fairly quiet, and never felt unsafe or uneasy. It is multicultural, Polish and Aussies alike, but yeah I found no problems with it.
# 8 April 2010 at 1:01 am

Lee said:
Ive been moved around poor parts of London all my life and can honestly say that the worst places for things like muggings, drugs and gang violence in order would have to be…
1. Peckham
2. Dagenham
3. Brixton (never lived there but heard stuff about it)
4. Edmonton
# 13 April 2010 at 9:33 pm

Anthony said:
Hello all,
I saw how helpful you all are and thought i would try and see if anyone could help me with my dilemma.
I will be moving to London this September and am looking for a safe area to live in. Me and my fiancée will be commuting to London Metropolitan and Greenwich so it has to be roughly 5miles from each destination.
Tower hamlets seemed ideal for us but i was shocked to find out how bad it is there!
Anyway, if anyone can help me out, it would be much appreciated, this moving business can be overwhelming.
Thank you!
# 3 May 2010 at 3:34 am

East London Lad said:
Put it this way, you go around being scared, people will pick on you. You go around flashing your wealth and/or thinking you’re a big shot, people will pick on you. Hold your head up and keep your eyes open and you wont go getting stabbed up. Stay out of people’s housing estates if you don’t know the estate very very well cos that is the playground of lots of little ba$tards who dont like new faces. If you have an accent, dont go speaking loudly in areas like Stratford or Hackney cos you will stand out like a sore thumb. Same for on the tube. When you are in non tourist areas dont walk around with a map in your hand – makes you look pretty alien!
Areas to avoid if you’re new to the city and some full stop:
Stratford, Hackney (especially Homerton), Dalston, the whole of Tower Hamlets, Harlesdon, Peckham, West Croydon there’s more but i’ll let you find out…..
# 18 June 2010 at 10:55 am

Toni said:
Hi…
Wonder if anyone can offer any advice. I am moveing to Stratford soon with a young child and am wondering about which areas are safe & which to avoid … I really have no clue> Need to be walking distance to centre. What about near West Ham Lane/Vicarage Lane … have seen flat there on line? … Any advice or experience would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
# 14 August 2010 at 11:39 am

shelle said:
Hello,
I have just moved to London from Australia and am living in Earl’s Court. THough just here a week, I have seen some of the gritti-ness you have been talking about (Islington and housing commission near All Saints). I was offered drugs by a very ‘tough’ looking youngster in his wake 2 friends. Needless to say, I left the area quickly as it was quite deserted and getting dark.
We’re looking at renting in the south-east area (Canary Wharf is our fave so far). I’m a teacher doing supply. Are there any schools in this area that you can commend (we all need to hear the positives) or suggest to stay away from?
I really enjoyed reading the posts! Thanks!
# 23 August 2010 at 8:28 pm

Northen Lad said:
Barnes is a very safe area and East Sheen is extra safe esp for those with kids. just watch the Lenox estate in Roehampton it is okay but can be a little anti social at the weekends noise etc…Wandsworth council has the lowest council tax good worth considering when paying the rents in West London…Check out Putney for a tiny bit off London buzz with great transport links..You get what you pay for in London watch the estates is my best advice…
# 24 August 2010 at 4:15 pm

E7-GATE said:
Its the whole world!! You can go to any country any state any town, and if you walk round like you got a silver spoon up your backside your gunna get mugged!! Im 19 born and bred in newham and walthamstow, but ive never had any trouble because i use my 18 pence (SENSE – for those not familiar with rhyming slang), if you use your head you will be fine ignore all the idiots saying how bad it is with bandanas and that its rubbish. ok theres some bad areas like, Forest Gate, few weeks ago some guy got stabbed and died, however the chances are he wasn’t so innocent, he was probly doing one of two things: 1, prancing around with his wallet buldging out of his pocket, a top of the range phone in hand and had probly drunk enough beer to open a brewery, this is like walking round ethiopia with a years supply of burger king lol!! or 2 he was thinkin he was hard givin ppl the eyes and eventually he met his match. London is great, take advantage just dont give them a reason to start, keep track of where your looking!;-)
# 11 September 2010 at 11:51 am

Pen said:
I’ve lived in various places around London for 10 years, and neither myself or my many friends have ever been a victim of crime. A few words of advice about Tower Hamlets:
- The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is a massive borough, adjacent to the City of London – it is incredibly central (Canary Wharf – the “little City” is also in Tower Hamlets)
- The borough is divided into many different areas. By the river, in Wapping (next to Tower Bridge), Limehouse and Canary Wharf you are 10 minutes from the City of London and can get a studio/1 bed flat from £200 per week (prices go up the closer to the river you get). The Wapping/Limehouse/Canary Wharf area is where lots of affluent professionals live and work, and is definitely considered “posh”. Postcodes to look for property in are: E14 and E1W (try Rightmove.co.uk)
- If you move away from the river, towards the north of Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel, Stepney, Bow and Poplar are not particularly nice areas to live in, although parts of the E1 postcode are very vibrant with lots of bars and restaurants (particularly around Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Old Street and Brick Lane). You get a lot of students and young people living around here, mixed in with the ethnic community, so it has a very buzzy feel.
- Further east in the E16 postcode, you can still get a river view flat for a reasonable price, although shops and services aren’t as good and you are further from the central area. Worth looking here if you commute to Canary Wharf.
- Avoid the London Borough of Hackney, which is poorly connected to public transport and has relatively high crime (although the areas around Victoria Park and London Fields are very pleasant).
- Just south of the river, good search areas are Shad Thames (near Tower Bridge – which is very posh, and very expensive), Borough (near London Bridge/Borough Market), and Greenwich (gorgeous park, good pubs and restaurants, and well connected to public transport).
Remember, London is a basically a collection of villages – even in one London Borough, you get clusters of millionaires living a few streets away from people living in council housing (London’s state-funded projects”). Wherever you look, look out for: good public transport connections on the Tube (ideally Zone 1 or 2), decent shops and services (search fpr property near very posh Waitrose supermarkets!), and generally speaking, if you are near the River Thames in either east or west London, you cant go wrong.
Hope this helps!
# 1 October 2010 at 12:51 am

Paddyom said:
I think Pen has got it right.
London is a collection of villages which have blended together to form the city as it is, so you can have a really nice area very close to a shabby part of town. For example Dulwich (gorgeous) lies next to Peckham (slightly down at heal), with a big park in between the two.
There are nice areas in north, south, east and west London so its silly to knock a whole area off your search area when moving here.
Uber posh areas if you have tonnes of ££’s are the following (but limited to!) – Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Kensington (inner west london) with Fulham not far behind. Other very nice areas are Primrose Hill, Greenwich, Blackheath, Barnes, Richmond, Dulwich, Hampstead and Maida Vale, Kew. More nice areas are Battersea, Wandsworth, Clapham, Blackheath, Hackney vilage, Chiswick and docklands… Mid range but still nice areas are Kensal Green, Hammersmith, Brockley, Forest Hill, Mortlake, Sheen, SE1 close to London Bridge/southbank, Balham, Ealing. My knowledge is east London is fairly limited but parts of Bow are lovely as I am sure are many more.
Cheaper, poorer areas, but usually much more interesting, multicultural, often referred to as unattractive (however I like some of these!) are Shepperds Bush, New Cross, Catford, Lewisham, Brixton, Stratford, Edmonton, Shadwell, Streatham, Tooting, Hackney, Highbury, Walthamstow etc….
Dont freak out of you visit an area and find a manic, busy, high street. Usually you turn a corner into the residential streets and find quiet, leafy, friends beautiful suburbs with parks, space and friendly locals.
Good luck in London – its awesome!!
# 5 October 2010 at 11:51 am

Leanne Morris said:
I am a new resident of Stratford, having purchased a property in July and moved into it 3 weeks ago.
In that three weeks, I’ve had to make 3 non emergency calls to the police, 1 visit to the Stratford police station, and 4 emergency calls to the police.
I understand my neighbours have been making similar calls.
In our particular streets, we’re having 3 sets of issues:
1. Open trafficking of presumably drugs. My builders and my houseguests have been offered cocaine right out the front of my house, and around the corner from my house; cars are regularly parked on the street for up to 45 minutes at a time, which are then regularly “visited” by a series of pedestrians and motorcyclists who make an exchange and then move on
2. Drug users intimidating residents and the local shop keeper – for a fact in the last week the local shop keeper has been threatened and at one time beaten because he would not allow users to consume drugs on his premises. When I’ve asked people using drugs in front of my house to desist or move on, I’ve been threatened by them.
3. Youths/adults congregating on the street out the front of my house, throughout afternoons and at night, on 2 occasions from 9pm through to 2.30am – eating takeaway, drinking alcohol, and then throwing all litter on the street, and smashing bottles in the process. Last week I walked out at 10pm to find 22 men and 6 cars parked out of my house – they threatened my when I asked them to go home/move on, and threatened me again when they saw me dialling my phone – I cleaned up half a wheelie bin of litter and broken glass when they left.
I used to live in Stratford 3 years ago. I moved to Upper Leytonstone, specifically because the crime and violence around the Stratford shopping centre was marketedly noticeable. I’d since heard that those issues had reduced, thus I took the opportunity to invest in Stratford and benefit from all of the capital infrastructure that is being invested in the area.
I am scared to go home at night. I am scared that a more serious injury will result to myself/my shopkeeper & staff/my neighbours. I am scared of someone being killed.
If this is the kind of behaviour we’re experiencing on a regular basis, how on earth will visitors to the Olympics event be safe?
The police have been good in terms of reacting to calls, and arriving on the scene usually within 2 minutes, but reacting to events is not serving as a deterrent.
My neighbours are too scared to make any kind of fuss – the intimidation in this particular area has been going on for sometime. Does anyone have ideas on how I can help to make our streets safer? I’m lobbying our council currently. I’m attempting to get CCTV coverage for the streets. I’d happy to put in as much “legwork” as needed to help “clean up” our neighbourhood.
# 18 October 2010 at 3:46 am

Nastassja said:
This site is amazing and very helpful – My friend and I are are planning a month vacation in London and we are very excited. I am so glad to read the above as I do not want us to be stuck in a “sticky” situation. Its so strange as in Cape Town you always hear about how much safer London, Auz is compared to South Africa but is seems completely opposite.
You mention street smart – meaning don’t flash your belongings and don’t give the “tourist” impression? Haha!
Wish us luck as we don’t know where anything is in London XX
# 28 October 2010 at 10:24 am

Jack Waza said:
What is the best area’s to live in East London.
I am looking at the following area’s:
Chingford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Stratford
I am mainly looking for good schools, and generally
safe area.
# 7 November 2010 at 2:48 pm

Rebecca01 said:
Hello everybody,
Im thinking about moving to Whitechapel area (Aldgate)… Im a young girl alone. What do you think in terms of safety? I will have to take the tube everyday… What do you think about this area? Every feedback you might have would really help me!
thanks, x
# 23 November 2010 at 3:02 pm

Joe said:
Hi,thinking of coming to live in Camden in general is there any advice we can get in term schooling for kids under 10,safety for adult walking day and night,other opportunities
# 29 November 2010 at 6:28 am

Man1 said:
Hi, what do you think about Leytonstone near University Hospital ?
# 8 December 2010 at 2:19 am

Jit said:
Very useful. Thank you
# 8 December 2010 at 11:00 am

Author: Stooly (author) said:
Hello, to be brutually honest, Leytonstone won’t be getting a thumbs up from me until things improve in the area but it definately is not the worst place in London by a long shot.
# 12 December 2010 at 5:18 pm

Sham said:
Dear Friends
Hi. I am planning to move to London mid March 2011. In your idea, how much minimum is required to rent a 2 bedrooms in a nice and good place?
Is for example, Greenwich or Lewisham assume as good places to live?
Thanks a lot for your replies in advance.
# 2 January 2011 at 7:59 am

Author: Stooly (author) said:
Hello Sham,
Lewisham would be a cheaper than Greenwich in our opinion but it is much nicer though. You are looking at around £1100 for a one-bedroom flat in Greenwich but could get something around the £900 mark in Lewisham. Browse around Gumtree for a better guide as prices tend to jump up and down according to demand.
# 2 January 2011 at 10:51 am

pinkylj said:
Hi
Any thoughts on North East London? Hendon, Golders Green, Crouch End?
Or North West – Gants Hill, Buckhurst Hill?
Thanks x
# 3 January 2011 at 2:46 am

dk said:
I would say stay away from South London it is the most notorious in England for serious poverty, shootings, stabbings etc. In particular New Cross, Deptford, Peckham, Camberwell & Brixton. Brixton can send shudders down your spine, it is nicknamed as 1 a day.
Other areas in London I would avoid are:
North London – Harlesden, Islington & Tottenham
East London – Tower Hamlets, Leyton, Bow & of course Hackney which is also very notorious & has the nickname of murder mile.
In my opinion West London is fine, yes it does have its black spots but no where near as bad as the others i mentioned. It is the posh part of London.
But to be fair if you are not involved in criminal activities you should be fine. Just be alert, blend in and be street smart.
# 4 January 2011 at 12:50 am

