Talking about Nine Elms is to a large extent a conversation about future potential. It is an area of London that is in the midst of a lot of redevelopment - the plans for the US Embassy to relocate here have prompted additional development, and there will be several new luxury apartment buildings and a new Northern Line extension, too. This part of the Southbank will soon benefit from the transport links and recognition that its neighbours - including Battersea - already do.
This area is in flux, and its character will likely change a lot with the landscape as new buildings - including the US Embassy - are finished. There will be more residential development as well as new businesses -all aimed at 'cultural placemaking'.
Nine Elms is a safe place to live. The neighbourhood itself and the majority of the surrounding area have an average crime rating from the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were both lower in this area than in London as a whole.
It's on the difficult and expensive side to park in this area. The rate of car ownership is fairly low here, at about one car for every two households. Road links are fairly good, but congested - and you'll need to watch out for the congestion charge zone.
Nine Elms itself may not have a huge range of nightlife (yet), but it's easy to get to Vauxhall, Chelsea, or other nightlife destinations - and even that is set to get easier with the new Northern Line station. As the development progresses, Nine Elms is set to become a cultural hub with an array of bars, nightclubs, and galleries.
Nine Elms is not an especially family-orientated area. Most of the housing consists of flats and apartments, and many of these are luxury developments. It's highly urban - however, there's pretty good access to green and open space, with the riverfront and Battersea Park on your doorstep. There's also a range of 'good' schools, both primaries and secondaries. The population of children in this area is low compared to the percentage of children aged 0-15 in London overall.
Nine Elms isn't an especially good part of London to raise a pet. Most of the housing consists of flats and apartments, and many of these are luxury developments, which may be less suitable for pets. The area's character is highly urban - however, there's still pretty good access to green and open space, with the riverfront and Battersea Park on your doorstep for dog walking.
This Zone 1 area is already well-connected, thanks to neighbouring stations, but will become even better when the new Northern Line station is built. For now, there is Vauxhall for the Victoria Line and South West trains, Battersea Park for Southern trains and the Overground, and Queenstown Road for South West trains. You will be within walking or cycling distance of many of London's landmarks, and indeed many residents cycle. Road links are good, but can be very congested - and mind the congestion charge zone, too.