Clapham is area of South West London with an exceptionally broad appeal, drawing in City bankers and their families to live in large period houses near the Common and top schools as well as young professionals who seek good transport connections and a vibrant social scene and lively nightlife. Local amenities, in addition to beautiful architecture, acres of green space, and nightlife, include no shortage of shopping and dining options - meaning that you may not need to make use of Clapham's three Tube and two rail stations as often as you think.
This is an area that is popular with City bankers and their families, as well as young professionals buying with help from their parents. The area generally has some staying power among those who can afford to trade up from a flat to a house when necessary, but some families prefer to move further out - sometimes all the way to the home counties.
Clapham is a safe area, rated as having average crime by the Met police. The nearest above-average crime hotspot is in Brixton, around the station. However, some wards - including Clapham Town - had higher crime and violence against the person rates in 2014/2015 than the rates for London as a whole.
Parking is about average in this area. Car ownership is generally a bit lower in Clapham than it is in London as a whole. Road links are fairly good, and include the A3 and the South Circular.
Clapham has a varied and lively nightlife scene in its own right, that ranges from pubs and restaurants from cocktail bars and nightclubs. The area is also well-connected to other nightlife hotspots in Central London by the Northern Line, which runs 24/7 at the weekend, the Overground, or by bus.
Family houses comprise the majority of the housing market in this area - mainly larger Victorian terraces with four or more bedrooms. There's no shortage of green space or children's play facilities in this area. Clapham Common is beloved by residents, and there are several other parks nearby, including Brockwell Park, Tooting Bec Common, Wandsworth Common, and Battersea Park. Schools, both state and private, are generally very good and highly sought-after. The age distribution in Clapham suggests fewer children aged 0-15 in this area than in London as a whole, but still a significant number of families.
Much of the property in this area is large Victorian terraces, which would be suitable homes for pets. Clapham isn't short of green and open space. Clapham Common is beloved by residents, and there are several other parks nearby, including Brockwell Park, Tooting Bec Common, Wandsworth Common, and Battersea Park. This would be a great place to own a dog.
This is an extremely well-connected Zone 2 area, with three Tube stations on the Northern Line: Clapham North, Clapham Common, and Clapham South. There is also Overground access at Clapham High Street. Clapham Junction is a major rail hub, with the Overground as well as trains to Waterloo and Victoria that have a journey time of a quarter of an hour, and access to the south of England. The area is well-served by buses, and road links, including the A3 and the South Circular, are fairly good.