VS said:
I have to say I am very surprised that Acton made it on to your list. But that is mostly because your list excludes some very bad areas.
I have been a resident of Acton all my life (30 years). I have to say I am surprised it is considered unsafe in general. South Acton estate and East Acton aside, it is actually one of the most desirable towns in West London mostly due to the fact that Acton has the highest number of tube and train stations of any town in London. Central is full of young commuters to the city with Twyford, North and West being a mixture of young professionals and large family homes.
Its a relatively expensive area but in high demand due to convenience.
It is multi cultural but the vast proportion of Acton is actually white middle class particularly around the ‘suburbs’ of Acton.
Please don’t take this as me sticking up for Acton just because I am a resident as soon I will be leaving acton for somewhere less interesting and more quite!
But people visiting this site, particularly foreigners, would be being done a disservice if they genuinely discounted Acton as a bad area when there are many worse places.
# 5 January 2011 at 9:03 am

Offended said:
Hello and i was just randomley searching on the net and as a teen who lives in stratford i am highly offended that you would think that i am not going to say that stratford is a lovely place because it is not but i know that its not a bad place to live for someone who has lived here all my life my mum as grew up in stratford and she is 32 so has my aunts and my uncles and they all have said that in deed startford has changed over the past few years but it has not changed that bad
the places you should avoid living which i am not sure is u have listed are
CUSTOM HOUSE
HACKNEY
SOUTH LONDON
PECKHAM
thank you
# 5 January 2011 at 11:05 am

TH said:
I’d like to say that this blog is great and is helpful. I’m a single american lady who lives in SE6 on Rushey Green in Catford and I personally find the area decent, it may not be Mayfair or Chelsea but it’s nice and has a feel to it and I feel safe. My apartment is in a msall block of businesses on the main street and I have to go in back to get to my place and it is well lit but I’ve never encountered anyone or anything strange, maybe because I live over a shop but I’ve had no problems at all and neither has my neighbors. I like the town center and the symbolic big cat..I’ve lived in Brooklyn NY back in the day when murders where happening on a daily basis and I lived in Mexico which was often shoot out at the wild wild west.. I think when you move to city you have to be street smart and use common sense and you’ll be fine.
# 7 January 2011 at 6:14 pm

MayfairGent said:
Mayfair is very nice, perfectly safe, and Grieg’s in Berkeley Square do the finest steaks in the world. I should know, I’m always in there.
The wine list is first rate too.
# 15 January 2011 at 4:22 pm

Gerry said:
Hi There,
Thank you for putting together such an informative sight. My family are considering moving to london – and we are not familiar with the area at all. The place we are looking at are in surray preferable Camberley, Bagshot areas around there. Please could you give me some advise on the area – we are moving with four small kids all under the age of five and need to be assured that the area we do choose … are suitable for them.
Your reply will be much appreciated.
Thank You Kindly
Gerry
# 20 January 2011 at 5:34 am

justine said:
i really like this website, it has been very usefull but also helped me with my hommework tooo!!!
these are the sorts of things you have to look up on the web if someone tells you to read 2 weeks with the queeen\….good book!!! id recommend it!! thankyou for your help everyone!!
# 24 January 2011 at 1:58 pm

TOM said:
i would say stay well clear of Acton. Acton which is known as west London drugs and gun capital due to the fact Acton is supplying drugs and guns all over west London. Acton famous gang called the MDP gang which first started off in the notorious south acton estate(biggest council estate in london/ possibly whole of the uk) have been involved in numerous stabbings,killing,shootings all across west London. infamous due the gang killing in nearby southall and hammersmith when both victims where chase with a knife and killed with no mercy. personally ALL ACTON KIDS,TEENAGERS are brought up to sell drugs,shoot ppl and commit all sorts of crime. definitely stay AWAY FROM SOUTH ACTON ESTATE
# 25 January 2011 at 12:30 am

Claire said:
We’re thinking of moving to London with our children and I’ve been offered a job in N7. We’ve been looking at Camden/Kentish town/Hampstead and I wondered if anyone has any thoughts on these options?
Many Thanks
# 25 January 2011 at 2:52 pm

Jessica said:
Hi – I’ve lived in London for around 9 years and lived in Bethnal Green, Clapham North, Balham, Bermondsey and London Bridge (Shad Thames). I’ve often been alone walking around at night and there are certain areas that feel OK, and some that are scary.
The issue with London is that the dodgy parts and the OK parts are usually just a street away from each other, so you really need to have a more intricate knowledge of the area before you move in.
Tips:
When you’re looking at a property check whether or not there are council flats near to it, and if there are – avoid it. People will criticise me for saying that, but if you want a life without hearing constant shouting/swearing, watching people spitting/setting off fireworks/shouting abuse or leering at you, then put your political correctness aside and adhere to this. Similarly if there are any St George or Union Jack flags hanging out of any windows in the area – do not move in.
My list of safe and unsafe areas based on personal and friend’s experiences over the years:
Safe: London Bridge, Borough, Liverpool Street/Spittlefields, Balham, Blackheath, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Marylebone, Kew, Clapham (pretty safe, but I’ve had my bag pinched from under a table), Putney (the nice bit), Fulham (the nice bit), Soutwark, The City, Canary Wharf.
Unsafe: Brixton (my friend witnessed a stabbing in Macdonalds, plus you are never more than 3 ft away from a crack dealer. I’ve had some great nights out there with no trouble, however would certainly not recommend moving there with kids), Bermondsey, Tooting, (friend got mugged), Herne Hill(friend got mugged at knife point), anywhere further east than Shoreditch really, Camden, Kentish Town, Euston, King’s Cross (although becoming gentrfied slowly).
Sorry, don’t know West very well.
# 25 January 2011 at 2:59 pm

D said:
Tower Hamets has changed loads. Most parts of it are now relatively ‘posh’ despite the areas mentioned above as you will see bankers and white middle-class couples in every part of the borough now with realtively few Cockneys about. Areas like Shadwell and Stepney used to be seen as very rough 5 or 10 years ago, not so much because of the cockneys or immigrants really and truly, but more because of the large number of third-world style, decrepid slum estates.
All the once notoriously derelict flats around Shadwell DLR have now either been renovated or knocked down and redeveloped, and even the worst flats in Stepney’s Ocean Estate have just nowe been demolished awaiting redevelopment. There are still some bad flats in Poplar and Bow but a lot have been renovated with very many new apartments built. Plus the borough was until recently (7 or 8 years ago) a haven for street drug-dealing and in parts widespread street prostitution, and there were mass gang brawls and armed robberies on business several times a week. This just doesn’t happen any more, or if it does then only to a far lesser extent.
This story is pretty much is true for other once notorious parts of inner London like Kings Cross and until recently Bermondsey, Shepherd’s Bush and and Haggerston. The ‘worst’ areas in terms of poverty and immigrant crime are now in places further out which are all also however generally very friendly and quiet once you get off the high streets and in no way compare to the previous inner-city slums.
However the worst thing about London these days has to be the culture that exists for teenagers growing up here now, as there is a widespread wannabe-gangster culture amongst the youth that often leads to excessive violence involving being used to settle a mere punch-up. I’d equate this more to a teenage fad than an actual product of poverty and living conditions since life was much harder and more dangerous in London 10-15 years ago.
# 27 January 2011 at 9:25 pm

Anne said:
Hi,
I’m thinking of moving to Brentford. Any thoughts on the area? Is it safe?
Also I’ve seen your comments about Acton. I was considering Ealing Common, but I’m a bit concerned as it’s just down the road from Acton. What are your thoughts on Ealing?
Many thanks!
# 29 January 2011 at 8:16 pm

TOM said:
Ealing borough as general has its down and up, ealing,greenford and part of brentford as positive, while the negatives are ACTON,SOUTHALL which are the brooklyn and harlem in london. so i advise be well clear of them areas. Acton seems alive during the shopping hours but consistants police cars with sirens going past but after sunset its a whole new ball game in acton at night, its wear drug dealer openly deal drugs and people not afraid to stab or shoot others and crackhead n drunkies all over the highstreet
# 30 January 2011 at 12:16 pm

Mario said:
well, the think is that even in the good areas are bad areas in it. i am agree with the one that says to avoid council estates (gangs live there, you do not hear of gangs living in knightsbridge, isn’t it!). i live in stockwell myself and it is very boring but there are nice cafes and a nice pub, and in vaxhall a stone throw from it has some nice shops too. i do not like vaxhall thought. but if you move between vaxhall and up to stockwell not getting too close from stockwell tube station is ok. Clapham seems to be ok… needless to say that these areas are expensive. you get less for your money and the worse bit is that are not great. but it is a plus the fact that you can be so closed from the centre.
avoid brixton. do not believe on the people that says is trendy or whatsoever.. it is dodgy. i like the old street part, brick lane maybe… but i do not think i would live there. problem is that what is cool and trendy in the morning is dingy and dodgy in the evening.. visit the place on both period of times and you will have an idea.
# 2 February 2011 at 11:51 pm

sabi said:
hi guys! this website is really useful so thank you !! i’ll be moving to london in a few months time and was looking at north areas like bounds green/southgate/palmers green. any opinions about these places? i’m young and will be living alone most of the time. i dont mind stuff like multicultural areas etc, as long as there isnt much violence/muggings! apart from that, i’m not really bothered about other stuff being very close etc. thanks for any help!
# 3 February 2011 at 9:36 pm

kardav said:
Hi,
Thanks for all the advice on this site. It is really helpful. I wonder could someone give me more specific advice on my situation as we are getting very stressed by area/apt hunt!
I plan to move to London in the next few weeks. I am currently looking for an apartment with my partner. He will be working in mostly North London and I will be working in Canary Wharf. Looking into the Clapham area as its full of young professionals (25-35) but would also like to know where in the North West would be nice and handy for both of us for work. I would like a nice, safe & lively area where you have a fair enough local, good shops, decent transport and some sort of gym/fitness centre!
We have been recommended Maida Vale, West Hampstead, Finchly. Any help would be much appreciated.
# 9 February 2011 at 5:54 am

VS said:
Tom, where do you get this from? South Acton estate isn’t the biggest estate in the UK.
Acton isn’t the drug capital of West London! Seriously it is ignorant and very disrespectful to say that all kids in Acton are brought up to be drug dealers.
# 10 February 2011 at 6:42 am

Gabriel said:
Can somebody tell me something about Surrey Quays area? Thanks!
# 13 February 2011 at 6:15 am

Nina said:
Hi,
It is great to find such a useful website. Just wondering if any one can give me any opinion or suggestion.
I am thinking of live in London zone 3, some where near the Walthamstow market for a couple of months. Is it a quite safe area to live and whether it is safe for a female to walk home alone after dark?
Also, i am thinking to move to Zone 6 later, some where between Cambridge and London, probably Loughton or Epping?
Any any opinion or suggestion will be greatly appreciate.
# 13 February 2011 at 2:08 pm

dk said:
Yes i agree totally with VS.
Acton is a perfecftly fine area, being the drug and gun capital and the South Acton Estate the biggest? Lol, dont make me laugh!
And not every kid is brought up in this way you describe.
I dont think TOM have been out much,
Everyone from hoodrats to posh people know West London is the ‘posh’ part.
Drugs are every where in London, its does not make a difference if you are from a wealthy area or an estate.
And if your talking estates the biggest in Europe is Aylesbury Estate, which stretches from Elephant & Castle to Peckham and used to house around 15,000 people. It is currently being demolished.
And the worst estates and areas in London are:
Peckham, Brixton, New Cross,Deptford,
Hackney, Harlesden – not sure of the estates but very notorious areas for gun crime, Ever heard of Murder Mile?
Deptford – Pepys Estate
Peckham – Yellow Brick Estate & North Peckham Estate
Brixton – Angell Town Estate & Myatts Feild Estate
# 22 February 2011 at 1:49 pm

Ew said:
Hi
I’ve been looking to move in London for a while and thought I had found a really lovely converted nunnary just north of Poplar DLR in Hale Street. A lot of friends have commented though I must be mad to consider living in Poplar. I had a walk around the area over the weekend and outside of this building it is pretty much surrounded by council estates to the back. What do people think? Is poplar really that bad? Am I just setting myself up for trouble living there? I have checked the local crime stats and they are not that pretty (a lot of anti-social behavior reported along with a few assaults and burglary) although clearly there are worse placed out there.
Thanks in advance,
E.
# 22 February 2011 at 4:23 pm

Poppy said:
Responding to question on Surrey Quays. I live in Canada Water but pretty familiar with Surrey Quays. I live 5 min fr the CW station closer to the Rotherhithe side and found this area to be safe (am a lady). Having said that, I’d still be street smart when it gets dark and mindful of my surroundings even when walking on brightly litted road.
Surrey Quays/CW is not crime free but it’s reasonably safe. The 24 hour Tesco and shopping mall is great. They recently refurbished the SQ station and it’s looking a lot fresher. The housing around the Greenland docks are pretty nice but you have to be careful as the closer you get to the east side, you get to Deptford which is NOT a good area. Friend of mine just got her flat broken into in Deptford 2 days ago. When they called the police, the police said they can only come the next night as they’ve had too many reports. Too busy to come immediately.
I like living here. Try to live closer to Canada Water if u hv the budget (not that much difference fr SQ). Less council flats and u’ll feel safer
# 23 February 2011 at 7:40 am

zakira said:
Hi Nina,
I live in Walthamstow, but about 20mins away from the market area. Near Bakers Arms in Leyton. I know this area quite well because I’ve lived here for 25 years or so. I believe that you should not live to close to the market. Go for about 15 walking distance from it. It is safer. Oh and avoid council estates like one another person mentioned. Even though they are not that bad.
# 3 March 2011 at 7:18 pm

may said:
I have had a house in Stratford for the past 10 years and I find it is not a bad place. I am amazed with how the area is changing I think that the transport system is very good and with Westfield Stratford City shopping center about to open shortly and the Olympic Park on the doorstep It should get a lot better.
# 5 March 2011 at 7:05 pm

