Living in Fulham

The sense of community in Fulham is strong, bolstered by active residents’ associations, regular local events, and welcoming green spaces. The area boasts weekly farmers’ markets— such as the Parsons Green Farmers’ Market— and several community centres offering groups and classes for all ages.

Major parks like Bishops Park and Parsons Green provide scenic spots for picnics, exercise, and gatherings. Social activities abound, from Fulham Palace with its public gardens and events, to rowing and boating along the River Thames. The area’s local shops and cafés give it a village-like feel, and sporting fixtures involving the area’s football clubs serve as regular social events.

Fulham is widely perceived as a safe and secure part of London, particularly relative to its central-city location. Crime rates in Fulham are generally below the London average, with the area benefiting from visible community policing and neighbourhood watch schemes.

Certain pockets near transport hubs and busier commercial streets may see higher activity, but residential streets, parks, and riverside walks have a solid reputation for safety. The presence of stewarding on matchdays and regular patrols around entertainment venues helps maintain public order and a sense of security.

The council runs initiatives such as the Safer Fulham Partnership, focusing on reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting community resilience. Trends over recent years show stable levels of reported crime, supported by active local engagement schemes.

Parking in Fulham can be challenging due to its popularity and density, especially during peak hours and on matchdays. Most residential roads operate controlled parking zones, requiring permits for residents or pay-by-phone options for visitors. Parking spaces are in high demand particularly near commercial streets and tube stations, so planning ahead is recommended.

Fulham is situated close to major arterial routes, with the A4 and A308 providing direct access to central London or towards Surrey and the M4 motorway. Non-residents should be aware of local parking restrictions and occasional event-related closures near Craven Cottage or Stamford Bridge stadiums.

Nearby town and city road connections:

• Hammersmith – approx. 10 minutes via A219 (2 miles)
• Chelsea – approx. 5 minutes via Fulham Road (1 mile)
• Wimbledon – approx. 20 minutes via A308 (4.5 miles)
• Central London – approx. 25 minutes via A4 (5 miles)

Fulham’s food scene is diverse, ranging from historic pubs such as The White Horse on Parsons Green to contemporary eateries and artisan cafés like GAIL’s Bakery and St. Clements. The area is known for quality gastropubs, independent coffee shops, along with Italian, Middle Eastern, and French restaurants catering to a varied palate.

For nights out, there are a number of wine bars and cocktail spots dotted around Fulham Broadway and New King’s Road. While Fulham isn’t a clubbing hotspot like nearby Clapham, its atmosphere in the evenings remains vibrant thanks to local pubs and occasional live music.

Pret a Manger, Market Hall Fulham, and numerous takeaways provide casual dining options. With a generally more relaxed than raucous nightlife, Fulham appeals to those who appreciate quality food and conversation-friendly venues rather than late-night partying.

School quality: Families benefit from several highly rated primary and secondary schools, both state and independent, fostering a positive learning environment.

Parks and green space: Fulham offers ample access to parks such as Bishops Park, South Park, and Eel Brook Common, ideal for children’s activities and outdoor leisure.

Childcare: Nurseries and after-school care options are widely available, with many rated positively by parents and Ofsted.

Safety: The area is considered one of the safer central London districts, with strong community ties strengthening the sense of security.

Family activities: Fulham Palace, library programmes, and children’s sports clubs provide a wide range of activities for young families, making the area attractive for those prioritising a family-friendly lifestyle.

Fulham’s access to expansive parks and riverside walks makes it appealing for pet owners. Bishops Park and Eel Brook Common provide open spaces popular among dog walkers, while the Thames Path offers long, scenic walks for dogs and their owners.

Several local groomers, veterinary clinics, and pet supply shops are situated along Fulham Road and nearby. Many pubs and cafés offer water bowls and dog treats, reflecting a generally welcoming attitude to pets in local housing and public spaces.

For those seeking adventure, nearby Hurlingham Park and the wetlands of Barnes are ideal for weekend outings. Local landlords have become increasingly flexible about pet ownership— though it is still advisable to check tenancy agreements carefully.

Fulham benefits from multiple transport options facilitating both city centre commutes and access to national networks. Its Underground stations—Fulham Broadway, Parsons Green, and Putney Bridge—all serve the District Line, connecting residents directly to key locations such as Victoria, Embankment, and Westminster.

Numerous London bus routes traverse the area, linking Fulham to Chelsea, Hammersmith, Clapham and beyond. Cyclists benefit from dedicated routes through the borough and riverside paths. Putney Bridge and Wandsworth Bridge make driving or cycling across the Thames convenient.

Access to National Rail is found nearby at West Brompton and Imperial Wharf (London Overground), enabling travel to Clapham Junction or Shepherd’s Bush. Heathrow Airport is accessible in about 35-40 minutes by car or via London Underground with a change at Earl’s Court. For regular commuters, journey times are as follows:

• Central London (Victoria): approx. 15–20 minutes via District Line
• Hammersmith: approx. 10 minutes by tube or bus
• Clapham Junction: approx. 15 minutes by Overground
• Heathrow Airport: approx. 40 minutes via tube or car
• King’s Cross: approx. 30 minutes via tube

Fulham has a strong reputation for education, featuring a range of well-regarded state and independent schools.

Primary Schools:

Fulham Primary School and Sulivan Primary School are noted for their active community engagement, with Sulivan receiving a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2023. St. John's Walham Green Church of England Primary, also rated 'Good' (2022), is another popular choice in the area, as is Holy Cross RC Primary School, known for its positive reputation and nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools:

Fulham Cross Academy is a co-educational secondary school with modern facilities and a focus on STEM subjects, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. The London Oratory School, situated close by, is well-known for its academic rigour and traditions. Lady Margaret School for girls (Ofsted 'Outstanding', 2022) is highly sought after, as is Fulham College Boys’ School (rated 'Good', 2023).

Independent Schools:

The Fulham Prep School and Parsons Green Prep provide independent education for families seeking alternative options, while the French Lycée Charles de Gaulle’s Fulham site offers bilingual education reflecting the area’s international community. Also notable are Thomas’s Fulham and Sinclair House School.

Colleges and Universities:

While Fulham is not home to a major university campus, it is well located for students with easy access to Imperial College London and King's College London. The nearby Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College’s Hammersmith campus extends post-16 and adult learning opportunities easily reachable from Fulham.