Lisson Grove is an area thathas been overlooked in favour of the neighbours surrounding it - including Marylebone, St John's Wood, Maida Vale, and Regent's Park. Though those places are now synonymous with gentrification, Lisson Grove itself stayed relatively unknown and affordable because of its long-standing reputation for being a slum due to its proximity to the railway tracks and the canals. Much of the property in this area is ex-council homes, and the area itself is somewhat short on amenities like cafes, but there's no shortage of places to go in the nearby areas.
The area has a market that ranges from antiques to produce, and is known for having a vibrant art scene. The locals care about preserving the area's culture, including the antiques shops that are in danger of being priced out of the neighborhood.
Lisson Grove itself is rated as having average crime by the Met police, but it should be noted that the areas directly to the south of the ward are above average and high crime areas - this is not particularly surprising, as almost all of prime central London is a high crime area. This would be true of most major cities. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were both significantly higher than for London overall. The area is, however, considered to have improved significantly, and will continue to improve.
The rate of car ownership in this area is low, at one car per two households. Parking here can be difficult and expensive. Lisson Grove is perilously close to the congestion charge zone. It is not necessary to own a car or drive around here.
There are a great many pubs in this area, and some good restaurants. The area itself may not be the draw for going out, but it is so well-situated among other areas that are nightlife hotspots - and which can be reached easily on foot, by Tube, or by night bus - that finding places to go should not be a concern for people moving to Lisson Grove.
This area is not especially family friendly, and is home to fewer children than London in general. Much of the accommodation is ex-council flats. Regent's Park is nearby for green space, as well as Hyde Park. There is a selection of schools, including some rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and neighbouring Marylebone is famous for its top private schools including international schools.
Much of the housing is ex-local authority flats, though there are some larger Georgian homes in the area. Regent's Park is nearby for green space, as well as Hyde Park.
Lisson Grove is in Zone 1. Although it does not have its own Tube station, it is extremely central, and very well-connected. Marylebone Station is on the Bakerloo Line, and offers mainline rail services. Edgware Road is also on the Bakerloo Line, as well as the Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City Lines. Baker Street is on the Circle, Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan Lines. St. John's Wood is on the Jubilee Line, and Warwick Avenue is on the Bakerloo Line. Paddington is also close by, as is Euston, with its myriad Underground and rail connections. The area is served by numerous bus routes, including night buses.