Francesw21 said:
I have found this website really useful.
I am currently thinking about buying a property in South East London, but wanted some advise on the areas. I have worked in London for the past 4 years, and only really know the City. I am looking for somewhere which is safe, good transport routes in to the City, and has some open space.
The areas that I am considering are Lewisham, Greenwich or Hither Green.
Has anyone ever lived in these areas, if so would they be able to advise if they are safe options?
# 10 March 2011 at 6:10 am

Louisa said:
Hey there guys,
I am moving to London soon and have loved Barnes ever since I came here the first time. Now, even though it is a bit more expensive I would love to live there.
The only thing is, I am 20 and not in London to settle down but to work, have fund and meet nice people.
Is Barnes too quiet for that?
i love the parks, the thames path, the area and everything about it but I just got an offer in Balham, which is also extremely nice and I think a little more lively?
What do you think?
# 10 March 2011 at 9:40 am

London 3 said:
I have lived in London for 1.5 years. I first lived in borough near London Bridge, quite a nice area, however avoid living in council estates as some funny things happened in the year we were living there. you can walk from there straight across London Bridge into the City, it has nice restaurants and is very close to Waterloo.
For your information Stratford is in East London, not North East London, which in my opinion is a bit worse. Living in Stratford could be convenient to get into central, canary wharf or the city as it is fairly good value. However I advise living in a secure building flat with key entry.
I agree with some above that all across London there are dodgy places and right next to these there can be very nice palces. However the price of the very nice places is a little ridiculous.
# 11 March 2011 at 7:14 pm

Sarah said:
Hi,
I’m about to see a property in sydenham which is located in the borough of Lewisham but I’m concerned about what I’ve heard lately on the news with all the stabbings involving rival gangs. I’m aware that knife crime is a major problem in London but as it stands I have no option as I’ll be working there very soon. I also looked at Woolwich Arsenal
but some say is a no go area for someone with kids. Would like to hear the thoughts of people who actually know both areas.
Many thanks in advance!
Sarah
# 17 March 2011 at 5:43 pm

Tina said:
Hi
I live in Hammersmith and overall it is pretty safe. Nowhere is completely safe for a woman alone at night but it is busy around here until late with people coming and going from the tube. Barnes, Richmond, Sheen, Mortlake, are all relatively safe but like someone said on here two roads away from each other can make a difference in London. As far as going to the shops in the day, most places are safe just dont flash your cash unless you have a car or can afford taxis. As long as you don’t get mixed up with any gangs etc then you should be as safe as most places. Follow the rules for safety i.e. not walking down dark alley, across wastesites or dark car parks and all should be well. Oh and don’t start arguments with anyone.
# 19 March 2011 at 12:07 pm

Savannah said:
Thought I’d give my opinion on Brixton after finding this website.
My mom has just moved there and I went to stay with her for a week.
I loved it, I’m a young woman with 2 small children, and everyone was really friendly, there seemed to be a real community spirit to the place and lots of lovely little coffee shops and parks etc dotted around.
Ok, so I didn’t go out in the evening, but I was more than happy walking through Brixton on my own with my children during the day. My mom is also very happy there.
I also noticed that there was loads of work being done on run down buildings etc so they are definitely pumping some money into the place.
Just thought i’d let you know that it ain’t all that bad!
# 27 March 2011 at 3:35 pm

mooty said:
Hello,
I’m looking to relocate to London in a month or two and I came across, the website, read the comments, and remain somewhat confused and concerned.
Every time someone brings up an okay neighborhood, someone else says to avoid it. It makes it extremely difficult and makes one want to choose the poshest areas. Two questions
- Is London still gentrifying? If I read about an area being dangerous in 2008 (I read many accounts of problems around Canada Water, which I thought was nice), is that still valid in 2011?
Or are things getting worse?
- How are these areas: Canada Water, Limehouse, Angel-Islington?
# 28 March 2011 at 11:46 am

Max said:
I live in london and im a 14 year old boy, yes i agree that everywhere in london has trouble just as in most cities.
I live exactly where the arrow is over acton, and yes although it is worse than some places in london it is not awful, if people are looking at this article thinking to move here, concerned about their children then i think its important they know they truly bad places:
East and South London are the worst for gangs. Mostly bethnal green, mile end,and the hams are the worst in the east.
In the south definitely brixton, peckham, new cross and clapham.
In the north i would avoid camden and harlesden.
West is generally nicer but a few places to avoid would be sheperds bush, ladbroke grove and yes, probably acton (it is not the nicest place but compared to places that arnt on the list its heaven)
Please keep in mind this is for a teenager like me, and that adults get less trouble.
# 31 March 2011 at 10:52 am

Rachel said:
I lived in Swiss Cottage for 2 years .. I suggest you this area , safe and nice .. I used to go home late at night .. never had a problem .
This area is not full of pubs and stuff like that , then if you wanna have fun you can catch the bus and be in Camden in just 10 minutes ..!
# 1 April 2011 at 8:48 am

Bettywoo said:
Hey. Im living in Suffolk at the mo, but going to view a house in mitcham next week… Can anyone tell me what its like there? The house is lovely, I’m just unsure of the area. Thanks
# 3 April 2011 at 6:16 am

felix said:
One mans meat… etc etc. I’ve lived in Brockley, Catford, Beckenham, Peckham, Forest Hill, Camberwell, Battersea, Balham and Brixton and the only time I’ve ever had ‘trouble’ is in central London (Friday night drunkards and chancers).
Just like London as a whole, every area has it’s good bits and bad bits.
The worst thing you could do is let the spectre of crime drive you to live somehwere soul-less.
# 6 April 2011 at 10:42 am

Richard said:
HI all
I will be moving alone to London in May 2011 and my place of work is Lodnon Bridge. Ideally, I’m looking for somehwere that is safe and also an area where there are fun things to do.
I was considering living in Wollich Arsenal,dince I really liked the Royal Arsenal apartments, however it seems as though it may be somewhat dull and I may have trasport issues after 12.30am. I was also looking atGreenwich. What do you guys think of Greenwich?
if you had to choose between Greenwich and Wollich Arsenal–which one you will choose,
Your oprinions would be greatly appreciated.
# 8 April 2011 at 7:31 pm

Grover said:
I lived in London for five years, starting out in the South East in Nunhead (near Peckham) then moving to Forest Hill. I would say, if you can afford it, avoid South East London entirely. Deptford, New Cross, Peckham, Nunhead, Forest Hill, Catford, even so-called posh East Dulwich – it is all utterly grim. You can do your demographic homework yourself but basically the most deprived communities live in these areas, hence crime and anti-social behaviour are rife. Also, transport links aren’t great. A very general bit of advice is, stick to North of the river. Obviously it’s not perfect but quality of life is far better. I moved out of London to Hertfordshire as soon as I had the money.
# 9 April 2011 at 7:06 am

Christoffer said:
I’m moving to London most certainly if I get an internship, which would be at a photographic gallery which is located in Clerkenwell. It seems like this is an expensive area to live, so I was wondering where it would be nice to live around that place, whitechapel, fleet street temple, covent garden, moorgate? In terms of being able to walk relatively safe home after dark.
Sincerely, Christoffer
# 11 April 2011 at 5:29 pm

Nwaa said:
I’ve been living in North London for about a year now. I live in Muswell Hill, the main broadway area is brilliant but the estate where i live is shite, full of people up to no good, loads of drug deals and violent crime. It just goes to show, that even if you pick a “nice area” you don’t have to walk far to get some real rubbish.
# 12 April 2011 at 5:31 pm

ed said:
Hey Stooli Great Idea but looks like you’ve bitten off a bit too much aye. Have you done a runner : D
# 18 April 2011 at 7:07 pm

anthony said:
hi, moving to london in two weeks. lived before in catford and brockley and found areas ok. lookin to live in leyton. can anyone tell what leyton is like to live????i would be lookin to be with in 10 mins or so off leyton tube.. thanks…
# 21 April 2011 at 5:42 am

Ribbin said:
I’m moving to live with a host family in Walthamstow. I’ve been there once, and I really don’t like the area. Could you give me some information about that place?
Thank you
Ribbin
# 22 April 2011 at 4:30 pm

Joka said:
Hiya,could someone tell me his experience of life in East Ham precisely in Firefly gardens E6(a cul de sac street)near tollgate Road,Eisenhower drive,Dakota gardens ,I would like the answer or information relative to that street (firefly gardens) and primary school nearby and or secondary school,walking around
# 23 April 2011 at 12:15 pm

Steve said:
I’m from Ipswich in Suffolk (which is famous for all the wrong reasons) but have spent a few years living in London. I’ve lived in Brixton, East Ham, Plaistow, Walthamstow, Iford & Goodmayes (I also worked in the borough of Barking & Dagenham for 2 years). I’ve enjoyed living and socialising in all of them for different reasons. I was regularly out and about late at night after going round mates or to the pub and never once had any trouble. I have known people to get trouble but they either look like city bankers or students. If you’re just a normal bloke chances are you’ll be fine. So what i’m saying is dont go out drinking straight from work in a suit and come home drunk at midnight and also don’t bust out in the tightest jeans you can find with plimsoles and crazy hair coz you’re more likely to get done over!
# 25 April 2011 at 8:54 am

Maria10 said:
Hi,I’m moving to London in June this year, and wanted to know of good area’s to look. I have two young children, and wanted an area that would be suitable for school,activities etc. To go to dinner at night safely,shopping etc.
I was looking at a school called Portand Place School in London, and was curious about that as well as the area WibinJ I think this is the postal code. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated.
We like posh, but not too poshie.
Thank you.
# 26 April 2011 at 3:59 am

TRISHA said:
we are moving to lower Edmonton n9 very close to the nightingale academy school with my daughter and is wondering what Edmonton has to offer 11 year old teenager and what school other then one i have stated would be more beneficial to go too and would be recommended for some one who is use to a small northern town and only had brief visits to the big city and what are the pitfalls that we should avoid all information would be appreciated thank you
# 27 April 2011 at 12:16 pm

Cassy said:
I live in stratford and I absolutely hate it, no wonder it’s on this list.
# 28 April 2011 at 4:12 am

Ganesh said:
Hello,
Right now myself and my wife are staying in Walthamstow. Looking forward to move to West or South West London. I am thinking to look for an apartment in & around Richmond, Wimbledon, Putney, Clapham Junction, Westbourne Park and Wandsworth Town.
Based on my research, the above places seems to be safe. Are these places are really safe? Any suggestion on other safe places..
Your suggestion will be really helpful!!
Thank you very much.
Cheers
Ganesh
# 2 May 2011 at 12:44 pm

VS said:
Ganesh,
Richmond, Putney, Wimbledon and Clapham junction are all nice places to live (I don’t have any experience of the other places you mentioned).
By Clapham junction I presume you mean the station? The station is actually in Battersea. There are some very nice streets within a 5-10 minute walk of the station plus transport links are great.
I worked in Wimbledon for four years and from your list that or Richmond would be my first choices because of great subarban living mixed in with good high streets.
# 4 May 2011 at 5:14 am

queenofmice said:
Hi everyone,
I am looking for a flat in East London with easy access to Liverpool Street where I work.
What are the safe areas to live in (apart from Wanstead, Redbridge and Gants hill, which seem to be fine)?
Anyone familiar with Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Seven Kings, Manor Park areas?
Recommendations would be much appreciated.
Thanks
# 4 May 2011 at 5:34 pm

Ganesh said:
Hi, thanks for the information. Any recommendations of North East london such as Finsbury Park, Wood Green, Palmers Green, Bowes Park and south west london (Clapham South, Clapham Common and Clapham Junction)…
Thank you very much.
Cheers
Ganesh
# 5 May 2011 at 4:03 pm

beau said:
I heard to stay away from Brixton , haven’t heard about the other places…
# 7 May 2011 at 9:18 pm

Jack said:
Just letting you know Stratford is in East London
# 9 May 2011 at 5:43 am

ps said:
Hi All,In my opinion, South Quay is a lovely place to live in. I absolutely love this area. Highly recommended.
# 11 May 2011 at 4:41 pm

Enfield resident said:
To the person who was enquiring about Edmonton -
Wow where do I start?
Sirens every 5 minutes, guranteed. Stabbings – a – daily, murders weekly, sexual assaults common,
Young lad got stabbed to death a few weeks back down bounces road.
Oh and it’s a very “diverse” area…
Avoid! Try Enfield next door.
# 12 May 2011 at 10:01 am

