London continues to be the number one hot-spot in Europe for Expats to move to. The combination between its big city charm and professional opportunities is a winning one, but when it’s actually time to move, there is a big problem - finding where to live. Because of the high demand for property in the city, rental prices in London have gone through the roof in the last 5 years; and we are seeing more and more that the classic neighbourhoods people know and love are just out of reach for the average Expat (and local!).
So in this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of the best areas for Expats to live in London, which you may want to consider - We will split them for Families, Single Expats and People on a budget - As well as go through all the considerations you must keep in mind when searching for a home in the UK’s capital.
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1. The Four Areas of London Explained
2. The Best neighbourhoods to live in London:
Before we go into where Expats live in London, it’s important to understand how the city is broken down. London is HUGE - with over 10 Million people living in it, there’s hundreds of residential neighbourhoods that span all across. As such, you will find Expats living in North, South, West and East, but different areas bring different lifestyles. So let’s start by giving you a flavour of each of the four main areas of London:
1. North London is known for its green suburbs, excellent schools, and a mix of modern and historic charm. Areas like Hampstead and Finchley have become super popular particularly for families, and there are train and bus routes that connect you to Central London (where most people work/study). Overall North London is considered to be the “calmer” side of London, but if you go a little close to the center to areas such as Islington, you will notice the vibrant culture that characterizes London all around.
2. South London is known for more community-oriented living, lower income households, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Although it used to have a reputation for being a little more dangerous, South London has been transformed into a very popular destination for young Expats, particularly the neighbourhoods of Clapham, Brixton and Peckham. With loads of markets, parks, bars and events happening in these areas, its popularity grew massively in the last decade. One thing to take into consideration however, is the fact that South London is the least connected area via underground tube, so taking the bus or the train is how typically South-Londoners get around.
3. East London is a dynamic and diverse area, blending historic neighborhoods with modern developments. Areas like Shoreditch and Hackney became some of the most popular ones for young Expats in London - this is where the coolest parties tend to happen. If you go further East, you’ll find Canary Wharf which is the “Financial District” for London - this is the super modern area where 90% of Expats are Bankers or Finance Managers. And if you go a little further East you will be in Stratford, where the staple Westfield Shopping Center is. East London has some of the best public transport connections in the city, and it’s generally easier to find modern builds than in other areas.
4. West London screams of elegance and high prices, with neighborhoods like Kensington, Chelsea, and Notting Hill offering luxury living in those traditional white facade buildings. However, there are also more affordable neighbourhoods like Acton and Ealing, which also connect you to the city centre via underground. Overall, West London has lots of restaurants, parks, museums and great connections to the centre via public transport.
So now that you know about the different areas of London, let’s get into the actual neighbourhoods Expats choose to live in. And if you’re just landing in London and looking for an initial place to stay, Sign Up to Matutto to learn more tips for finding a house in London
Clapham is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods, making it a popular choice for single expats seeking a lively and social lifestyle. The area is known for its energetic atmosphere, with countless bars, pubs, and cafes that attract crowds in their 20s and 30s. Clapham Common, a vast green space, is super popular for outdoor activities, fitness, and community events, perfect for meeting new people. In addition, the majority of houses in the area are traditional Victorian builds - adding charm to the Neighbourhood and hence becoming a very popular choice for Expats.
Clapham is well-connected, with three Tube stations (Clapham North, Clapham Common, and Clapham South) on the Northern Line, that allow you to quickly access Central London. There are affordable shared houses as well as modern apartments, but generally prices have been going up irrespective of the type of accommodation.
Why it’s great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,900 to 2,300.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 900 to 1,300.
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Battersea is an up and coming neighborhood for single expats, blending riverside living with urban convenience. The area has a stylish, modern vibe, particularly around Battersea Power Station (which was converted into a mall), and the large local park. The neighborhood’s social scene is lively yet less chaotic than central areas, making it perfect for those who enjoy a balance of activity and relaxation. The apartments in the area are mostly modern with high-rises, but there are also the classic Victorian houses, so there’s a range of different price ranges when it comes to renting.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,400 to 1,900.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 800 to 1,150.
