London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom - and, some would say, the world. Although the term ‘Greater London’ is used to mean many different things, it generally refers to the parts of the capital which lie outside the City of London. It can be divided into Inner London and Outer London, which is useful for getting a general idea of distance and commute times into Central London. With some of the world’s most famous institutions, people, and landmarks, and a large and diverse population, London has something for everyone. As Samuel Johnson famously said, ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.’
Arkley is a village which sits within the London Borough of Barnet, in Greater London. As one of London's highest points, Arkley stands at an impressive 482 feet (147m) above sea level, and is located 10.6 miles (17.1km) north of Charing Cross. Arkley consists of a long village which extends out between Barnet and Stirling Corner and is made up of the ancient hamlets of Barnet Gate, Rowley Green and Arkely hamlet, it is also home to one of the oldest Windmills in the country. It is unknown where the name Arkley originated from, however, as it was first recorded in the 14th century, it is thought that it may refer to a meadow where closed baskets, originally called arks, were made from wickers or reeds.
Barking is a town that is being wholly regenerated, with much work having already been completed in the town centre a big new project set to deliver over 10,000 new riverside homes. The neighbourhood has the huge advantage of having two Tube lines, the Overground, and rail services, making it exceptionally well-connected for Zone 4. It also has good road links, and is very near London City Airport. Barking also has some of London's most affordable housing - for now - including Thirties semis that would attract families and newly-built town centre apartment buildings for young professionals.
Barnehurst is a residential area which sits within the London Borough of Bexley. Found nestled between Bexleyheath, Crayford and Northumberland Heath, Barnehurst is certainly a hidden gem within the Greater London area, offering reasonable accommodation in comparison to other areas across the City. 20th Century properties are still a big part of Barnehurst today, as well as semi-detached houses, affordable terraced properties and some spacious extended 1930s properties, all of which are perfect for young professionals, young families and big families.
Barnet is a commuter suburb at the north edge of London, offering the best of both London and the countryside. There is a wide range of property available here, but many of the properties would be good for families, including the wide selection of terraces, semis, and detached period and modern houses. There are also great transport links by road or by rail, including a Tube link at High Barnet and the M25 motorway. Schools in this area are very good, and there is a lot of green and open space for residents to enjoy, from golf courses and riding schools to heathland and playing grounds. Barnet residents - especially families - tend to stay within the area when they trade up or down the housing ladder.
Beckenham is a suburban part of London that still has the feeling of being a town, with many independent businesses and local amenities. It has a variety of property available, but a good stock of family homes in particular. Schools and green spaces are also very good, contributing to this being a very family-friendly area. Though it is somewhat far out, transport links are very good, too - there are many train stations serving Beckenham.
Belvedere is now part of Greater London, but retains the feel of being the Kentish town it once was. However, despite being on the far edges of London, the town is very well-connected by train - the journey to London Bridge takes about half an hour - and the surrounding areas can meet most of the daily needs of residents. Property in this area is relatively affordable, and there are good parks and schools. There are also good pubs and a fairly wide selection of shops for Belvedere residents to enjoy.
Bexley is a suburb on the very edge of South East London, bordering Kent. It is a place with a villagey atmosphere, full of great parks, independent businesses, and affordable family homes. It comes with the benefit of being in Zone 6 and served by its own rail station, as well as having good road links. It's a good area for families, with a choice of good schools - including selective schools - alongside the affordable homes and greenery.
Bexleyheath is a leafy suburb with a long history that still adds to the lives of its residents. Fine period properties are dotted throughout the area, from Georgian gems and red-brick Victorian houses to modern houses, and the gardens of historic homes like the Tudor house Hall Place are local amenities. More modern advantages to living in this area include good rail connections and road links, as well as good shopping and entertainment facilities. Families tend to favour this area because of the relatively affordable family homes, great access to green space, and excellent state schools - but young professionals choosing to live in the new-build flats will also find much about Bexleyheath is to their taste.
Blackfen is a largely residential area that is located in the London Borough of Bexley. The name ‘Blackfen' originally referred to the black wetland on which Blackfen used to sit. Bordered by Bexley, Eltham, Sidcup and Welling, Blackfen has many nearby open green spaces that surrounds the River Shuttle which flows through the area. After the sale of The Danston Estate in 1922, Blackfen saw a large-scale housing development which is why there are mainly 1930s homes that sit in the area today. Days Lane, Blackfen Road and Sherwood Park are all thriving and sought-after areas in Blackfen.