Lisa said:
Hi Everyone,
I just moved to London and now living in New Providence Wharf, London.
I just want to know if it is a safe area. The train station at Blackwall is a bit empty so im afraid to walk there by myself.
Can you please let me know what our thoughts is on this area?
Regards
# 18 May 2011 at 12:19 pm

pkrp said:
Ganesh – I’m pretty familiar with most of London and lived in Palmer’s Green as a very young nipper. Let’s look at your area queries one-by-one.
Finsbury Park – a filthy (estate agents call it vibrant) and unpredictable place. Lots of gangs. Avoid.
Wood Green – Not great, although housing stock isn’t too bad. Plenty of shops on the main ‘drag’ but, again, gangs are busy and anti-social behaviour (according to a mate who lived there) is high.
Palmers Green, Bowes Park – Both are non-entity areas that are neither fabulous, nor particularly scary. Transport is chiefly buses and overground.
South west london (Clapham South, Clapham Common) – Over-priced and up its arse in places, or just plain scary. Avoid Poynders Road area – it borders the Northern tip of Streatham, a town that smells of death. The Western edge of Clapham Common (Northcote) is expensive but pleasant in comparison.
and Clapham Junction)… – This is actually in Battersea on the furthest point from Clapham. It is what it is – a noisy, brash, occasionally twitchy strip of bars, shops and traffic awaits you outside the South side of the station, or a gun in your face to the North – the lovely Winstanley Estate, which you can see with its myriad of tower-blocks. The streets to the south of the station eventually run down to Northcote. In its favour, its transport links, housing and restaurants are plentiful.
Personally, stick to South West London (not Wandsworth Arndale area or Roehampton – grim estates) and West London (but not Acton or Shepherd’s Bush/Hammersmith – these get a bit tasty at night).
# 22 May 2011 at 10:22 am

pkrp said:
Lisa – at the risk of taking over the forum, I can offer advice to you as well. Blackwall seems like a long trek from where you live – you might find Heron Quays or Canary Wharf a bit busier and marginally nearer to walk to – there are several walkways around the harbour areas that are accessible.
Blackwall is probably as safe as you make it, but north of the station is the brutalist Robin Hood Estate and an array of testy neighbourhoods so just keep your head up and eyes open.
# 22 May 2011 at 10:30 am

habbasi said:
Hi i have to attend course at
Kings College Hospital,
Denmark Hill,
London,
SE5 9RS
while i will be residing in west london.
i heared that is area with high crime rate. Can some one guide me what is the reality? and what sort of crimes prevail there? and what precautions to take to be safe?
# 25 May 2011 at 11:01 am

Crime Is Bad said:
East London area and south east is very bad
For Instance In Peckham, There Have been a number of shootings and stabbing for gang related issues Between them and brixton
Then U Have London Fields Same Issue
Then Custom House There Has Been A Number Of Shootings Around Freemasons estate, Because Of there Out of control conflict with stratford, plaistow and forest gate.
# 28 May 2011 at 6:37 am

Andy said:
I would recommend North Bromley or Beckenham. 20 minutes to Victoria from Bromley South rail station, clean and very little crime issues from my experience.
# 30 May 2011 at 10:01 am

J said:
Hi all,
I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I recently moved to Borough- I started a job in London Bridge so moved from my hometown in Surrey so I didn’t have to worry with the commute. I like the atmosphere in Borough, but to be honest I miss having more of a town- there aren’t rly shops etc in the area. So I was thinking of moving to somewhere with a bit more to it. Any suggestions? I can’t afford anywhere extortionately expensive, but I’m not looking for the cheapest option either- somewhere in the middle.
I have looked a bit into both Angel and Greenwich, and think they seem nice. Any comments? The problem with Angel is that I would be taking tube every morning into work, and I kind of hate the tube- specially in rush hour. At the minute, I walk to work, which I love, I just wish there was a bit more to where I lived. From Greenwich, I can take the overground, which is a good option, but I worry about maybe being a bit out of it?
Any help would be really appreciated. I don’t know London particularly well, and I’m feeling a little stumped with the decision!
# 31 May 2011 at 7:22 pm

habbasi said:
Thanks for replying,
But what about Goings to and coming back from KINGS Hospital denmark hill, SE 5, 9RS??? is it also dangerous? what should i do to be safe there.
# 31 May 2011 at 9:13 pm

Chris said:
Hey folks. I may be moving from Scotland to London with a wife and 3 kids. I’ll be working at London City Airport. Where would be the best place to look at for bringing up a family and that is fairly easily commutable to City Airport? Also is there any issues with anti-Scottishness anywhere?
# 1 June 2011 at 3:20 am

Tim said:
I don’t understand why Acton is in your list.There must be another 20 areas worth than W3 across London I have been living in Acton for the past 6 years and have never experienced anything bad. Acton is a safe place,with some attractive streets to live and good public transport links.
South Acton Estate might be though with drugs and gangs, but than just stay away from this area, don’t get involved with any of those people and you be ok! Also the Estate has changed positively over recent years.
The safest and best place to live is anywhere in West and South West London!!
# 3 June 2011 at 4:17 pm

Tim said:
I meant worse rather than worth!!
# 3 June 2011 at 4:19 pm

rachael said:
Hi,
I am moving to London at the end of the month and am looking to live somewhere with an easy journey to work. My job is located in manor house, do you have any advice on areas to move/avoid around here?
Many thanks
Rachael
# 4 June 2011 at 5:04 pm

Shak said:
Hello all. New to this thread.
Me and a friend are recent (male) graduates from birmingham who have got jobs in the ‘city’ and are moving to london in 3 weeks. we have yet to find a place to rent.
I didnt think it would be this hard. one person says an area is ok, then you hear another two saying it is terrible. prices are extremely high anywhere near central
just dont know what to do or where to live. want a safeish place with decent bars/restaurants.
help! we are lookin at stratford or elephant and castle.
what is isle of dogs like/?
# 6 June 2011 at 9:00 pm

Joe said:
could Vs and Pkrp shed some more information about the two street or area below,what information do you have and how to go on about living on those two street let alone the area
1.Clapham Manor Street,clapham-lambeth(between clapham common station and clapham north station)
2.Hathersage Court, Newington Green,Stoke Newington near canonbury underground
# 7 June 2011 at 7:06 pm

Jo said:
any recommendation about clapham(Clapham Manor Street, and Newington green which is located in Islington/Canonbury
# 8 June 2011 at 5:46 am

Joe said:
can someone give me the in and out of south woodford in the North East please
# 8 June 2011 at 6:03 pm

Paul said:
Hello,
We were thinking about moving to London from Glasgow in early 2012 – for the simple reason we fancy a change and would like to live in a bigger city, but seriously the rent prices in London are ridiculous! I know Glasgow is not London but paying £550 a month for a 2 bedroom hi spec recently refurbished flat in Mount Florida, which is one of the better and safe areas of Glasgow we would have to be absolutely MAD to pay £550 but for a week for a rubbish looking 1 bedroom flat in an all right area of London. I know there are “London rates” but its not 3x higher than elsewhere is it? It looks like in order to live in London you either have to be a millionaire or not go out at all! Or you can rent a room ’till the rest of your life. Its just wrong.
Thanks
# 10 June 2011 at 7:36 am

Buddy said:
I’ll be visiting London for 2 weeks in September. Am looking at a flat in the Lewisham/Forest Hill area on Agnew Road SE23.
Can anyone tell me about this area?
# 22 June 2011 at 12:17 pm

sharon said:
West london is definately the best area to live in London although certain bits of Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith can be dodgy,Acton known locally by the teens as crackton does have some nice roads but the South Acton estate should be avoided like the plague and and east Acton best avoided as well, it is home to a large notorious gang .Chiswick is a fairly safe area although it’s proximity to Acton and Shepherds Bush does mean muggings are not unusual in and around Chiswick High road the more wealthier residents of Chiswick being chief targets.Ealing is a fairly safe area with some extremely nice bits,Brentford is a bit down at heel although there is ongoing regeneration with some very nice places along the river and the butts is the posh bit of Brentford avoid the Haverfield estate allso known as Green Dragon estate as drug dealing is pretty rife on there,Kew is a nice safe area but very quiet,Barnes is another nice safe area but again very quiet,I live in Isleworth which is bordered by Brentford,Twickenham,St Margarets,Richmond and Hounslow.Isleworth is a pretty safe quiet area Old Isleworth being the best place to live , Ivybridge estate/summerwood road which is the bit next to Twickenham is the least desirable place to live although it’s really not that bad either. Twickenham is a safe area although its high street is lively on a weekend night,St Margarets is a very small safe area no nightlife very quiet although has some nice cafe’s and local shops,Richmond is a nice safe area but again like Twickenham the high street has a lively nightlife on a weekend, there is plenty of green tranquil places there such as Richmond park and Richmond green which is packed in the summer with people sitting enjoying the weather as is the riverside with it’s pubs and eateries.Hounslow is not an area I would choose to live in it is down at heel and very ethnically diverse,Hounslow High street should be avoided at night as it is full of mostly eastern european men who tend to be quite abusive to English girls when their chat up lines are ignored Hounslow allso has a couple of notorious gangs that hang around Kingsley road by the bus garage at night.All of theses areas have good rail links into london . I have to say my son lived in Brixton for a year and he liked it although he did live in the better part, he enjoyed the high street for it’s vibrant multicultural atmosphere and he never experienced any trouble.
# 23 June 2011 at 10:39 pm

Sven said:
Great site! Thanks all you good people that share your experience!
# 24 June 2011 at 12:06 pm

don't fear fear.... said:
Hi everyone,
Because every city has crime it’s difficult to list certain areas and Katie Prior appears to have got it right when she says London is a great place overall and each persons ideas and experiences differ so much how can anyone say what’s good and bad?
However the idea of many people listing their experiences may give some idea of an areas ballance between acceptable and unacceptable whereas police crime figures only show crime so there is no good side to ballance things out just more or less detected and reported crime.
I recently visited New York and on the way in from JFK there was gang graffiti but no street violence or sense of threat at any time…and I visit London regularly and have enjoyed every minute.
# 25 June 2011 at 9:12 am

Loz said:
Hi thanks for all comments, they are really useful however…
Same as Shak really, two students looking to rent around Isle of Dogs area. Safe?
Thanks
# 26 June 2011 at 2:45 pm

val said:
Hi
I have just found this website and feel really sick i have today helped my daughter move into a flat in E1 ALDGATE way which she is sharing with friends and it looks like its a bad area can anyone give any advice
# 27 June 2011 at 5:44 pm

Gaskinmoo said:
I would add Feltham, Houslow and Slough to the avoid areas. They are on the outskirts of the Zones. I currently live in Whitton and used to live in Egham. Easy to commute central london from them and they are both good areas to live.
# 29 June 2011 at 11:32 am

east16 said:
I live in the custom house area, work in shadwell tower hamlets and have lived in Islington and worked in Queens Park West London. I have to say writing off the whole of east london is a bit mad. Shoreditch and brick lane are probably some of the best that ‘trendy young’ london has to offer. West london can be full of trustafarians and very over priced. And interestingly when I worked in West london we had to call the police all the time due to gang fighting, drug dealing, people using crack in the street and domestic violence on buses and in the street. Now in Shadwell I have seen a couple of incidents but nowhere near as much and it is in the poorest part of london. Even then its right next to wapping which is a lovely area with the oldest pub in london right on the river so well worth a visit. Having lived in Islington and having friends in stoke newington these are a bit dodgy at times but great places to go out as is dalston in hackney, hackney is again one of the most trendy areas of london for young londoners so would not right it off if you want a real london experience.
# 29 June 2011 at 5:59 pm

Hackney girl said:
Please do not move to hackney. Newbies push the house prices up and the locals out. BTW Stoke newington is in fact located in hackney.
# 2 July 2011 at 6:55 am

Hello said:
Hi all,,
May anyone tell me where is the best place to live as a student. I’ll be studying at tooting.
thanx
# 2 July 2011 at 2:39 pm

debs said:
Hi, Myself and my friend are moving to London from Ireland in Sep. We’re thinking of moving to SW (wimbledon, wandsworth area). Just wanted to know if this was a safe area for 2 women to be living and travelling on the tubes to and from work… any advice is greatly appreciated. Are there any anti-irish places to avoid, good spots to go out and meet new people and have fun
# 3 July 2011 at 6:29 am

confused :S said:
Hi
I’m moving to London in the next couple of weeks, though as of yet do not have a place to live…. :S
I have been looking at Islington and Hackney/Stoke Newington. Are these good places? or does anyone know anywhere nice but reasonably priced?
I have read so many conflicting opinions of places.
I want to find somewhere which is close to transport bus or tube as I do not want to be walking home alone in the dark.
Thanks! :O)
# 12 July 2011 at 6:36 am

helen said:
Any thoughts on Islington, and surrounding areas? We are going hunting for a flat to rent in a week, want something for a professional couple, reasonably central, safe, (as I’m a nurse working shifts traveling early and late) in a place with good restaurants, pubs but not too busy.
Any suggestions?
Also i’ve seen loads of flats on Caledonian Road, any thoughts?
Thanks
# 12 July 2011 at 1:10 pm

Anna said:
Hi, I’m from Laaysia and will be moving to east london in september to further my study at University of East London, Docklands. I will be coming with my husband and 3 kids. Still looking for a place to stay. Is Beckton is a safe place to live? Appreciate any advice.
# 13 July 2011 at 3:31 am

