Shoreditch Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Shoreditch, East London

Average2.9

Living in

A creative Mecca located within walking distance of the City of London, this somewhat-newly upscale neighbourhood is full of artists, media professionals, and financiers. It’s a young, hip area that hasn’t yet lost its edge as property prices have skyrocketed, and it has staying power for those who purchased old warehouses to convert into lofts a few decades ago. For galleries, artisan foods, and a great night out, Shoreditch is the place.

Ratings

Average2.9

Community

Shoreditch has a population who have lived in the area for a couple of decades, but there are many people who are just passing through, living in shared and student-only households for a short period of time. Many people also come to the area for or after work, but don’t live there. There are many fewer families and children in the area. However, there are many small business owners, and some organisations exist to help them network with each other – and you may find you get to know your local coffee shop owner pretty well. Shoreditch is the place to go for a vibrant art and nightlife scene, but not necessarily a close-knit community feel. 

Safety

Like any late-night destination area, there are going to be noisy crowds and some disorderly behaviour. You’ll also see a lot of graffiti in the area. The higher crime areas, according to the Met’s crime map, are along the high street and in the areas closer to the City. You will want to check your specific postcode location to get a sense of how far from your tube station or bus stop your flat will be to get a better sense of how secure you’d feel walking back to it alone at night.

Parking

Parking in Shoreditch is relatively expensive and difficult. It is a densely populated area with very little open space. Pay & Display charges are £4 per hour. 

Nightlife

An area populated by young professionals, Shoreditch has many options for after-work and weekend outings. See our list of places to visit for live music, comedy, or club venues to visit in Shoreditch and where to get a late-night takeaway afterward.

Family Friendly

Those looking for a quiet family life will not find it in Shoreditch. There is a lack of family houses and green space, although the schools in Shoreditch are rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

Pet Friendly

Because this is a densely populated area that is comparatively lacking in green space, we would not recommend this as a particularly easy place to own a dog. The high number of house and flat shares in the area also means it will be more difficult than elsewhere to find accommodation that will allow you to keep a pet.

Transport

Shoreditch is within walking distance of the City of London. Liverpool Street is on the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines and rail services to Stansted Airport, Cambridge, and the Great Eastern and West Anglia main lines. Old Street is on the Northern Line. The Farringdon Crossrail station is due to be completed in 2018.