Brentford is a West London suburb that benefits from having two rivers, many beautiful parks, and great transport links. As one might expect with an area that has two rivers, there is a lot of waterfront housing, including many new-build apartments. Those who prefer more classic period architecture will also find it in Brentford, and at a much more affordable price than in neighbouring areas like Richmond. Schools in this area are generally good, adding to the amenities for families, and road, rail, and bus links are all good in this part of town.
Bromley is a residential suburb with a lot to offer families in particular. Property is relatively affordable, for London, and the range on offer is wide - everything from detached Edwardian houses to new-build flats can be gound here. There is also good access to green and open spaces, and schools - both primary and secondary schools - are very good. For commuters, there are several rail stations, offering quick commutes to hubs like Victoria and Charing Cross. In 2014, Bromley was ranked as one of the happiest places to live in London by The Information Capital.
Brunswick Park is a district of the London Borough of Barnet. The area is a mix between industrial and residential, and is located to the north of New Southgate and to the South of Oakleigh Park. It was around the 1920s that significant industrial development had began in Brunswick Park, with land released by the cemetery company, the Standard Telephone and Cable housed a factory which went on to employ 14,000 people. At present, there are a number of reasonable properties on offer, in comparison to those of central London prices, which makes the area a great residential option for families and young professionals alike.
Burnt Oak is a suburb which sits to the south of Edgware, in the North London Borough of Barnet. The name ‘Burnt Oak’ had first been recorded in 1754, where it is likely to have referred to the burnt Oak tree which could be found on the eastern side of Edgware road. The area remained predominantly rural until around the 1920s, when the London Underground Station was opened and the London County Council bought the land to build 4,000 homes on. With the rapid development of housing within the area, including many estates, very little grassland is now found in Burnt Oak, and any that is has been turned into public amenities, such as Watling Park.
Carshalton is a villagey suburb on the fringes of London. It is popular with families, who come for the good grammar schools, the wide selection of large family homes, and good local amenities. There are nice parks and ponds, lending to the rural atmosphere, but with the benefits of living on the outskirts of a major city - and with a fair range of local shops and businesses, too. Those who have to commute have their choice of two Zone 5 rail stations, as well as good bus and road links.
Chadwell Heath sits within both the London Borough of Redbridge and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The area is a popular hamlet, situated between the towns of Romford and Ilford, where some of the sought-after streets have their own waiting lists. As properties are at a much lower rate than most other London areas, Chadwell Heath is home to many young professionals and young families alike, with a range of properties that are on offer, from Victorian houses to 1930s houses.
Chessington is a quiet suburb on the fringes of South West London, popular with professional couples with children who are looking for more space to live in. Though it is located about 11 miles from Central London, Chessington has two rail stations with trains that can reach Waterloo in just 30 minutes, making it a good option for commuters.
Chislehurst is a pretty village that has been absorbed into South East London, but managed to retain its rural feel thanks to the protected land that surrounds it. It is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in this part of London, thanks to the combination of the village atmosphere that appeals to families as well as local amenities and proximity and transport links to Central London. Chislehurst offers the best of both rural and city living, and its wide range of property ensures that anyone could find a suitable house here.
Colney Hatch is a small district located within the London Borough of Barnet. The historical name of Colney Hatch originated from a hamlet in the parish of Friern Barnet, which was first recorded in the early 15th century. In 1851, Colney Hatch saw the arrival of the new Middlesex County mental asylum which had its own gasworks, shoemakers, brewery, bakery and farm, becoming the largest mental hospital in Europe and the best-known institution of its kind in the London area. The Colney Hatch Asylum closed in 1993 and was renamed and converted by developers into the Princess Park Manor, which has 250 luxurious apartments set in 30 acres of parklands.
Coulsdon is a town located in Surrey, which has been absorbed by London. Positioned on the fringes of Greater London, this villagey area offers the best of both worlds - the strong sense of community and greenery associated with the small towns, and the benefits of a major city close by and easily accessed by public transport. There is a good selection of homes that are suitable for families, as well as both state and private schools, making this area appealing to young families. Transport links for commuters are good, too, and the area's older residents will enjoy the local amenities - including a medieval church, good shops, and welcoming pubs.
Croydon has had something of a bad reputation for many decades, partly because of its centre filled with unattractive Sixties tower blocks. However, as a major town centre in its own right, yet with affordable prices for London, Croydon deserves a second chance. There is a range of property available in this area, including period properties that would be much more expensive in Zone 2. There are also good shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs in Croydon, so residents need not always go into Central London for entertainment - though if they choose to, or must commute, transport links are excellent. Ongoing investment into the area ensures that Croydon's outlook is only going to improve.