Ste said:
Avoid Stratford at all costs. It is a complete dump with the dregs of society running through the streets day and night. I lived there for a short time and I often felt like I left civilisation and entered a zoo.
Seriously, it´s a dangerous area, with nothing to do and nowhere decent to eat.
# 17 July 2011 at 5:23 pm

Ste said:
and what bright spark thought of bringing the olympics to such a deprived borough – the borough of newham ´a place to live, work and stay´. If you want a laugh you should watch the shock on people´s faces as they go around on the open top olympic tour bus. :0
# 17 July 2011 at 5:29 pm

Ka said:
Jessica above listed some nice areas, among them: “..Putney (the nice bit), Fulham (the nice bit)”.
Can someone tell me which areas in Putney and Fulham are “the nice bit”. Thanks!
# 26 July 2011 at 9:21 am

Joanne said:
I have lived in Stratford (which you claim is surrounded by marauding street gangs) all my life, yeah that’s right I was born and raised there and to my knowledge there are NO STREET GANGS if you mean a bunch of friends hanging around the shopping centre that are soon dispersed then I get your drift otherwise, Stratford is a great place to live and you can do a lot worse in East London thanks very much
I don’t know where you were living but it sounds like some post-apocalyptic war zone Mad Max stylee. Dregs of society? Bloody hell, you know how to make someone feel bad about their area don’t you
# 28 July 2011 at 5:10 am

McKenz said:
HEY FOLKS!!!
ALL THE ANSWERS FOR YOUR QUESTIONS ARE ALL THERE ALL THE WAY UP. JUST READ EVERY COMMENT ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THE TOP. SPEND 2 HOURS, BUT READ EVERYTHING HERE, IT’S FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, YOUR SAFETY AND YOU FAMILY’S AND FRIENDS’. PEACE.
# 29 July 2011 at 6:44 pm

Mary Poppins said:
I feel by far more comfortable in the East End than the West End. Lived in Bethnal Green and now in Hackney, and while there might be incidents in places like Brick Lane in the busy evenings I can’t remember seeing a fight, there’s quite a relaxed bohemian air throughout. Whereas areas like Bayswater or Queensway, where I walked through recently, I saw several guys close to going at each other within only half an hour. I usually avoid anything that’s west of Marble Arch, very tense and unfriendly area.
# 30 July 2011 at 1:10 pm

Ali said:
Ok so I am a young professional looking to do a first time buy and I went to Stratford recently to research the area. Here are my findings:
1) Stratford has one of the best transport links in London: 2 tube lines(Jubilee+central), Central Bus Station + National Rail and prospective Internation Rail as well. Any one who has lived in London knows how important transport can be. It is also relatively close to central London.
2) Stratford has the University of East London campuses which could provide some possible future tennants if needed.
3) The area generally looked run down and the residents(on street)did not look very affluet. This. But who knows maybe wealthier ppl might start moving to the place after/around the olympics.
4) There is a lot of hype around the olympics event. Which would last approximately one month or so. While its taking place there might be good opportunities to rent out your property in that area at extortionate rates to make a few grand. But in the long run apart from the fact that the Olympic Stadium is a magnificent viewing site I dont see any other consequence of olympics on this area.
5) The West Field shopping centre will probably have a role to play in the future of the area. As its the largest shopping centre in Europe opening in September.
6) Thousands of new flats from the olympic athletes village will be up for sale in about a years time. This might bring down the whole rental + sale prices of properties.
7) There are no decent places to go out in Stratford. Some run down sort of pubs in the high street but other than that nothing. This might change once the olympic village is finished though.
# 1 August 2011 at 11:30 am

John said:
Having lived, studied & worked in Lndon all my life I can confidently tell you the places to steer well clear of.
1/ Brixton (and nearby Stockwell & Kennington)
2/ Peckham (and nearby New Cross/Deptford)
3/ Lewisham
4/ Tottenham (and nearby Edmonton)
5/ Harlesden
6/ Hackney
7/ Stratford (and nearby East Ham/Plaistow)
8/ Stoke Newington/Dalston
All these places should be avoided like the plague!!
# 3 August 2011 at 4:50 am

Anna said:
hi im thinking of moving to London when i’m older and i was wondering what area UCL is in (posh or not) and i was also wondering about houses/flats and the area in fulham, im not too fussed about it being very posh i just don’t want an area i’m likely to be stabbed in within 5 minutes of leaving the house. thanks
# 4 August 2011 at 5:20 pm

S said:
I agree that writing off the whole of East London, particularly ALL of Tower Hamlets is a bit mad. I’ve been in London 2 years since moving from the states and have lived on the Isle of Dogs for my entire tenure in this city. I first lived by south quay and now by crossharbour, which as a single female have been amazing. I have ALWAYS felt safe, and more importantly, the things I need (like a big, cheap supermarket and decent transportation links) are easily accessible.
Like ANY major city, I agree with all those that have suggested keeping your wits about you, and not strolling around oblivious to your surroundings. Anything can happen Anywhere. As a matter of fact, the ONLY crime committed against me since I’ve been here occurred 2 weeks ago while at a work function when some guy walked past the pub (we were separated by a hedge) in Hyde Park and stole my mobile right out of my purse. Lovely.
It’s a bit late for those who asked about the Isle of Dogs…but I just want to reiterate that I LOVE it here and can’t imagine living anywhere else. There is a rather large Muslim population, and you’ll be introduced to many aspects of Indian and Bangladeshi culture. I’ve really enjoyed that aspect of living here but it is something to take into account and be prepared for if you aren’t used to it. Good luck and happy moving!
# 5 August 2011 at 9:55 am

Pereira said:
Hi there,
I am planning to buy a property in Gilbert Street, E15 2AG. This property is in border of leyton, leytonstone and Stratford. Dont know if this is a safe area to live in. Would be grateful if I can get some advice.
# 6 August 2011 at 4:54 am

sam said:
My two cents and the areas I know well…
Brockley – lived there, loved it. Peace and quiet less than ten minutes from central London. Leafy, green, dull in itself.
Acton – dull! Acton and ealing close at midnight, so do the tubes and there aren’t even any night buses from central London. But I would say its pretty safe
Ealing- like Acton but with better shopping, more going on, more vibrant, more fun! It’s far more attractive and far more.expensive too, and still shuts down at midnight.
Stoke newington – great pubs, lovely houses, reasonable shopping, very young and trendy which brings with it muggings. But i adore it there. Poor transport links – train is slow, so are buses.
Croydon – I live in west croydon. The ghetto reputation comes from those who are scared of accents and different colour faces, get over it. It’s friendly, fun, and exciting in a good way. Half the price of the rest of London, great shopping, incredible transport (24 hour trains to Victoria!) Good housing… I’ve lived here three months and bar the rioting little scrotes I’ve seen very little trouble. The sirens are all ambulances on their way to mayday hospital. Incidentally, heading past that towards Thornton heath pond seems a bit fishy, but i can’t honestly say.
Peckham – avoid walworth road and old Kent road at night, they are unpleasant. Having said that, I spent two years round there, fell asleep drunk at bus stops there many a time, and always woke up wallet and phone still in my pocket.
# 6 September 2011 at 4:22 am

Sam said:
Hey, I was born and raised in southeast London in the borough of Lewisham. Ok so Lewisham (overall) isn’t really that aesthetically pleasing and the same can be said about some of the other areas mentioned in the thread- Stratford, Hackney, Brixton, Peckham, Camberwell, Leyton/stone, Stoke Newington/Dalston, Tottenham but I also think it depends on where you’re moving from and what your expectations are.
It may be worth checking out the area you have in mind on google images and see what kind of vibe you get from the pics.
It’s true these areas have a higher crime rate than a lot of other places in London but if you walk on the streets in fear than clearly you’re more likely to attract fearful situations, (come to think of it-you’ve already done that by walking down the street in fear)no matter where in the world you may be.
Yeah there are some dodgey characters and a handful of pot heads, as well as the school kids who feel it neccessary to scream and shout on public transport at the top of their lungs but how these things may effect you is entirely your choice. In my 27 yrs here, I have never a witnessed a single crime in Lewisham (exept for on the news) so it’s not as cut and dry as people make out.
If you’re looking for a pretty town with clean buildings a nice shopping centre, large green parks with lakes and friendly people walking their poodles (as oppossed to staffs and pitbulls) then Lewisham and the other places mentioned above are probably not the best options.
There are, however, other affordable areas with lower crime rates and more green which aren’t too far from central London;
Eltham, Grove Park, Falcon Wood, Brockley, Dulwich, Greenwich, Welling, Catford (some parts), Ladywell, Southgate, Canada Water, Finchley, Enfield, Palmers Green, Woodford, Wimbledon (ok so it’s a little further out), Balham, Clapham, Charlton, Arnos Grove.
Hope this has helped. Have a great experience here in London.
# 12 September 2011 at 9:49 pm

Darren said:
Ive grown up in East London in some areas that people would say are bad. you can experience crime anywhere in London no matter where you live.
a few tips for living in cheaper areas of London.
1. if you have a car never keep any thing inside it even for 20 min while you get something for inside you house, never ever leave it running while you are away from it. always leave your glovebox open when parked with nothing inside it. take out your stereo headunit always. even take out you rear pacel shelf if you can and leave nothing in the boot if you can. the more your car looks bog standard the less it will get bothered if you got a sports hatch or a brand new car in some areas people may vandalize out of jealousy (keying or paint etc)
2. if you fill up with petrol … take you keys and lock your doors whilst you pay for it.
3. never play your car stereo loud in your street or nearby where you live if you got subs and amps etc. cover them with some thing because when you at supermarket or where ever and you open your boot to put shopping someone may see and take note or follow your car home.
4 observe who is around you before you get you electrical devices out mobiles laptops ipad iphones in public places even on the tube. try not to get out you smart phone so much. even change the colour of your earphones to black so they does not stick out so much that you got a ipod or iphone.
5.if you buy new things for you house try and keep it stealthy when taking it into you house or a time when it’s a bit quiet and not many eyes around.
6 get proper locks/ deadbolts for everything even your shed, and a house alarm and neighborhood watch and alarm stickers even if the alarm box on front of your house is a dummy one.
now I tell you 2 of the worst places I personally have experienced….
Brixton – Generally Bad… Ive heard lots of story’s from people…being stabbed, shot, attempted rape/rape and being mugged.
one of my experiences… some one tried to mug me in a shop For Money.. unsuccessful because he assumed I was an easy target because I was on my own but but he didn’t realize 12 of my mates where around. tip… in this area most people are alright but if you look and act like a tourist you can be a target for undesirable people. don’t ever try and buy drugs like weed in the street because you are taken down a back road to buy it and are likely to get mugged.
Dalston Hackney – all sorts of crime around here some nice places and some crime hotspots….one of my experiences on king henry’s walk whilst i stopped at traffic lights some on tryed to get in my passenger door to steal my car… i always lock my doors so he was unsuccessful… I ran the red light because he started to hit my window to try and smash it.
I could go on all day about places but the most important thing is how you deal with people and situations I have walked around some really bad places but because i know how to behave and deal with people from different backgrounds and don’t look like an total tourist I have become less of a target. Your relationship with your neighbors helps you a lot as well.
# 21 September 2011 at 6:43 pm

Stephanie said:
@Anna, if this still helps- UCL is in a really nice area! In fact i’m moving because it’s too expensive. Here’s hoping I don’t get stabbed within minutes of moving into a new area…
# 3 November 2011 at 5:44 pm

Danni said:
Most people who worry about knife/ gun or violent crime will probably never fall victim to it. London is a lively vibrant place and different parts of the city will offer you a different way of life.
I find that most people who fear certain parts of London actually fear the culture rather than the place. If there are large group of a particular cultural group people fear this as it is not what they are use to and will tell negative stories about this place. The truth is you are more likely to be a victim of crime in The West End and not specifically violent crime more likely just have your mobile phone stolen or your purse go missing when out at a pub… (this has happened to me about 10 times on Oxford Street).
Living in any part of London is a nice experience. The transport is so good you will be able to venture out to any part of the city to sample different types of lifestyles.
If you are looking for a quiet rural lifestyle London is probably not the place for you.
Don’t fall victim to the rubbish they tell you on the news only 0.3% (or less) will be victim of a violent crime. I live in Hither Green, very close to Lewisham South East London and its amazing here and only 15mins into Charing Cross. The only 3 bad things about London as a whole is that it is very very expensive, the morning commute via London Underground is horrid and nobody smiles at you (unless they are drunk!) regardless of whether they come from a ‘posh’ part of London or not so posh.
Enjoy your stay
# 8 November 2011 at 3:41 pm

Anonymous said:
There is nothing wrong with acton. The tom guy earlier is talking a lot of nonsense. South acton estate isnt even the biggest estate in london let alone uk. Ive lived in acton for 18 years, im 18 years old. Ive only been approached by a drug dealer once in my life, and i live in estate (thats not in south acton). Ive never touched drugs or been in a gang and im a teenager. I have very good chance of going to university at the end of this academic year. So all in all, Tom is talking shit.
Acton is a lovely, lovely place to live. Like any area in any town or city, there’ll be atleast fairly dodgy parts, but its good place to live. Ive lived here for 18 years, im not any of those things Tom makes out.
# 11 November 2011 at 1:26 pm

