Wapping is a small, residential area with narrow cobbled streets that lies along North side of the Thames, just East of Tower Bridge. The area has a core community, despite its location near the mega-commuter hub that is the City, and has a strong maritime character due to its location along the Thames. The small neighbourhood isn't home to any large parks - but its waterside location, transport links, and characterful pubs suit the working-age adults who mainly inhabit the area.
This area is full of commuters during the week, but there is a real residential community that becomes visible at the weekend, especially in local pubs. Wapping has an active community website, newsletter, and Twitter account.
Wapping is a relatively safe area, and is rated as having average crime for London. The 2014 /2015 crime rate in the ward was slightly higher than the London rate, while the violence against the person rate was slightly lower. Wapping is also adjacent to Whitechapel, which the Met police says has above average crime, and the City of London, which experiences a considerable amount of crime, especially theft-related crime.
Parking (and driving) can present a problem in this area, and can be expensive. Road links are present, if congested, and include the A13, the A1203, and the Rotherhithe Tunnel. The rate of car ownership in this area is lower than for London overall, at slightly more than one car per every two households.
Wapping has a good selection of restaurants, pubs, and bars from which to choose, and there are even more in neighbouring areas. The Grapes is a pub that was established in 1583 and is now part-owned by Sir Ian McKellan. Transport links are good.
Most of the housing in this area consists of flats, apartments, and maisonettes, which might make housing a family in Wapping a tight squeeze. The area also lacks somewhat in green and open space, though it does have several smaller parks, and lies along the Thames. Though Wapping is a small area and there is therefore less choice of schools within the area, the City of London is next door and offers the option of private schooling. The percentage of children aged 0-15 who live in this area is relatively low, at a little under 15% compared with a London rate of 20%.
The vast majority of housing here is the flats, maisonettes, and apartments category, which may be less suitable for pets than houses. The area lacks larger green spaces, but has several smaller parks, and is also along the Thames for lovely dog-walking.
Wapping suffered without its own Tube link for a time, but now residents are spoilt for choice. Wapping station is currently served by the Overground, which also serves Shadwell, where there is a DLR interchange. Tower Gateway is also on the DLR, and Tower Hill is served by the District and Circle Lines. C2C rail services are next door, at Fenchurch Street. The area is well-served by local buses. Road links are present, if congested, and include the A13, the A1203, and the Rotherhithe Tunnel. A higher percentage of Wapping residents travel to work by bicycle than London residents do overall, and it is possible to take advantage of river transport here, too. London City Airport is nearby and easily accessed.