Dagenham used to be a rural Essex village, but was swallowed up by the capital, and now relatively few traves of its ancient history remain - a 12th century church and a listed 18th century pub are hints of its past. The vast green and open spaces also allow residents to feel like Dagenham is still a rural village. More recently, the area has been an industrial centre, with housing for working-class residents built in the Sixties and Seventies. Despite being on the fringes of London, however, the area has excellent transport links, including several stations with access to the District Line and c2c rail services.
Ealing was dubbed the Queen of the Suburbs in the 1880s because of its excellent balance between city and rural living - and whilst London has changed significantly in the many decades since, that title is still deserved. With unrivalled transport links, including access to four Tube lines, rail services, and good bus and road links, Ealing feels very central - however, its huge green and open spaces preserve the area's rural charms. Attractive, spacious houses and schools round out the appeal for families, and young professionals can enjoy the array of shops and restaurants in the area.
East Barnet is a largely residential suburban area within the London Borough of Barnet. A mansion which was later known as the Clockhouse, was one of the first significant developments before the late 17th century, this was then transformed into a parade of shops in 1925 when expansion of the location was underway. The area was suburbanised further following the extension of the Piccadilly Line to Cockfosters in 1933, which saw long rows of semi-detached and terraced properties being built with the intention of replacing all pre-20th century properties, although some had not been completed until after the Second World War.
Edgware was a village until the 1920s, and its long history is still evident in the half-timbered buildings lining its high street. Now, it's an affluent commuter town, popular with families - and it's easy to see why. There is a good supply of semi-detached houses in this area. It's safe, and relatively green, with good schools - and yet, it's on the Tube, and is served by night buses, making it easy and quick to get into Central London.
Enfield straddles the border between North London and Hertfordshire. There are still some 14th-century remnants of Enfield's past as a small town, but today it is a thriving suburb offering the best of both London life and country living. Enfield has several train stations, as well as good bus and road links, making commuting into Central London easy. It's a good place to look for a family home - or a home for pets - that's relatively affordable, in an area with an abundance of green space. Schools are also good, making this area ever popular with families.
Erith is on the fringes of South East London, where the capital has encroached on Kent. The area is a mix of industrial and rural land surrounding the town centre, with salt marshes to the east and a riverside high street. The town was mostly built in the Sixties, and the area has a largely suburban feel. Erith is on the receiving end of a lot of recent and ongoing regeneration efforts, which Bexley Council hopes will make it a place to live in its own right rather than a place that is thought of as being on the very fringe of London.
Feltham is a residential area that is very close to Heathrow Airport, and well-connected to Central London. The area is family-friendly, with affordable property, excellent parks, and good schools. Proximity to Heathrow means that a lot of local business serves the airport, and there are also some major employers based in the area, but road and rail links are excellent for commuters, with trains to Waterloo, access to the Piccadilly Line, and good bus and road links.
Friern Barnet is a suburban development which sits in the London Borough of Barnet. Friern Village was once an area farmed by residents of the Colney Hatch Hospital, which later became the Princess Park Manor. Much like the redevelopment of Princess Park Manor, which saw the original Hospital transformed into luxurious accommodation, many of the larger properties within Friern Barnet have been converted into modern apartments and bedsits. The area is mainly made up of both Victorian and early Edwardian period homes, as well as large homes from later periods and a mix of smaller semi-detached and terraced properties.
Greenford is one of many London suburbs that still retains the feel of the small town it was before the capital absorbed it. Property in Greenford is relatively affordable, and includes many homes that are suitable for families. It has a small town centre, as well as other local amenities - including excellent access to green and open spaces and waterways - but also has outstanding transport links. Greenford is served by the Piccadilly and Central Lines, which run a Night Tube service at weekends, making it easy to get to and from Central London at all hours. Heathrow is also a short Tube ride or drive away.
Hampton is one of many villages that has been absorbed by the capital's sprawl, but it still manages to feel like the riverside resort is was a couple of centuries ago. This is partly because of Hampton's unparalleled access to beautiful green spaces, including Bushy Park, the boutique businesses, and pubs that wouldn't be out of place in the countryside. Add in the fact that there is a wide range of attractive period and modern property, the good schools, and a few Zone 6 rail stations, and this is the perfect place for families - it's no wonder they rarely leave once settled here.