East End Kid said:
Hi there
As a 19 yo lad, and being that I was born in, live in,and play in London. I think that it is rediculus to be scared of moving to this great city.
I am a proud cockney boy ( True East Ender) as we’re my family before me. To be honest the general people you will come across whilst in the east end are nice friendly people.
Unfortunately as is becoming the norm in society today – there is always someone who wants to course trouble. But as long as you have your whits about you, you should be fine.
For those of you believe that places like bethnal green and hackney should be avoided are not entirely right for you see I was born in bethnal green and have always found both these areas to be filled with kind and friendly people.
This includes brick lane – although very much bangala town ( predominantly Bangladeshi) it is still my and my Mayes facility place to go out.
I cannot really speak to much for the test of London only what I have herd but I love East. London and am proud to be from the goof old East End. I think you would eissibg out a large part of Londonderry colture I’d you simply marked it all out
# 11 November 2011 at 11:26 pm

Jasmine said:
Hi,
I am moving from Australia to London in six weeks. I have a job in East London in Manor Park. I understand that Manor Park is particularly “dodgy”, but would like a nice area that is not too far. What can you recommend?
# 12 November 2011 at 12:46 am

Jenna said:
I was interested in buying a small flat in London which is in a safe area. I want to rent it out hopefully to 1 or 2 professionals and holiday in it myself sometimes. Any suggestions on where to purchase? I believe the south west is a good area to buy in. Are areas around Richmond, Chiswick safe especially at night. I love the culture in London
# 12 November 2011 at 4:26 am

Lise said:
Some of you people are so ill-informed. Do you seriously think Brixton is unsafe? Yeah, maybe if you wander around on a housing estate you don’t live on at 3 in the morning, but where isn’t?
I live in Stepney and lots of my workmates are too scared to come over to the east. It’s ridiculous. The only thing to be scared of here is the hipsters and their oversized glasses.
I know people who are too scared to get on the bus at night. I just don’t understand it. It’s a BUS. The likelihood of anything happening to you in London on a bus is tiny.
Yeah, if you have an ipod and an iphone and you’re flashing them about and attracting attention, people might mug you, and there are places you shouldn’t go to at night, but as long as you stick to the main streets, there is basically nowhere in London that is unsafe. You might be unlucky and get mugged, but that’s really not likely.
I can’t believe people think Islington is unsafe. It’s SO posh there. No, it’s not genteel posh, but it’s full of yummy mummies and students.
The only areas I find dodgy in London are Elephant, Stratford, Leyton and Peckham – but honestly, I would go to those places too, whenever. Maybe if you don’t know an area of London and you want to live here, you should rent a place for a month or two to get a feel for what it’s like. Although as I said, a lot of people I know are too scared to leave their front door, which is just stupid.
# 14 November 2011 at 5:18 pm

Manfred said:
Hi,
Could you say something about the area between Waterloo and Elephant and Castle metro stations? IS this area razonable safe, I’m looking an offer of rental there.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
# 15 November 2011 at 8:32 pm

Pna said:
Hi there could do with some help please … Thinking of buying a house in barking riverside the new development near creek mouth is this good area I’m worried as I heard some negatives of barking n dagenham … Barking riverside is right near the Thames river hellllpppp
# 24 November 2011 at 6:38 pm

Paula said:
Hi!
We are moving from Denmark to London with our two daughters (2 and 4 yrs old). My husband we´ll be working in Slough. We are thinking about Ealing. Is this a good place for families? Any advise on what areas to avoid? Where are the nice bits? Schools? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
Also, someone advised me about Wimbledon, safe, family friendly and affordable. But it looks like it would be a crazy commute to Slough, also long driving time. Is this so??
Thanks for any help!
# 25 November 2011 at 6:59 pm

Kelz8080 said:
Hi all,
I wanted to respond to a post that i’ve just read from John. I have lived in Kennington Cross for the last 10 years and totally disagree with Johns comment as Kennington was at the top of his ‘to avoid’ list.
There are small pockets in Kennington that are undesirable but the majority of Kennington is beautiful and a joy to live in. I have 2 young children who both attend one of the Boroughs top primary schools, My neighbours are fantastic and there is a real sense of community where we live.
Even the mundane task of going shopping at the local Tesco is a joy as you see familiar smiley faces in there, everyone knoes everyone in Kennington and the nightlife is great too.
There is obviously some crime as there will be in ANY AREA of London, but to put Kennington at the top of the list is a joke!!
I know people that are desperate to live in Kennington but simply cannot afford too……
Its a nice area with good schools, excellent transport links and varied nightlife.
Kennington is a jewel in South East London’s crown.
Rant over!
# 2 December 2011 at 3:46 pm

Sophie Ryder said:
Hi, I live in Greenford(West London, near Southall and Ealing) and although so close to Greenford there are lovley places such as parts of Ealing, Pitshanger, Richmond,Isleworth… Greenford is not the best. My house is very near Southall and Dormers Wells, and they are very multi cultural areas(with mostly polish-british and indian-british people) My father used to be a member of the neighbourhood watch because of very dodgy events(drug dealing outside our house, mugings, burglarys e.t.c) but eventually he quit because of threats to him and his family, coming home to find our house vandalised e.t.c. Recently there has been a few stabbings near us, and of course the recent riots in Ealing.
I know that Greenford is a very dodgy area, but I am still proud of it, because no matter how bad some people are in it, everywhere has its ‘bad’ patches, and Greenford does have some great people and places near it and I like living here.
I think if you moved here, first you would be shocked, and i know that in recent years the crime stats have increased, but there is so many great places nearby and central london is so close to us. All in all i think that some great places to live are Pitshanger, Ealing, Richmond,Kingston, Old Isleworth, although these places are quite £££…
Sophie x
# 4 December 2011 at 7:33 am

Gosia said:
Hi guys.
I’m looking to rent something in Sheperd’s Bush or White City. Now, could anyone please tell me, are they dodgy? is Shep different from White City (I’m takling areas next/around those tube stations). Are they ok for comming back on night bus after night out for a girl alone.as You all say, dodgy may be a corner away from safe and I know that, but a generally speaking, are they fairly safe?
Ps. I lived 2 years in Clapham Junction, no problems there.
Kingston, Norbiton – 3 years, again if you stay away from council estate area – very safe. Some swearing, deals, drinks and anger around council estates (Cambridge Estate and the ones around it), yet again, just down the road are homes and no problem there what so ever, night bus trip from Trafalgar Square to Kingston is, I think, as safe as can be in London.
Thank You to all that will reply, really it is so usefull information!
Great web-site, Thank You all
# 5 December 2011 at 7:39 pm

Sean said:
Hi guys,
I am moving to London in the New year and currently have an offer for a flatshare in Elephant and Castle.
Can anyone share some insight on this area, isit relatively safe to live in, what is the crimerate like?
Greatly appreciated.
# 5 December 2011 at 9:06 pm

Katya said:
Hi there I am moving to London next year to teach. At the moment I am needing to put in my preferences for areas to live and teach in. I am Primary school trained and will be moving there by myself. I was wondering if you had any suggestions of areas that are good to live and teach in?
Thank you.
# 6 December 2011 at 12:25 am

lis said:
What is roehampton like? i’ve only ever lived in a village, not sure if i could handle liviing in london?
# 7 December 2011 at 7:37 am

Italian84 said:
Hey you all, after reading all of this comments above I can apparently conclude that everything from north clock-wards to the south are bad, or less-safe areas to live in eh? Next, I am an italian guy moving to London with my girlfriend, and due to her work location in Marylebone, we are looking for a studio to rent nearby not too far, but yet not so far that one has to sit in the bus for a half an hour…. My question is the following, which area would you, economically, safety-mattered, but yet not too abandoned in form of local supermarkets, pubs & restaurants, recommend? Guess an abandoned area can be safe, but again…walking in a “safe-area” where you see/meet 2 persons on the street for 10 minutes can be a lot more dangerous than walking down a crowded (of course not crowded by drunks and drug-addicts) street. Hence the “not too abandoned area” expression. I mean, if it was for my self, I wouldn’t give a damn really, coz’ a guy is a Guy and if you keep to your own business you probably will not get mugged or violated or in case of you can put up a fight; but a woman is something else… Some delinquents (in lack of a better word ) just tend to mug, annoy, harass, or in the worst case scenario physically violate women simply because they are women (no need for further elaboration on the latter)! True but sad…. Would appreciate any comments, and advices from you all…. Thanx&peace; ain’t that what we all really want?!
# 11 December 2011 at 9:29 pm

Holli said:
I am a 20 year old girl and I’m from Benfleet in Essex, this is a nice area. But all areas have crimes. Such as rape, stabbings burgulares you cant name tag some areas.
Of course some areas are worse then others. Im moving in with my boyfried within the next year and he lives in north london, enfeild to be exact but im planning on getting a flat in tottenham, wood green, or edmonton. Anything can happen wherever you go. I think this page is ridiculous. My partners lived in Enfeild his whole life and he has never had any bad experiences. As long as you can fight battles if something does happen then youll be fine.
# 12 December 2011 at 10:54 am

Emily said:
Advice please
Me and my friend are moving to London in Aug 2011. I will be working in Euston and he attending East15 Drama school. So we’ve decided anywhere east-ish is good location-wise and would rather live close to zone one for my commuting.
We don’t have a huge budget but are prepared to live in a lesser flat in a safer area than a plush pad in a dodgey one.
We’ve been looking around and a 2bed flat looks to be about 300pw in places like Stephney,is this cheap/expensive? And is this a safe-ish place to live (I realise that no where is devoid of criminals and I’m fairly streetwise but being a young woman alone I’d like to avoid altercations).
So considering these places of work and my safety concerns where would you suggest we look for flats?
Thanks for any help that you can offer me.
# 13 December 2011 at 7:48 pm

Jonathan said:
I moved to Whitechapel in East London February 2010 from the leafy commuter area of South Hertfordshire.
Most of the above comments generalise a lot. The unusual thing with London unlike many other cities is that it has a lot of boroughs, within which each borough has to provide affordable housing / council flats to people who apply (though I believe there’s a long waiting list). As a result affordable housing isn’t grouped into huge estates on the periphery, unlike say Paris. Chelsea is probably the poshest area of the UK yet it has council properties.
As people have said there are many areas which are perfectly safe but border other areas which I would avoid walking through alone at night. I wouldn’t feel qualified to comment on most areas within London, but areas that I have experience such as South Camden, Euston, Kings Cross, Clerkenwell, Spitalfields, Marylebone Village, South Kensington, Fulham, Dulwich, Putney and Chelsea are generally great, though fairly expensive. Some parts of West Kensington (despite having the posh ‘Kensington’ in the name) can be pretty rough.
Regarding Tower Hamlets, despite it being one of the poorest boroughs in the UK it had an average income per person of £69,000 in 2008! This is because it encompases the City Fringe as well as Canary Wharf. I guess my point is that there is inequality, but it’s a great location where there is wealth – it’s not a ghetto. You just need to know the area. Also, I live close to council housing and never have issues. There are good council estates and bad ones. I’d suggest venturing past in the evening on a Friday/ Saturday and see what it’s like.
I’ve lived in Whitechapel for the past 22 months and have never been a victim of crime, despite many times walking home in the early hours from the City in a suit. Just be sensible and keep your phone in your pocket.
# 14 December 2011 at 8:41 am

cnw said:
I live in the london borough of sutton it is not the best borough with certain things but has less crime than other london boroughs is it a god recomedation for this site
# 21 December 2011 at 2:30 pm

ollie said:
Anna:
Re. UCL, having studied there i can tell you that living anywhere around that area (i.e. north central london) is going to be very expensive. You’ll get low value for money due to high demand, so you’d likely end up in a not particularly nice flat.
You’d get better value for money somewhere a bit further out.
With regards this section generally – if you’re not from London, i’d advise not listening to most of the shite on here. Whether you feel safe in an area is down to you. Half of the posters here seem to have not even actually lived in the places they say to avoid (i’ve always found stockwell to be very friendly and safe for example, with great transport and the river/park within walking distance)…
As most of London is a mix of expensive/poor, anywhere you go will have it’s upsides and downsides/nice bits and scary bits.
The only thing i’d recommend is that you go to wherever you’re thinking about during the day and during the evening at the weekend. Then you’ll get a feel for whether you’d be happy/feel secure living there.
# 29 December 2011 at 9:12 am

Dave said:
I have lived all over London and the best reasonably priced area is Greenford. Good for kids and very safe with good transport links, a bit far out in zone 4 but you cant have everything.
# 1 January 2012 at 6:00 pm

Scorpiostar said:
Hi all,
I will be moving to London in Feb 2012. I am a single woman and have to take tube to travel daily to central London for work. Can somebody help me in naming the safe areas in London ??
# 2 January 2012 at 1:57 pm

