Acton is home to a mixed, multicultural population that includes a significant number of young professionals as well as families. Though it is still working to overcome a now-outdated reputation as a less desirable place to live, it is now an increasingly nice, cosmopolitan area. Within it is a numer of distinct smaller residential, zones each with a slightly different character, to choose from. The area has large, period houses, green space, and a number of shops, pubs, and bars, as well as excellent transport links. Acton has more stations than anywhere else in London, with 4 Tube stations and 3 rail stations.
The community spirit here is strong. Acton is a very multicultural area with a significant number of residents that are young working professionals, many of whom enjoy the buzzing nightlife in the area. There are also many families in the area. Acton has both a local market and a farmers market each weekend, and community and art projects for locals are hosted at Acton Park.
Though some people continue to think of Acton as an area that's a little rough around the edges, it is a safe area of London. The neighbourhood - as well as the wider surrounding area - has average crime, according to the Met police. A few sub-wards between Acton Central and Acton Town stations have above average crime. The 2014/2015 crime rate for Acton Central ward was slightly below that of London overall, while the violence against the person rate was a touch higher.
Parking cost and difficulty is about average for London. Slightly fewer people own cars in this area than in London overall, at a rate of 0.7 cars per household. Access to the M4 and the M25 are good.
There are many bars and pubs in the area, catering to a significant population of young professionals. Transport links in the area, including by late-night buses and the soon-to-arrive Night Tube, is good.
Acton has many large, period homes that would be suitable for families. Schools, including religious, prep, and state schools, tend to be good. There is good access to green space, and Acton Park has a dedicated children's playground in addition to numerous other facilities. There are about as many children in this area as in London overall, with about 1 in 5 residents being a child aged 0-15, but a population of younger working professionals adds balance and keeps the nightlife in the area active.
The area is known for having many larger-sized homes, and has very good access to green space. Springfield Gardens, Acton Park, Gunnersbury Park, and Ealing Common are all nearby for dog walking. This would be a good place to own a pet.
Acton straddles Zones 2 and 3, and is very well connected. North Acton (Zone 2/3), East Acton (Zone 2), and West Acton (Zone 3) are on the Central Line. Acton Town (Zone 3) is on the Piccadilly and District Lines. South Acton and Acton Central are on the Overground, and mainline rail services are accessed at Acton Main Line and Ealing Broadway. The area is well served by local buses, including night buses. It's easy and quick to get to Heathrow, via the Piccadilly Line, and relatively inexpensive by cab. There will soon also be a Crossrail/HS2 hub in this neighbourhood. Access to the M4 and the M25 are good.