City of London Area Guide

UK Area Guides

City of London, Central London

Average2.6

Living in

The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, is the UK's financial centre, and is vitally important to the UK, the EU, and the global economy. Here, you'll find high-powered financiers in thousand-pound suits pouring out from the many Tube and rail stations to work in the City's skyscrapers. Cultural destinations, too - including the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral - call the City home, and are visited throughout the year. Located in Zone 1, this is a very central part of London, but not very residential - many of the people who work here each day board trains for the outskirts of London and beyond in the evenings, leaving it a bit quiet once the after-work crowd has dissipated and throughout the weekend. 

Ratings

Average2.6

Community

Though there's a bustling energy to many of the pubs in the area right after standard office hours end, many of the people who work in the area live elsewhere, and it can feel almost deserted at the weekend. Hundreds of thousands commute daily to work in the City, but only 7,000 - half the population in 1921 - live here. Because of its small size, it's one of the more densely populated boroughs. 

Safety

The City of London fares poorly in crime rate, in part because there is such a relatively high proportion of crimes to residents. Worth bearing in mind, however, is that over 300k people commute into the City daily, as well as an influx of tourists and visitors. The largest percentage of crime type in the City is various types of theft. 

Parking

Parking here can be very difficult, and bays have relatively short maximum stays and high costs. The 2011 census stated that there were 0.4 cars per household in this area - half of the Greater London rate. 

Nightlife

The City of London can get quiet once the after-work pub crowd has commuted home, and at the weekend. However, there are several trendy bars and clubs in the City, and some of the trendiest East End nightlife destinations, like Shoreditch, are nearby and easily traveled to on public transport. 

Family Friendly

Most of the population of this area is working aged, with the average age being about 42. Households are small, with many single/1 person homes. Property, especially new builds, is likely to be of the luxury high-rise type. There is only one directly maintained primary school in the City, and residents send their children to neighbouring edcuation authorities. This is not the place to go if you'd like a family home with a garden and a parking space. 

Pet Friendly

A very built-up commercial area, the City lacks in green space, and the housing here does tend to be of the luxury high-rise type - not necessarily ideal conditions for your pooch. 

Transport

The City of London is an extremely well-connected Zone 1 neighbourhood. Liverpool Street station offers access to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines, as well as Overground trains and National Rail services. Chancery Lane and St Paul's are on the Central Line, and Aldgate, Farringdon, and Barbican are on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines. Aldgate East is on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines, Tower Gateway is on the DLR, and Tower Hill, Blackfriars and Momument stations are on the Circle and District Lines. Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Moorgate, Cannon Street, Fenchurch Street, and Farringdon all offer National Rail services. There are numerous bus links to and from the City, as well as many Santander Cycles docks, and many attractions and commercial destinations, such as Exmouth Market and St Paul's Cathedral, are within walking distance.