Alexandre T said:
Hey everyone!
I will be moving to London in September to attend school. I currently live in Vancouver, Canada. I will be going to Central St. Martins which has built a new campus at King’s Cross and i am in dire need of help! My parents were thinking of purchasing a “flat” or any kind of place for me to live in while studying. WE wanted to know an area of london which is cheap and has good acces to transportation mostly to and from king’s cross but also to central london, the west end, etc. I was looking for an area which i can access bars/pubs/nightlife within walking distance but that is not necessary, a calm area with many parks and woods would also be PERFECT. WE found a 4 bedroom townhouse in “Abbey Woods” SE1 near woolwich if you are not familiar with the area and were wondering why it was priced so cheap??? (110 000 pounds)
my wishlist is:
1: GOOD TRANSPORT!
2: cheap (budget of 250 000 pounds) for preferably 2 bedroom at least, so i can share with roommate
3: walking distance to urban setting. pubs. clubs, restaurants, interesting architecture AND/OR nature/woods/ water features
ANY HELP WOULD BE VEERRRRYYYY MUCH APPRECIATED.
# 3 January 2012 at 3:25 am

PC said:
Hello everybody,
I have lived in London in the last 5 years and discovered below areas are nice to live and relatively safe:
1 Wimbledon – very clean nice area with very good transport links. Wimbledon village is known to be posh and expensive, however, areas outside the village but near by the station are still very nice. It is a place where you can let your 8 years old child going to shops on his own in day time.
2. Parsons green – again a clean nice area to live, although there are only a few small local shops around, pure residential with a few low-rise small office blocks near the station.
3. Richmond – a little bit like Wimbledon but has a bigger shopping area and a more historical feel.
4. Some parts of hammersmith and fulham – explore them yourself
5. Some parts of Greenwich ( around cutty sark)
# 5 January 2012 at 8:52 pm

San said:
Hi there,
we are thinking of moving to gidea park near romford. people say gidea park is good. but not sure of romford being so up and close
please any information you could share would be useful
many thanks
# 6 January 2012 at 11:12 am

Isa said:
Hi, is all of west london ok? I’ve been looking for apartments around hyde park, is that a safe area?
# 6 January 2012 at 2:57 pm

Shehla said:
Hi
I’m planning to move to London in march and need some advice on the area which I have considered. I have shortlisted bromley and hunslow area. Could u pls tell me are there good public schools in this area for my son who wld be joint the first grade in school. I’m totally confused
Pls help.
# 11 January 2012 at 6:09 am

nlak said:
Hi,
I think that people who have a problem with areas like Stoke Newington are blind, they just look at gangs and muggings and don’t realize the advantages like all the great schools, the amazing community and massive parks. But stupidly the bad things overrule all these constructive parts of our community. I have lived in Stokey all my life(13 years). I have had no problem with gangs and violence but if you go around thinking your always going to be safe then your wrong. You cannot just walk into an estate at night and start insulting the people who live there, you will just get beat up or worse. But if you act decent then your life will be a whole lot easier.
# 11 January 2012 at 1:21 pm

Elif said:
I have been living in Hackney, Stoke Newington for 11 years which is nearly all my life. Nor me or any of my family and class mates have been a victim of a crime or committing one. I understand what you mean by avoiding place but stoke newington isn’t one that should be avoided but if you can just avoid the alleyways and mind your business.
In Stoke Newington there are a lots of sociable places such as the Clissold leisure center, cafes and restaurants, lots of parks and the library. We all have great memories and times here and like most things there are always disadvantages.:)
# 11 January 2012 at 2:46 pm

Anne said:
I know that London is a mixed bag but I have a house in Stratford for the past 10 years and have noticed a big change in the area. Deacent people are moving into the area and Newham Council are doing their best to clean the area up. It has one of the best public transport systems in the country and an amazing new shopping centre (Westfield)
There is also a good selection of victorian houses which make lovely homes when renovated and it is still one of the cheapest areas but not for much longer.
# 12 January 2012 at 7:37 am

betty said:
I’m moving back to london from abroad after several years and I’m thinking of relocating to west london, as I’m from chiswick. I know this area and the surroundings well, so I feel more comfortable living there. needless to say london is an enormous city, so it makes sense to choose an area you feel comfortable in as you will probably be spending most of your time there (I don’t know anyone who lives in enfield and works in housnlow for example!)
I don’t know the other parts of london so well, apart from central like everyone, and some parts like chelsea are very expensive. it depends of course what you’re looking for, your budget, tastes etc.
I can recommend west london for many reasons:
I think its a safe area. certainly where I lived in chiswick I felt safe even at night and never had any problems. on the whole there is alot of crime in london, and what you see more is aggression and violence especially from teenagers, but you get this everywhere in london.
it is attractive, you have all the amenities you need (shops, very good transport links, good schools, parks, leisure centres) but it doesn’t feel like london in a way. chiswick, kew and richmond are quieter and quite leafy, so its ideal to live here if you like things to do but some peace at the end of the day. you can always get to central london quickly by tube or train.
I think the areas of brentford, iselworth and hounslow are not so attractive, but they are nice again never had problems there.
ealing and putney are also good, all these places are right by the thames which adds a nice feel to the place.
for those of you who want and can afford their are excellent links to surrey, like egham, staines from west london. you can get the overland train to commute to work, doesn’t take so long but is expensive!
also recommend hammersmith, twickenham, wimbeldon, kensington (but again expensive) I think acton is alright I have been there many times and it is run down but it didnt seem bad, no way in comparison to somewhere like brixton (no offence to anyone who lives there)! also sheapards bush is ok, its lively and fun.
all of these areas are multicultural and you will find alot to interest you there. I think on the whole west london is more expensive than other parts but what you get in return is worth it!
hope this helps everyone and you find the right place for you to live
# 13 January 2012 at 6:20 am

Linda said:
Hi,
I’ve seen a flat just of Dalston high street thats nice but now I’m worried about crime in the area. Im 22 and a single girl. Is this a bad idea?
# 13 January 2012 at 8:42 am

Roger said:
Something to consider if moving to London is what drives the cost of housing. I’d say these are
1 : Accessibility/Commutability. Most of us don’t want to have to spend two or three hours a day travelling to and from work and want to be somewhere with good transport facilities.
2 : Facilities. Most of us want to be reasonably close to decent shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas etc.
3 : Appearance. Most of us want to live in or near to places that are visually attractive. Parks, Riverside walks, quaint old buildings.
And for those with children.
4 : Good Schools.
And then of course there is
5 : Safety. Most of us want to feel safe and not constantly be confronted with anti-social behaviour.
Most Londoners go to work using public transport, Trains, The Underground or Buses, especially those who work in the centre. The reasons are simple, firstly the roads can be very congested and secondly there is usually nowhere to park when you arrive. Someone might have a highly paid job in The City, Canary Wharf or The West End, but the odds are that if they work in a shop or office it won’t come with a parking space.
The result is that anywhere within easy walking distance of a railway station that has regular services into Central London is more sought after than somewhere even half a mile away.
So, as a general rule the most expensive areas are ones that look attractive, have good regular transport links to the West End, The City and/or Canary Wharf and good local facilities.
Similarly, the cheapest areas are the ones that look drab and dreary, have poor transport links and few facilities.
In London the areas with the highest concentrations of well-paid jobs are The West End, The City and Canary Wharf, so anywhere that is attractive and within easy reach of any of these is going to be more expensive to move into. What you pay for is location more than the actual accommodation.
There is a historical legacy . A hundred years ago and more the aristocracy used to have “Town Houses” close to the royal palaces so they could call in at Court. The royal palaces are concentrated downwind of the city where the air was better. This led to west central areas like Mayfair, Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington being very posh and visually attractive. Elsewhere, apart from a few old villages such as Hampstead, Richmond or Greenwich people lived in cheap and often drab looking terraces. Today the most expensive parts of London are still mainly in the South West or West and the cheapest are in the South East or East.
As to anti-social behaviour here (street crime, drug dealing and loutish behaviour). That tends to be concentrated where there are crowds, pickpockets in shopping centres etc., or where there are large numbers of rootless people living in/renting cheap sub-standard accommodation. So, as a rule, if a place looks “nice” it is likely to have less anti-social behaviour than somewhere that looks drab or dreary, which in itself will drive up prices in places that are “nice”.
Most who move to London end up living where they live based on what they can afford and renting or buying “a nice flat in Chelsea” or “a mews house in Marylebone” will be simply unaffordable. They will have to look at cheaper (sometimes run-down) inner areas or the outer (sometimes dull) suburbs.
Generally London is “safe”, as long as you remember that you are in a big city and take sensible precautions like not inviting trouble by leaving your doors wide open or venturing down unlit alleyways flashing your Rolex watch or iphone. There are a handful of areas I’d not want to live in due to concerns about crime, notably much of Peckham/Camberwell/Brixton in South London, Harlesden in West London, Tottenham in North London or Canning Town in the East. There are a lot more areas I wouldn’t want to live in because I find them dull and out of the way.
Areas I would most like to live in are anywhere around Hyde Park or Chelsea in the Centre, Hampstead or Highgate in the north, Wanstead or Woodford in the East, Putney, Chiswick, Barnes or Richmond in the west.
# 13 January 2012 at 12:42 pm

benji said:
worst places in london are 1st, brixton 2nd south tottenham/hackney 3rd plaistow and most of east london ,
# 14 January 2012 at 9:47 am

Robert said:
best not come to London then. Sick of the prices of houses and rents being pushed up by trendies and speculators. London is the best city in the world, diverse, creative friendly. Common sense is all that is needed. If your coming home rolling drunk you are a target if your in London, Barcelona or NY
# 14 January 2012 at 1:12 pm

Sid Smith said:
We’re looking at St Johns conservation area in Lewisham. It’s about 2 mins to St Johns station and about 5 to Elverson Road DLR. The immediate area seems pleasant enough and quite diverse but does anyone have any first hand experience of living here, or any comment at all on this area?
# 14 January 2012 at 2:37 pm

tony morris said:
I have lived in hackney all my life and i’m a cockney, it made me laugh at people saying london fields is ok, that’s the worst place around here for shootings. Muder mile is not the nickname of hackney that is the nickname of clapton which is one part of hackney. the nickname for the whole of hackney is stay down because when the bullets are flying you best stay down and lay down.
# 14 January 2012 at 4:16 pm

RainbowR said:
I don’t know London too well, moving down in a few weeks for a job in Richmond. By the looks of it, I think I should stick to Richmond or Clapham Junction – only a short train ride away.
I use to visit Stratford (East London) every weekend to visit my partner – who was later stabbed in the chest and left on the floor… on the main high street outside the Stratford Centre.
I’d be inclined to keep away from Stratford!
# 14 January 2012 at 8:29 pm

Anonymous said:
i think that every place you would move to would have a bad part of that area and a good part. im not saying that stoke newington or the other places you have mentionened are brilliant but they are not as bad as people make out! i have lived in stoke newington for 12-13 years and i have never been a victim of crime AND i think that people can’t say bad things about places if they have not even lived or even been there.
A
# 15 January 2012 at 7:13 am

BeGlRa said:
I have lived in hackney most of my life and my friends and I have had no trouble at all. You do here about a stabbing or murder sometimes in the paper, but if you look everywhere in London , there is always something bad in the papers-it’s not just Hackney.
I think that the comment about “recommend you move into an area which is not too cheap.” is unfair because you are infering that poorer people are ‘dodgy’. Yes, there is the fact that gangs usually come from estates or flats, but the people in the gangs would only be a fraction of the place they live in. So saying that ‘cheap’ places are dangerous is over-reacting and not 100% true.
Overall, I think that this is off-putting to people who want to move to London. London is completely safe unless you get involved with the wrong people or join gangs just to be ‘safe’… Because that’s a lie.
# 15 January 2012 at 7:23 am

Emily Pond said:
Hi all,
I find it horrid that you think a place as wonderful as stoke newington. It is far from run down! I have lived in stoke newington my whole life. It is a great place to live! Every where has faults but if i was to talk about places not to live, stoke newington is far of my list. You may drive through stoke newington and thought “what a dump” ITS NO!!!!! It has a great community! Loads of amazing schools and loads of wonderful shops!
So please if you are to talk about places not to live stoke newington should not be one of them!!!!!!!!
# 15 January 2012 at 10:52 am

CuriousOne said:
Can anyone tell me about the areas of-
Canada Water/Rotherhithe, Limehouse, Isle of Dogs, Greenwich. I don’t know about the safety of these areas but think they have a lot of character. Also would be interested in Barbican, Farringdon, Aldgate and maybe Finsbury though I heard that’s rough. I guess the like sof Limehouse used tobe awful but I went and really liked it seems far from being the worst kind of area in London now.
Anyway, if any Londoners who know these areas could help me it would be great. I want to move to London sometime, as I live near and love visiting.
# 15 January 2012 at 1:48 pm

mia said:
I live in stoke newington and i think its a brilliant place to live! its a lovely community and theres so much to do. i used to be intimidated by the older kids until i went to secondary school and realised they were just making noise to try and impress their friends. stokey might look a bit rough on the outside but its a really nice place to live
# 15 January 2012 at 2:08 pm

Harry said:
What do people make of the Langdon Park area? There are a couple of new developments there which look quite good and are very close to the Langdon Park DLR station which is convenient. I work at canary wharf so is very easy for me to get into work (5mins on DLR) and then going north on the DLR you can be in stratford for the westfield shopping centre (8mins). What do people think of buying property in this area?
# 15 January 2012 at 3:20 pm

