Brixton is one of the most rapidly-changed areas in London. As recently as the 1990s, it was considered unsafe - now, the primary concern from a lot of residents is whether the area is gentrifying too quickly, at the expense of the neighbourhood's residents and its character. However, as it stands, the area is ethnically and economically diverse, and loved by both young professionals and families. Brixton is one of the parts of London that truly deserves to be described as 'vibrant'.
People are very attached to this area, and tend to move up the housing ladder to a house within Brixton, if they can afford to. The area has an abundance of local character and independent businesses. It's also a diverse area with a longstanding Afro-Caribbean community.
Though Brixton is struggling to shed a reputation for roughness that is no longer entirely deserved, there are pockets of elevated crime, including a ward with above-average crime - according to the Met police. Most of the surrounding area has average crime. The 2014/2015 crime and violence against the person rates in the wards comprising the area varied, with some rates significantly higher than the rates for London as a whole.
Parking is about average for London in this area. The rate of car ownership is generally low, at close to half the London rate or a little under one car for every two households. Road links are fairly good, and include the A23 to the South Circular.
Brixton is a hotspot for lively and trendy nightlife, attracting visitors from all over London. There is a wide range on offer here, from live music and clubs to hip restaurants and bars. Transport links, including late at night, are good for the rare occasions that residents feel the need to explore nightlife elsewhere.
Brixton attracts families who are priced out of neighbouring areas like Clapham, but also retains young professionals who are starting families if they can afford to upsize from a flat to a house. Schools, including the primaries and comprehensives, are generally good - with several 'outstanding' options. There is a private pre-prep school as well. Brockwell Park, to the south of Brixton, is much-loved and contains a children's playground and a Lido. Some wards in the area have a fairly low population of children aged 0-15, but overall there are significant numbers of families in the neighbourhood.
The range of property available in Brixton includes some larger homes which would be suitable for pets, though many larger houses are divided into flats. Brockwell Park, to the south of Brixton, is a very popular park. Clapham common is also nearby, and there are numerous smaller parks in the area.
This is an exceedingly well-connected Zone 2 neighbourhood, despite being south of the river. Brixton's station is served by the Victoria line, as well as Southern Trains. Stockwell is on the Northern Line and the Victoria Line. Clapham North is on the Northern Line. Clapham High Street is served by the Overground and Southeastern trains. Loughborough is served by Thameslink. The area is well-served by local buses. Road links are fairly good, and include the A23 to the South Circular.