West Kensington is both a residential area and a cosmopolitan enclave. With a diverse population, interesting buildings, and excellent transport links, as well as a number of good schools, the area attracts a wide range of people. Families are drawn to the Brook Green area for the family homes and good schools, including French families after the French primary school there.Young couples and professional sharers like the spacious mansion flats and Victorian terraces.
There is a high percentage of renters in the area, making it fairly transitory, but families who buy houses in Brook Green and mansion flats typically stick around.
This is a safe area in which to live. The Met police rates the neighbourhood as having average crime, and both the 2014 violence against the person rate and crime rate were lower than for London overall. There is a high crime hotspot around Westfield in Shepherd's Bush, and above average crime in neighbouring Hammersmith.
Parking in this area can sometimes be tricky. The rate of car ownership is somewhat low in this area, with about one car per every two households. The area has good road links, including the A4. There are some especially busy roads in this area, including Hammersmith and Talgarth roads.
The area is home to many pubs, and a few bars and clubs. Nearby areas like Chelsea are nightlife hotspots, and this area is well-connected by bus and Tube to help you enjoy them.
Larger flats and family homes are available in the area. There are some smaller areas of green space, including Brook Green, and the Thames is a short walk away. Holland Park is fairly close by. There are a number of good schools in the area - particularly around Brook Green - including state schools that are rated outstanding, Catholic comprehensive schools, and a French primary school. There is a fairly small percentage of children in this area, with around 12% of residents being aged 0-15 compared to 20% for London overall.
There are some more spacious homes in the area, including both large purpose-built flats and houses. There are some smaller areas of green space, including Brook Green, and the Thames is a short walk away. Holland Park is fairly close by. This would be a fairly good place to own a dog.
West Kensington is in Zone 2 and is very well-connected. Barons Court is on the District and Piccadilly Lines. West Kensington is on the District Line. Kensington Olympia and West Brompton are on the District Line and the Overground, and Shepherd's Bush is on the Overground and the Central Line. There are numerous local buses, including some night buses. The area has good road links, including the A4. Heathrow is easily reached via the Piccadilly Line.