Harrow may be best known for its public boarding school, which has produced many famous and accomplished Britons, but that's far from the only thing this neighbourhood has to offer. A wide range of period and modern property, including a good stock of homes suitable for families, is found in this area. Harrow also offers good access to green space, and yes, good schools - state primary and comprehensive schools, not just the public school. And, located in Zone 5, two Tube stations and the Overground serve a handful of stations - making things easy for commuters, too.
Hayes is a suburban town in West London which is now home to many people who work at Heathrow. It is well-connected to the airport and to Central London, and in fare zone 5, but it can feel much more remote - big parks, waterways, and village pubs make it feel like it's in a much more peaceful setting. Property is relatively affordable in this area, and schools are generally good, making this a good place for families to live.
Formerly a part of Essex, this London suburb is an area with a particularly strong sense of community. Many Hornchurch residents have strong family ties to the area, and will either stay here or eventually return after moving away. A large part of the market is local, but there's a lot to encourage outsiders to move to Hornchurch - there are spacious Twenties and Thirties homes, lovely green spaces, good schools, and of course multiple Tube stations.
Hounslow is a multicultural town located in West London, near Heathrow. It is a relatively affordable place to live, and has a wide range of property types to offer, from purpose-built flats for young professionals to large semi-detached houses for families. There is also a wide selection of schools, and good access to green space, rounding out the requirements for a family-friendly area. For commuters, transport links into and out of Central London by Tube, rail, bus, and road - or even plane - are outstanding.
Ilford has long been torn between its identity as an Essex town and as part of Greater London, and it's as yet unclear how ongoing regeneration - and changes brought on by the arrival of Crossrail - will factor in. However, this is part of why Ilford has something for everyone. The town centre is increasingly full of new-build flats, but there are lovely period properties of all sizes on the outskirts. Transport links and nightlife for young professionals are great, but so are parks and schools for families. And not only does Ilford have something to offer any demographic, but it does so at a bargain, compared to much of London.
Isleworth, like many areas this distance from Central London, used to be a village - and the evidence of that remains in what is now called Old Isleworth, where there are lovely period properties along the river. Though many people look in this area because they are priced out of neighbouring Richmond or Chiswick, Isleworth has many good qualities in its own right that make it a nice place to live, as well as good value for money. The area is popular with young families in particular, who appreciate the greenery and riverfront, good schools, and Thirties semis as well as the transport links.
Kenley is a small town that is just within the borders of London. It is well-connected to nearby Croydon as well as to Central London, but still feels semi-rural - partly because of the easy access to green and open space in the area. There is a good supply of homes that are suitable for families, and a wide selection of schools. Kenley is somewhat quiet, but offers a fair few local amenities, including parks, and it is overall a nice place to live.
Keston is a villagey area that is nominally part of London, but feels like part of the nearby Kent countryside. With acres of green and open space, large detached houses, and small village shops, this is an area that appeals to families and older people in particular. It is quiet and somewhat remote, but its proximity to areas like Bromley or Central London makes up for what Keston itself lacks, from retail options to nightlife.
Kingston upon Thames was once the market town where Saxon kings were crowned. Today, it is a suburb of London, as well as being home to a university. Students, young professionals, and families live side by side in this leafy riverside area, in large Victorian houses, new riverside flats, and everything in between. There is excellent access to green and open space - aside from the river, there are several Royal Parks in the area - as well as the good housing stock and schools. Kingston is also well-connected by rail to Central London, with a Zone 6 station offering services to Waterloo.
Once a Surrey town, Mitcham is now a suburb of London with good transport links to the centre, and to other areas like Croydon or Wimbledon by a relatively new tram. It's a family-friendly area, with a high percentage of residents who are children, affordable family homes, and excellent access to green space. No longer an industrial power source, the River Wandle and the many parks, including Mitcham Common, help Mitcham feel peaceful and green despite the good local commercial development.
Monken Hadley is a suburb which is situated in the London Borough of Barnet. The area was once an ancient country village which grew around St Mary's Church after it was built in 1494, and is now suburban development that is located on the very edge of Greater London. Residents benefit from the scenic greenery around the location, as well as the mix of spacious semi-detached and detached properties which are much more affordable in comparison to the Central London prices.
Morden is a suburb that lies at the end of the Northern Line in Zone 4. Previously overlooked in favour of nearby areas like Wimbledon, various factors are now encouraging Londoners to consider Morden - including the council's plans to improve the high street and the area around the Tube station, as well as building new, affordable homes. The area is already attractive to families, however, with its good supply of family homes, green spaces, and great schools - and young professionals benefit from good transport into Central London, even in the wee hours, with the Northern Line.
