Whitechapel Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Whitechapel, East London

Fabulous3.1

Living in

Whitechapel is and has always been home to a diverse population, welcoming immigrants fleeing various ill fortune over the centuries. What has changed over the years is this area's fortunes - famously the degenerated London of Dickens novels, the area is now trendy and sought-after, with the accompanying rise in property prices. The area's urban cool - cafes, art, and nightlife - attracts young professionals, especially City workers and creative types, but not generally families, who tend to move away in search of more green space.

Ratings

Fabulous3.1

Community

This area attracts young City professionals and creative and media types without children, and there is a cafe/bar cuture here. Couples often move out of this area when they decide to have children. 

Safety

Whitechapel itself has above-average crime, according to the Met police, as do many of the surrounding areas. The City experiences considerable theft-related crime. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rates for Whitechapel were both notably higher than the rates for London overall. 

Parking

This is generally a fairly difficult and expensive place to own and use a car. The rate of car ownership in Whitechapel is very low, compared to the London rate. Road links include the A10, A11, and A13, which experience regular congestion. You'll be very near the congestion charging zone. 

Nightlife

Nightlife in this area is lively and varied, from historic pubs to trendy restaurants and bars, and with a few nightclubs in the mix. It's adjacent to Shoreditch, which is also a nightlife destination. Transport is good, including night buses, and the Central Line Night Tube will get you to nearby Liverpool Street or Bethnal Green through the night at the weekends. 

Family Friendly

This is an area without many houses with gardens, and with little in the way of green or open space - most accommodation is in the flats, maisonettes, or apartments category. Whitechapel is near the Thames, and relatively close to small parks like Weavers Fields or large parks like Mile End Park. There is a good selection of both primary and secondary schools in Whitechapel and nearby, but couples contemplating raising children often decide to do it elsewhere. 

Pet Friendly

Whitechapel is an urban area that is not especially suitable for pets. This is an area without many houses with gardens, and with little in the way of green or open space. Whitechapel is near the Thames and relatively close to small parks like Weavers Fields or large parks like Mile End Park for dog walkers. 

Transport

This area is in Zone 2 and is exceptionally well-connected. Whitechapel's station is on the Overground and the District and Hammersmith & City Lines. Aldgate East is on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines, and Aldgate is on the Circle and Metropolitan Lines. Tower Gateway is on the DLR. There are rail services at Fenchurch Street, and at nearby Liverpool Street, which is on the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines. Shadwell is on the DLR and the Overground. The area is well-served by local buses, including night buses. Road links include the A10, A11, and A13. London City Airport can be reached via the DLR.