Until recently, Hackney was one of the least desirable places to live in London. But in the last 20 years, prices in Hackney have risen the fastest of anywhere in London, due to extensive regeneration that has brought new amenities from a library to a Picturehouse multiplex cinema, in addition to a new crop of restaurants, cafes, bars, and luxury clothing shops. Hackney has now fully transformed into a trendy place to live, and truly has something to offer everyone from its range of housing styles to its shops.
Hackney is a trendy, arty place to live, and the culturally-aware will find a like-minded community here. There is ongoing new development, and with continually rising prices, the character of the area will likely continue to change. People who want to move up the property ladder from flats to houses often have to look in places like Walthamstow because they can't afford the houses in Hackney. Some long-term residents are capitalising on sharp increases in property values and moving away.
Hackney Central is rated as having above-average crime by the Met police's crime map. The 2014/2015 crime and violence against the person rates in Hackney were both higher than for London overall. Neighbouring Dalston has high crime.
This isn't an easy or cheap place to park a car. The rate of car ownership in Hackney Central is exceptionally low, at less than half the London rate. Road links and traffic are not ideal. A very high number of people choose to commute by bicycle.
Hackney lies in the heart of the East London nightlife, with people traveling to Hackney and surrounding areas like Dalston, Shoreditch, and Hoxton. There is a huge range of things to do in the evenings, from trendy bars and restaurants to live music venues and nightclubs.
Renters in this area are typically single professionals, young couples, and sharers who work in the City, as opposed to families. However, the range of property in this area includes some that may be more suitable for family homes. There is good access to green spaces, including London Fields, Victoria Park, and Hackney Downs. There are also a great many primary and and comprehensive schools that are rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted.
There is a range of property in this area, including some that may be more suitable for pets. There is good access to green spaces, including London Fields, Victoria Park, and Hackney Downs. This is one of central - East London's greenest areas. There is an equestrian centre nearby, in neighbouring Lee Valley.
Hackney is centrally located, in Zone 2. Hackney Central is on the Overground. Hackney Downs and London Fields are served by National Rail trains to Liverpool Street, which take approximately ten minutes. There are good bus connections in this area, including night buses. City Airport and Stansted can be reached in a little over half an hour. This is one of the areas where cycling is most popular, and there are good cycle routes via the canal and parks.