New Barnet is an area which sits within the London Borough of Barnet. Development of this residential suburb began in the 1850s, when a Great Northern Railway station was built just a mile from the town centre of High Barnet. As Hertfordshire lies to the North and Central London to the South, many young families and young professionals have been attracted to the area due to having a taste of rural life whilst still benefitting from busy London living. New Barnet offers the most affordable accommodation within the Borough of Barnet, with a mix of elegant Victorian semis and terraced properties.
New Malden, otherwise known as Little Korea because of its large Korean community, is a family-friendly suburb in South West London. There is outstanding access to green and open space in this area, with parks in the neighbourhood and proximity to Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. There's a good supply of houses in this area, particularly Twenties and Thirties houses, and schools are good. Transport links to Central London are also useful for commuters. The large Korean community has also created a range of celebrated restaurants and shops, including karaoke bars, which make for a quirky nightlife scene.
Found the North-Western fringe of Greater London, Northolt is a residential suburb. Northolt does not have much of a town centre, but is well-connected by its own Central Line station and by road and rail. The housing stock in this area is mainly Twenties and Thirties terraces and semis, with many homes that are relatively affordable and which would be suitable for families. The area also has good schools and access to green and open space, contributing to the area's reputation for family-friendliness.
Northwood is a suburban town on the border of Greater London and Hertfordshire. It is known for having an excellent balance between proximity and ease of access to Central London and leafy, quiet roads and green space characteristic of more rural areas. There are three Tube stations served by the Metropolitan Line, making commuting into the centre easy. There are also great schools and large, detached homes here, making this a good place for families, too. Northwood also has a high percentage of residents who are older people, showing that it's an area that appeals to all ages.
Oakleigh Park is a suburban area which is situated in the London Borough of Barnet. The area is commonly regarded as part of both Whetstone and North Barnet although the Oakleigh Park Station gave the location its own identity in 1873 where development then began. Residents range from young families to young professionals, with accommodation in the Oakleigh Park being much more affordable compared to other areas across Greater London.
Orpington is a commuter suburb of London. In the 1960s, the 'Orpington man' was the term for a typical lower-middle-class British voter. If the new-build mansions in the area are anything to go by, some things may have changed in the intervening decades - however, Orpington remains a nice suburb of London. For commuters, there are great rail and road links to Central London and beyond. For families, there are spacious period and modern family homes and great schools. And for everyone else, there are good parks, local shops, and restaurants.
Osidge is a suburban district in the London Borough of Barnet. The area was first recorded in 1176 which was then home to a grand estate that has since seen many owners and had multiple reconstructions. The late owner Thomas Lipton, best remembered for his blends of tea, endowed his home as a hostel for nurses after his death in 1931. This led to the 60-acre estate being once again built up and used as a care home for elderly female residents, which remains its current form. The area borders both Southgate and Enfield and so many similar characteristics are found across the areas, such as the 1930s semi-detached houses. Properties within the area have generous gardens and distinctive ‘ski-ramp’ roofs, which can be found on avenues such as Chase Way.
Pinner is a medieval village that has been absorbed by London's sprawl and now benefits from its historical buildings and traditions as well as London conveniences - including a Tube link.
Purley is a suburb on the southern edge of London, near Croydon. It is popular with families because of the wide range of comparatively affordable family homes and good selection of schools, as well as the good access to green and open space and the countryside. Purley residents don't have to give up the conveniences of London, though - with four train stations, offering quick journeys to Victoria and London Bridge, and the amenities of Croydon accessible by a quick bus ride, Purley offers the best of both worlds.
A leafy green village on the river Thames, Richmond is known for being the favoured home of royalty for hundreds of years. Technically located in Surrey, Richmond nevertheless has excellent transport links, by tube and Overground trains, into central London.
Romford is a town on the edges of London and Essex with a lot to offer its residents. With quick commute times - trains from Romford's London Travelzone stations take about half an hour to Liverpool Street - you'll still feel like you're within easy reach of London, but without the accompanying house prices.
Although the first thing that springs to mind at the mention of Wimbledon is tennis, the area is also known for having a villagey feel, abundant green space, and easy transport into Central London. A historic area, also Wimbledon boasts some special attractions, like numerous horse riding stables in the area and the last dog racing track in London. This area is popular with families, couples, and wealthy ‘crash pad professionals’.