Simran said:
Hi!I have lived in hackney for 12 years which in my opinion is a very long time. During these years i have never been a victim of crime nor any of my family members. Considering you have only lived in london for 3 years i wouldnt say you have a clear view of London. There are many advantages for staying in London,Hackney for one there is excellent education,good shopping areas and a safe community! Members of the public may be frightened to live in hackney due to seeing crimes committed on the news,these incidents happen if you have some involement in a gang or have got yourself in trouble. Hackney in my opinion is a great place to live with a kind and caring neighbourhood.
# 15 January 2012 at 5:57 pm

jackie said:
Always be aware of what is happening around you and don’t come home late at night on your own (except in busy much used areas that you know). Everywhere is potentially dangerous because there will always be nutters in every area. Check the postcodes and sites like up my street, crime.uk etc for a brief run down on the area but the best thing if you can is walk about there both day and night before you move in.
Many big estates have problems with gangs but you should always be away of gangs regardless. Most of West London is pretty ok but again only when you are aware and take precautions which you should take in any big City.
I live in Hammersmith and feel pretty safe where I live (central) – Barnes is lovely and parts of Roehampton are too, but I would prefer to walk where there are plenty of cars and people at certain times of the day, then where there is too much empty space on either side of me such as in Roehampton Lane.
Many towns are not safe now and have loads of gangs. If you have chidren be extra cautious and go where there are decent schools and dont let your children hang out with any gangs – they always target kids no matter where you live.
# 16 January 2012 at 8:13 am

Karine said:
Hi there,
I am thinking of moving back to England as I recently graduated from a Uni there, came back home and realized it was a big mistake. A relative is also thinking of moving to any of the following areas: Stoke Newington, Aldgate, London Fields, Shoreditch, and Dalston. My country is quite safe so I am just wondering how safe it would be for a girl in those towns. Any info on how the East has changed recently (hopefully for the better) would be great. I heard some have new apartments now, exclusive pubs and clubs and loads of fun events for young people. Previously, my relative lived near Brick Lane and I remember growing very fond of that area. Unfortunately my relative had to move but any advice on the above areas would be great. Thanks.
# 16 January 2012 at 6:28 pm

Leonardo said:
Hi all really interesting site.
I just want to say that I’m proud to live SOUTH of the river. I live in Earlsfield in the borough of Wandsworth. It may not have been the best place a few decades ago but the council is great, the streets are clean, the parks are safe and the highstreets throughout wandsworth are all improving and actually house a lot of wealthy people including the young families. I have no problems in travelling at night time even in Brixton, I’ve worked there and know that its actually a lot safer than people make out, the police are on call their almost 24 hours a day to ensure safety in the area.
I couldnt imagine living anywhere else in London, mainly because I feel 100% safe and secure.
On a last note – I have probably over 30/40 friends in various places in Hackney, I visit them all the time and yes I feel the streets are run down but not everywhere. I personally think that Dalston and Stoke Newington are definately still on the rise and with regards to the arguements above talking about trendy areas being shit areas, stick to the main, normal roads/streets not taking short cuts in council/housing estates.
# 16 January 2012 at 7:37 pm

Natalie :) said:
Hi,
I live in Islington but go to school in Hackney. I think that Stoke Newington is a great place to go to school and live in as there is a lot of places to hang out such as parks, Clissold Leisure centre, café’s,shops and restaurants.
I agree with Elif, that if you stay away from alley ways and mine your own business, then you will be fine. I also think that judging a place that you have only lived in for 3 years is wrong, because in any inner city boroughs, there will be crime, that can not be prevented, due to various social reasons.
When I watch the news, I find that the more horrendous crimes have been comited in rural areas where the residents always Say “oh I cant believe its happened here, its such a nice place to live”, well no thanks, give me Stokey any day !
# 17 January 2012 at 1:43 pm

Leonardo said:
I love the turkish kebab shops in Stokey one in particular is best kebab.
# 18 January 2012 at 8:44 am

Bobbie said:
Can’t understand why people are so negative about some of the most culturally diverse and interesting locations in the ‘best city in the world’. Yes, some perception of ‘safety’ can be found in ‘posher’ locations but this also comes at the cost of being rather dull and lifeless. I have lived in Brixton for years … right in the middle… Electric Avenue. it it one of the most vibrant and entertaining city villages you could wish to find, every day is different and you will find it both stimulating and exotic with an amazing market. Lots of restaurants where you can sample world cuisine at sensible prices, as featured in the Observer supplement by Jay Rayner. Brilliant entertainment and a wonderful cinema ‘The Ritzy’… There can be problems but you will find that anywhere in the world if you go looking for it. Well, I live in Brixton… not for cheapness (though it helps) but because it’s a great place. But, as I suspect the only people to rubbish it are the trembling unadventurous souls who judge from (and are too afraid to get of) the bus.
# 20 January 2012 at 12:08 pm

sherridan said:
I feel sorry for you guys over there all I can say is pack a bag and jump on a plane to Australia!
# 21 January 2012 at 9:18 pm

Alex said:
Hi everyone – it shows that this forum is great: it’s been running for a while.
I would love to know how New Cross Gate is. I’ve just moved to London and cant afford above the £500 mark…
# 23 January 2012 at 1:06 pm

Hugh said:
I recently moved from Australia to London, having lived here previosuly we were aware of areas such as Tower Hamlets and Whitechapel area’s.
We only lasted originally there for 2 months because the Bangladesh population was to full on..
Not getting into a racial debate, there are postives and negatives to that in itself.
The major positives are that in a Muslim area, there are no drunks on the streets. No Yobo behaviour.
Downside is religion is in your face, and I guess being anyone else you feel vulnerable.
So before we moved back to London again, and we got told about Walthamstow.. And to try get a nice spot in the “Village” part.
Great transport links here..
Its true, the Village and very close surrounding streets are great.
However, you do want to choose the right street here, there are a lot of Asians around, but 95% are pleasant, quiet and wont keep you up at night.
So moral of the story, London is a street by street choice…
We will buy a place in Wanstead later this year,, that’s the white area for us… I mean the right area
Also, just a tip from a local lad i met, before eating in a shop, always look above at the curtains in the windows coz 99% of people who run the store live upstairs..
If the curtains are dirty , then think about the cleanliness of the shop..
\
# 24 January 2012 at 11:42 am

Michelle said:
Could someone please please please please pleaaaase advise me on the best places to live in the Docklands area. I have a toddler.
I dont wish to be amongst the rough areas. Somewhere that is simply nice and decent(Posh areas are good too).
Area’s I have already got the all clear on are Greenwich/Cutty Sark/Wapping.
The parts I cannnot seem to get a straight answer on is Isle Of Dogs and Mudchute – which seem to have cheaper rents.
Help me!
(Great school suggestions in the area would be great too)
Thank you
# 28 January 2012 at 8:37 am

Lyn said:
I was born and brought up in the west of London have lived in various parts both in and on the fringe over the years. I can say that from childhood to adulthood many areas have changed but the ones that have remained consistently good are usually a good bet. I can highly recommend Richmond and Kingston boroughs, kensington and chelsea, westminster as they have better services and safer neighbourhoods, lots for kids to do and good nightlife. Some parts of the neighbouring boroughs like putney and barnes which fall into Wandsworth are good to look at, as many boroughs share an area.
Hampton Hill and Hampton villages are good and if you have to go for cheaper parts of the borough of Hounslow like Chiswick, Kew and Brentford are ok. I currently live on the border of Whitton(Richmond) and Hampton(Richmond/Kingston) in Hanworth(Hounslow/Richmond) which although part of Hounslow parts fall into Richmond. It is close enough to enjoy the tube and transport links to London(Picadilly and District lines) is great for the airport but not directly under a flight path so not too much noise. You never need to go to Hounslow as Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham, Hampton and Kingston shopping centres are all close by. Staines and Ashford are close as well. There are no parking restrictions and schools are a good mix of public and private. Well worth a look as I don’t drive but have plenty to do and never have to struggle for buses even on christmas day! If you need asian, african,caribbean, phillipino, vietnamese, polish or arabic goods you can also visit Hounslow its quite safe just not very picturesque or clean as most multi-cultural areas tend to be quite down heel in appearance because of the large ethnic populations wanting to live so close together as they feel safe in their own communities. During the riots places like Ealing were affected Hounslow was silent something to consider. I would avoid the east end like the plague most people in those areas in social housing are desperate to move west or to the fringes of London because of the crime and poor schools, overcrowding, high unemployment etc just because you have a job and don’t live on a council estate doesn’t mean that the population around you is in the same position as was seen in Clapham etc during the riots.
# 28 January 2012 at 9:26 am

Kate said:
My only issue with the areas that are outstandingly great is that they a little too family perfect – with the full set families / married couples / bought houses. When you’re in your mid 20′s, renting nowhere near the property ladder and still finding your footing you feel outcasted when you’re amongst 30-something middle-class women with children attending private schools
# 29 January 2012 at 8:02 am

london resident said:
Luckily, not all of London is quiet and boring and there are areas which serve the many different communities and cultures living here.
Just as a person’s character might be misjudged by prejudice or lack of understanding the same is true for the character of an area.
Crime happens in every part of London regardless of race or incomes. This is partly because the poorest areas of London are next to the richest areas.
# 29 January 2012 at 4:58 pm

John said:
Hugh you are an ass. We don’t want you in Wanstead.
# 29 January 2012 at 7:21 pm

Katherine said:
Just wondering what the consensus was on Battersea? It seems one side of Clapham Junction station is a lot ‘rougher’ than the other. Looking at Holcroft House in Battersea (north out of the station) but concerned at how close it is to the apparently infamous Winstanley Estate. Advice please!!!
# 30 January 2012 at 5:23 pm

Andrew said:
I’ve lived all over London, and in Leytonstone for around 20 years. Always on the verge of up-and-coming, never made it. But if you choose carefully it’s a great place to live – close to lots of open space, good transport links, especially to Westfield at Stratford, and an easy walk to Wanstead, one of London’s genuine villages with great local shops. The Red Lion has been tarted up something grand, the North Star is now a gastropub, and the art scene is flourishing. Look to Bushwood and Upper Leytonstone for good property at reasonable prices, and keep away from some stretches of the High Road at night – do that and you won’t want to leave.
# 31 January 2012 at 3:05 pm

Alicia said:
I love that Stoke Newington is on this list?!! Totally unjustified of course(it’s one of the trendiest, vibrant parts of London, actually very raa around Church St) but as someone above mentioned at least this sort of inaccurate labelling will hopefully keep the house prices down.
I was brought up in Chelsea but this area, and much of neighbouring South West London, is now becoming flooded with nouveau-riche yobbos with little class and a lotta love for showing off wealth and posing self-consciously behind big sunglasses. Shame. It is a sleek, safe area though undoubtedly.
The best areas in London for safe, clean, comfortable living: Hampstead, Highgate, Highbury, Islington, Canonbury, Richmond, Primrose Hill, Belsive Park, Notting Hill, Fulham, Battersea and Chelsea (if you like big shades and are a bit pouty pouty) oh and I work in Mayfair but it’s full of prim, sleazy men in suits but I’m sure lots of people think it’s as grand as anything.
The best areas for young, fashionable people: Islington, Stoke Newington, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green and increasingly Dalston (You get a lot of people who work in media, fashion, tv who maybe don’t earn the big bucks but even if they did would rather live in these more fun, diverse parts of town, or at least while they’re in their 20s/early 30s anyway).
It would be easy to whisk through many parts of London and form a quick and negative judgement (Brixton, Tottenham, Dalston, etc) but even some of the shadier bits have nice trendy pockets and tend to be much more interesting people living there if you’re not being closed-minded about it.
# 1 February 2012 at 11:39 am

Pix said:
Stratford is fairly safe, got new Shopping complex, Westfield Stratford City, casino, and now the olympics. Lot of police presence in the area because of the olympics. The area is alot better and cleaner then it used to be.
# 3 February 2012 at 7:35 am

Emma said:
I’m a student and in September I’m going to be studying at east London Uni my campus is at the docks in canary wharf and from reading these reviews it’s saying to stay away from stafford which is unavoidable for me. I’m a bit worried after reading all of this. Shall I think about not coming to east London?
# 3 February 2012 at 8:38 pm

Ned said:
Funny how times change.
Stratford is now one of the most desirable areas in London.
It simply has the best transport links, two shopping malls, some of the best public swimming pools in London, modern architecure, glitzy public squares, university campus, cosmopolitan vibe, lots of singletons and buzzing city life.
It is also boasts low knife crime and homicide rates.
# 5 February 2012 at 1:48 pm

jason said:
i lived in london (east London) for most of my life i found it safe i was only mugged once on my own walking down green street upton park most arears that i found safe in east london are Beckton ( dlr station and conections to central line via plaistow) custom house (park side not the railway side) north woolwich (cheap compared with greenwich) i liked living in stratford (i lived in the village area of stratford near the stratford east railway station good connections into kings cross) when i moved out i lived in chadwell heath and goodmayes 30 min commute by rail or tube into central london. above all london is the most vibrant city i have ever lived in (i have lived in dublin, Belfast, Waterford, Nottingham, Paris) and as a place to raise children it is wonderfull but you can’t blame an area for its child crime rate its the parents that are to blame.
# 5 February 2012 at 5:42 pm

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