Little Venice is a canal-side enclave near Maida Vale, which is known for its lovely stucco houses and wide, tree-lined streets. Famous residents like Kate Moss and Sir Alec Guiness have been drawn to this lovely and quirky area alonf the Grand Union Canal, which has the amenities to suit the rich and famous. Beautiful garden squares, high-end dining, and cultural venues from the BBC Maida Vale studios to the floating art gallery Cascade draw both residents and visitors to this neighbourhood.
This is a very quaint and peaceful neighbourhood, and certain sets will find a built-in community, whether they be celebrities joining the ranks who already call Little Venice home, or houseboats taking up a mooring in the canal. Houses in this area are often held onto for many decades, and are treasured. The area also has many local mums' groups.
Little Venice is a safe place to live, and is rated 'average' by the Met police. The 2014/2015 crime and violence against the person rates were both slightly lower than for London overall. However, there are a number of high crime hotspots very nearby - mostly immediately south of the neighbourhood, as much of prime Central London is considered to have high crime - which could mean looking at statistics for your street is more important here.
It can be difficult and expensive to find parking in this area. Fewer people own a car in this area than in London overall, at a rate of just over one car for every two households. The congestion zone is nearby, but does not include this area. There is nearby access to the A40.
Swanky restaurants, pubs, and bars abound in this area, and it is an easy trip on land or by canal to Camden Town for gigs and nightclubs - just don't fall into the water after a drink or three!
Little Venice is a family-friendly area. Schools in this area, including state primary and secondary schools as well as private schools, are very good, and there are many local groups for mums. There are many lovely communal gardens in the area, for residents only, as well as cycle and footpaths along the canal - which are a great way to get to the wide open space of Regent's Park. Paddington Sports Club is one of a few venues for sport. There is a similar, if slightly smaller, proportion of children aged 0-15 to working aged adults in this area as compared to London as a whole. The area is multi-faith, and has a synagogue.
There are a number of very spacious homes with access to residents-only gardens in this area. You can also walk along the canal to Regent's Park. This would be a very good place to own a dog.
Little Venice is centrally located in Zone 2. For conventional travel, there are Maida Vale and Warwick Avenue, both on the Bakerloo Line, and Westbourne Park and Royal Oak are on the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines. Paddington is also nearby, with express trains to Heathrow. There are also buses, including nightbuses, serving the area. But for a more interesting journey, try the London Waterbus to get to Regent's Park and Camden Lock.