Lambeth residents may be able to see Big Ben from their doorstep, but this central area has a very different feel than Westminster. The area has true locals, many of whom are catered to with a variety of local, independent shops. Though there are many amenities nearby that tourists flock to, there are also plenty of the sort that are enjoyed daily by residents, including green parks and a stretch of riverfront, local pubs, and restaurants. The area is mainly inhabited by working-age adults, and most of the homes available in this area are flats or apartments - not a lot of children live here. Transport links are outstanding, for work or leisure.
Lambeth is close to the tourist-filled centre of London, and is home to many attractions, but manages to retain a sense of having its own character. There are unpretentious, local pubs and cafes to visit, as well as the East Street Market.
Much of Lambeth falls into a ward that is part of the Central London high-crime area, according to the Met police, while part of it has average crime. The 2014/2015 crime rate in Bishop's ward was many times higher than the London rate, and the violence against the person rate was twice as high. There was also more arson in this area than in London as a whole.
This would be a very difficult and expensive place to have a car. The rate of car ownership in this area is low - about half the London rate - at less than one car for every two households. Road links in the area are okay, including Lambeth Bridge and the A3, but the area is in the Congestion Charge zone.
There's an excellent array of nightlife available to Lambeth residents, including museums and theatres (the Old Vic) as well as local pubs, clubs, and restaurants. All of the West End's nightlife is easily accessible, too - the Northern Line runs a Night Tube service at the weekend.
Lambeth may not be the place to look for a family home. The vast majority of properties in this area - about 90% - fall into the category of flats, maisonettes, and apartments. There's pretty good access to green and open space in this area, however, with Archbishop's Park and a few other green spaces in addition to the Thames footpath. Half as many Lambeth residents are children aged 0-15, compared to overall London residents.
The vast majority of properties in this area - about 90% - fall into the category of flats, maisonettes, and apartments, which may be less suitable for pets. There's pretty good access to green and open space in this area, however, with Archbishop's Park and a few other green spaces in addition to the Thames footpath.
Lambeth is centrally located in Zone 1, and has unbeatable transport links. Lambeth North station is served by the Bakerloo Line, and Kennington and Oval are served by the Northern Line. Elephant & Castle is served by both. Waterloo station is very close to Lambeth North station, and has rail services by South West Trains, as does Vauxhall just south of the neighbourhood. Vauxhall is also served by the Victoria Line. There are many, many local buses, including night buses. Road links in the area are okay, including Lambeth Bridge and the A3, but the area is in the Congestion Charge zone.