Cosmopolitan and chic, Notting Hill's current run of fame is partially attributable to the 1999 Richard Curtis romcom of the same name, which made Portobello Road Market internationally famous. Another reason the area is known is the annual Carnival celebration, which is second only to the one that's put on in Rio. Notting Hill is an eclectic and bohemian area, though now an upmarket version of this, with lovely stuccoed and brightly painted homes on private garden squares dominating the area.
The heritage of the Caribbean community is still evident in Notting Hill, as is the influence of the large Brazilian and Portuguese communities. There are also many blocks of terrace houses with access to a communal garden, fostering a strong sense of community in Notting Hill.
Like many areas of prime central London, the crime rate reflects a lot more theft than violent crime. In Notting Hill, much of this is centred around Notting Hill Gate tube station. The rates also don't take into account the figures for the Notting Hill Carnival, which is quite a fun party, but also has some associated antisocial behaviour concerns that are not typical for the area.
Parking in Notting Hill is fairly manageable, especially for residents. A fair number of people in the area own cars, and many of the properties lining the wide streets have an off-street parking space.
The area of Notting Hill and its surrounding neighbourhoods has a wide variety in restaurants, pubs, and bars, many of the upscale wine and cocktail bar variety. There aren't many nightclubs, but it is easy to get to Chelsea or the West End if you are looking for a night out.
Three-quarters of residents are working aged, with somewhat fewer children than in London as a whole, but there are still plenty of families in the area. Many of the lovely stuccoed townhouses are intact, with garden access, and would make lovely family homes. Schools, especially prep schools, are generally very reputable. The vast open space of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park is nearby, with many acres for the family dog to enjoy and also featuring equestrian facilities.
The vast open space of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park is nearby, with many acres for the family dog to enjoy and also featuring equestrian facilities.
Notting Hill Gate Tube station (Zone 1/2) is on the Central, Circle, and District Lines. Holland Park (Zone 2) is on the Central Line. Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park (Zone 2) are on the Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines. There are numerous buses in this area, including several all-night buses connecting Notting Hill residents with the West End. Paddington Station is easily reached for mainline rail services and the Heathrow Express.