Oval is a centrally located neighbourhood with outstanding transport links and good housing stock. The area also has good local amenities, ranging from pubs and restaurants to green spaces. It is not particularly a family area, with a higher proportion of residents being working-age adults, but it does have the necessary infrastructure for families. With access to both the Northern and Victoria Lines at several stations, it is easy to get around London for work or to enjoy nightlife in other parts of town, while offering a new-build flat or Georgian gem to return home to.
Despite being very central and built-up, Oval has a good range of local pubs and independent restaurants, helping to foster a sense of community in the area. A fairly high proportion of households are rented, and this is not especially a family area.
Oval has an average crime rating from the Met police, but the 2014/2015 crime and violence against the person rates in the ward were both higher than the overall London rates. Oval is also relatively near the Central London high-crime area.
This isn't a very good place to own a car. The rate of car ownership in this area is half that of London as a whole, at less than one car for every two households. Road links - including Vauxhall Bridge and the A3 and A23 - are good, but often very congested. You'll also have to be careful of the Congestion Charge Zone.
Oval is a good place to be if you're interested in nightlife - with a good range of restaurants and pubs in the area, there's much to do near home, but Oval also has excellent transport links into areas known for their nightlife, including Brixton and the West End. The Northern and Victoria lines offer a Night Tube service at the weekend, and there are several night buses serving the area, too.
Housing in this area varies, and includes some Georgian and Victorian terraces - though many of these have been subdivided into flats. Kennington offers fairly good access to green and open space, including the iconic cricket ground, Kennington Park, Vauxhall Park, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and of course the Thames riverfront. There's a selection of both primary and secondary schools in the area. The percentage of children aged 0-15 living in this area is low for London, at about 14% - compared to a London percentage of 20%.
Most of the housing in this area consists of flats, which may be less suitable for pets. However, there are some period terraces and conversions that would make good homes for animals. There is fairly good access to green and open space in this area, including Kennington Park, Vauxhall Park, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and of course the Thames riverfront.
Oval is very centrally located, in Zone 2, and has good access to the Tube. Oval and Kennington Stations stations are served by the Northern Line. Vauxhall offers access to the Victoria Line, as does Pimlico, and Stockwell is served by both the Victoria and Northern Lines. The area is very well served by local buses, including night buses. Road links - including Vauxhall Bridge and the A3 and A23 - are good, but often very congested. You'll also have to be careful of the Congestion Charge Zone.