Balham was long overlooked by people looking toward neighbouring areas like Clapham, but no longer. In recent years, as families and first-time buyers have awoken to the attractive period property, good transport links, and increasing local amenities, house prices here have soared. This Zone 3 suburb is still close to the action of Central London, but has a peaceful feel because it is sandwiched between Wandsworth, Clapham, and Tooting Commons.
This is an area popular with both families and first-time buyers. People often stay in the area when they trade up if they can afford to. The area now has a good selection of local businesses.
Balham is a safe area, with average crime, according to the Met police crime map. Both the 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were a bit lower than the rates for London as a whole. There are no high-crime hotspots in the wider surrounding area.
Parking in this suburban area is not much of a problem. The rate of car ownership in Balham is just slightly below the London rate. Road links, including the A24 and the South Circular, are fairly good.
The area has a suburban feel, but Balham nonetheless has a good selection of pubs and restaurants - including the famous 1830s pub The Bedford, which hosts a famed comedy club. Balham also has good transport links to travel elsewhere for nightlife, being on the Northern Line.
Housing in this area consists mainly of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which can make suitable family homes. Balham is also situated between Wandsworth, Clapham, and Tooting Commons, giving residents plenty of green space to choose from. Families will also find a selection of good schools in the area. There is a slightly lower percentage of children aged 0-15 living here than in London overall, though the rate is the same as the borough as a whole.
Balham is situated between Wandsworth, Clapham, and Tooting Commons, giving the area a very green feel despite not being very far from Central London. Much of the housing stock is Victorian or Edwardian terrace houses, which may be suitable for pets. This would be a very good place to own a dog.
Balham is a well-connected Zone 3 area of South London. It is served by the Northern Line as well as a National Rail station. Road links, including the A24 and the South Circular, are fairly good. A notably high percentage of residents travel to work by bicycle.