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Bermondsey is one of the most central areas of London you can live in (without spending your entire salary in rent). It’s a central-south location from which you can walk (or take a short bus ride) to almost every central location. Bermondsey Street has a bunch of boutique shops, stylish bars, and delicious places to eat all around. It’s also close to the Thames, so it can be a great place for a riverside walk.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,600 to 2,300.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 800 to 1,200.
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Islington and Dalston are vibrant neighborhoods that cater to single expats looking for a mix of culture, nightlife, and community. Islington is a little more central and has more of an “upper-street” vibe with restaurants, boutique shops and even a theatre. Dalson, even though it’s right next to it, feels younger, more energetic, with vintage shops, quirky cafes and a great nightlife scene. Dalston appeals to those who love a slightly more edgy and artistic atmosphere. Overall, housing options range from modern apartments to more affordable shared flats, with Islington being a little more expensive.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,500 to 1,900.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 700 to 1,000.
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Hackney has recently transformed itself into one of London’s most family-friendly areas, offering a balance of urban living and green spaces. There are lots of parks, outdoor markets and cafes that are in general very community-focused. There are also a number of good schools in the area, museums, and events all-year round which create a sense of community for families. There’s a variety of different housing options in Hackney from modern apartments to renovated old-school houses, and you can connect to Central London via the overground train.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 2-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,700 to 2,300.
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Chiswick is a top choice for expat families seeking a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle with easy access to central London. Known for its “village-like” feel and excellent schools, Chiswick offers a range of family-friendly housing options, from charming classic homes to modern flats. Chiswick’s high street is vibrant yet relaxed, filled with family-friendly cafes, independent shops, and grocery stores. Transport links are excellent, with the District Line, Overground, and quick access to Heathrow Airport.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 2-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,700 to 2,100.
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Richmond is a calm neighborhood, making it one of the best places in London for expat families. It’s near Richmond Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces, which is one of the best places to cycle, run and even do a picnic on a sunny day. The town center is relatively relaxed, and it has a mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and larger retailers. Prices can be quite high as this is considered one of the nicest areas to live in London for affluent families. Transport links to central London are efficient via the District Line and Overground, and Heathrow Airport is a short drive away.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 2-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,800 to 3,000.
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Wembley is a vibrant and affordable area in northwest London, making it a popular choice for expats on a budget. The area offers relatively lower rent prices compared to other London neighborhoods, while still providing excellent amenities and connectivity to the center. Wembley is well-known for its diverse community, multicultural atmosphere and most importantly, the presence of Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena. The biggest sports events (and concerts) in the UK tend to happen right here. Transport links are good, with the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines, Overground, and National Rail providing quick access to central London.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 850 to 1,200.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 500 to 700.
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Stratford, in East London, is an affordable and dynamic neighborhood for expats on a budget. Its significant modernization after the 2012 Olympics, transformed the area into a lively hub with excellent amenities like the London Stadium and the Westfield mall. Stratford offers relatively lower rents compared to central London, making it attractive for those seeking good value. The area’s transport links are some of the best in London, with the Central and Jubilee Lines, DLR, Overground, and Elizabeth Line providing fast connections to central London and beyond.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 1,400 to 1,600.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 600 to 750.
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Deptford, located in Southeast London, is a vibrant and affordable option for expats on a budget. Known for its creative energy with venues often displaying art, and overall diverse community, the area offers lower rents compared to neighboring Greenwich while still providing excellent amenities and transport links. The area has a number of trendy cafes, green spaces and a great food scene in general. Deptford is well-connected via Overground and National Rail services, making commutes to central London convenient.
Why it’s Great:
Things to Consider:
Price for an average 1-Bedroom apartment: GBP 950 to 1,400.
Price for an average bedroom in a shared house: GBP 700 to 850.
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These are 10 neighbourhoods which often don’t get the attention of new Expats because they’re not so famous, but they are most certainly much more practical and affordable than your traditional Notting Hill, Chelsea or Camden Town areas. Hopefully, in this blog, we gave you a glimpse of how diverse the city of London is, and how you can choose different neighbourhoods depending on your taste, lifestyle and budget.
If you sign up to Matutto, you can access a detailed guide with Housing information for Expats, including how to find short term rentals for your first month(s) in the city, and what documents to prepare for your rental application. You can even get support from a relocation advisor!
