Paddington is a very diverse area of London, and very central, but was overlooked for a long time and thought of as a transport hub rather than a destination in its own right. It certainly has excellent transport links - with Paddington station on several Underground lines as well as mainline rail services, the Heathrow Express, and countless buses, it doesn't get more well-connected than this. But with access to the canal network and near both Regent's Park and Hyde Park, and with large terrace houses and garden squares, Paddington doesn't feel like a concrete jungle.
Paddington is a very diverse area of London, and very central, but was overlooked for a long time and thought of as a transport hub rather than a destination in its own right. In the late 1990s, the BBC made a docu-soap about the residents of this neighbourhood, called Paddington Green. The area attracts overseas investors, particularly from the Middle East.
The Metropolitan Police crime mapping website states that overall crime in Paddington is Above Average, but violent crime is only Average. The overall crime rate is lower than the Westminster average, and many of the central London prime tourist areas. It is important to remember that major transport hubs often see a concentration of opportunistic crime, but this doesn't mean residents are necessarily more likely to be a victim of crime.
Fewer people than the London average own cars here, but it isn't likely to be too hard for residents to park here. It would not be especially easy for visitors, and the area is within the congestion charge zone.
Paddington has a number of pubs and bars, including hotel bars. It is easy to get to Soho for nightclubs and more energetic, late-night entertainment.
Paddington has a good selection of highly-performing schools, including the school Princes William and Harry attended. It also has some large houses and garden squares, as well as access to the open space of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and the canal network.
Paddington has some large houses and garden squares, as well as access to the open space of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and the canal network.
Paddington station is on the Hammersmith and City, Circle, District, and Bakerloo Lines (Zone 1). It is also the hub for the Heathrow Express, and National Rail services to West and South West England and South Wales. Lancaster Gate is on the Central Line, Edgware Road is on the City, Circle, District, and Bakerloo Lines, and Warwick Avenue is on the Bakerloo Line. Royal Oak is on the Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines. Nearby, Marylebone offers aditional rail services, and Baker Street offers access to the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan Lines. Paddington is also served by numerous buses, including 24/7 bus routes. It is possible to walk or cycle, along the canals, as far as the London Zoo and beyond.