The best areas to live in London in 2024

Moving to London, whether it’s for a new job, to study or just for a change of scenery, is an incredibly exciting time. London is full of things to do, from music to food, theatre to nightlife, and parks to shopping. 

The possibilities are endless. 

This is why relocating to London can also feel a bit daunting because where do you start? Do you want to live in the city centre? North London? South London? East London? Are you more into quiet residential streets and green spaces or a livelier scene? 

There’s a lot to consider but the good news is that London has a place for everybody, and there are plenty of brilliant areas to rent in London. In this guide, we’ll run you through some of the best places to live in London and give you tips on finding the best area of London for you. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to know to pick your spot and book accommodation viewings. 

Ready to find your spot London?

The best areas to live in London – Bloomsbury WC1, Zone 1

Bloomsbury is a prime location in London’s West End. Its Georgian townhouses epitomise what it means to live in central London. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the city, but with so much to do in the area and most of central London within walking distance, you’ll rarely have a reason to leave.

Bloomsbury is one of London’s most picturesque areas and is steeped in culture and history. You can find the British Museum here, as well as the Charles Dickens Museum (to name just a couple in the area). This makes Bloomsbury a rather fitting location for some of central London’s best universities, including UCL and the University of London. Grab a book from one of the many bookshops in the area, then sit down and read in a leafy garden square or independent cafe. 

Bloomsbury’s lively restaurant, cafe and bar scene offer a well-earned break from a hard day’s work. Shopping in nearby Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road is just a stone’s throw away. You’ll also find great eateries in nearby Fitzrovia, Covent Garden and Clerkenwell. Euston, Kings Cross, and Russel Square stations are all within walking distance of Bloomsbury if you fancy exploring more of what London has to offer.

Check out your accommodation options in Bloomsbury

 

 

The best areas to live in London – Euston NW1, Zone 1

Renting near Euston will give you plenty to do on your doorstep. It’s close to bustling Camden as well as the peaceful Regent’s Park.

Euston is a prime location close to the centre of London and trendy Camden. You can spend your days within the area, which is home to Regent’s Park and the British Library. Nearby Charlotte Street is lined with great restaurants that offer a perfect place to sit outside or inside and people-watch.

The area is perfect for young professionals and students, with plenty of modern office blocks and universities within walking distance. Euston is also a convenient area to live in if you plan to commute to and from work or university. You’ll be minutes away from Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street and King’s Cross stations.

You can also travel further afield to Paris, Lille or Brussels for the weekend from St Pancras Station.

See your accommodation options in Euston.

The best areas to live in London – Pimlico SW1V, Zone 1

Pimlico is an upscale residential area located in the City of Westminster. Its streets are lined with beautiful Georgian houses, many of which are actually Grade II listed buildings. Pimlico is quiet and peaceful, with plenty to do both within the area and nearby.

The area is close to the shopping districts of Chelsea, Knightsbridge (where you’ll find Harrods) and High Street Kensington.

You’ll be able to tick off some of London’s most iconic landmarks from your bucket list, with the London Eye and Big Ben just a 15-minute walk away. The Tate London is also nearby on Millbank, as well as Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery which can be found just over Vauxhall Bridge. You don’t have to worry about seeing tourists on your doorstep 24/7, though, because Pimlico is tucked away from these busy areas.

It’s a great location for joggers who can enjoy a waterside run along the Thames Path. Nature enthusiasts will also love the gardens and squares within Pimlico.

Take a look at Pimlico accommodation options.

The best areas to live in London – Earls Court Kensington SW5, Zone 1

 

Earls Court offers slightly more affordable living within central London than neighbouring areas such as South Kensington. Its streets are lined with brightly coloured houses such as those which can be seen on Wallgrave Road, which offers a delightful stroll on a summer’s evening.

The area is convenient to rent privately in London as Earls Court Station offers easy access to anywhere in central London. If you want to stay close to home, then Kensington High Street is a 10-minute walk away from all your shopping needs. Some of London’s best museums are only a short walk away, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A.

Fancy a break from all of the hustle and bustle of the city? Then head to Holland Park which has a peaceful Japanese garden and woodland area. You might even spot a peacock whilst out on your morning walk.

Check out accommodation options in Earl’s Court.

The best areas to live in London – Hampstead NW3, Zone 2

Hampstead is famous for its village feel, leafy streets and (in our opinion) one of the best parks in London…If not, the world! Rental property in the area is highly sought-after and comes at a premium. Located in the north London Borough of Camden, Hampstead is a quaint and charming area.

Foodies will love the excellent selection of gastropubs and upmarket restaurants right on their doorstep. While fashionistas will love the independent shopping boutiques.

Hampstead also has plenty of green space. Hampstead Heath offers 320 hectares of greenery, and just in case that wasn’t enough, the area boasts numerous picturesque parks, including Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill. You can go from the great outdoors right into the city from Hampstead Heath Station. Or look from afar at Parliament Hill, which offers great city skyline views.

See your accommodation options in Hampstead.

The best areas to live in London – West Kensington W14, Zone 2

Conveniently situated between Shepherd’s Bush, Earl’s Court, Fulham and Hammersmith sits West Kensington. A quiet residential area made up of quintessentially London Victorian terraced houses, which offer generously proportioned flats. Rent is also significantly cheaper than the rest of Kensington and Chelsea and you’re still close to places like Hyde Park. 

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the busier areas of High Street Kensington and Earls Court. West Kensington, Earls Court and Barons Court stations offer great links to the likes of Knightsbridge, Piccadilly Circus and the City of London.

West Kensington is another foodie favourite, with a well-known selection of Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants on North End Road, as well as gastropubs dotted all over the area. If the theatre is your thing, then you’ll love the niche productions staged at Barons Court Theatre. If you’re into live sports, then be sure to catch some of the big-name tennis tournaments at the Queen’s Club.

Take a look at accommodation in West Kensington.

The best areas to live in London – Hammersmith and Fulham W6, Zone 2

Last, and by no means least, is an area that captures the charm of South West London perfectly. The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is a great area to live, especially if you’re new to the city.

This is because it has something for everyone with great transport links to the rest of the city. From eateries on Fulham Broadway to famous furniture shops on Wandsworth Bridge Road, riverside walks and independent boutiques. You name it, it’s got it. There’s also loads of live music venues like the Hammersmith Apollo which has a packed calendar of gigs. Hammersmith and Parson’s Green stations are also a short 15-minute journey to the City.

What’s more, is that Hammersmith and Fulham offer a real community for young professionals. A community which works together to look after its local area, such as the Walled Garden in Ravenscourt Park which has been maintained by volunteers since 2002. It’s also a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Find your London home in Hammersmith and Fulham today.

How to find the best area to live in London for you

So there you have it, seven of the best areas to live in London in 2024. As you can see, there are big differences between the different areas in London and while that might make your choice seem a bit daunting — it means there’s something for everyone, including you. 

But before you start booking viewing for places to live, it’s important to work out what you want from where you live. We’ve put together five quick steps to work out the best area for you in London.

Step 1 — Think about what matters to you

The first step in finding your ideal area to live in London is to sit down and make a list of what’s most important to you. Do you prioritise being close to work or leisure? Is having green space nearby for walks and leisure important? Or maybe you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife or a strong community feel?

Think about the things you enjoy doing where you currently live and list the most important things to have when you move. When you start your search knowing what matters most, you can narrow down your options from the get-go. 

Step 2 — Research your options

London is a massive mix of neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe and personality. From the historic elegance of areas like Notting Hill and Kensington to the buzzing streets of Shoreditch, the city offers a wide range of options.

Spend some time researching the character of different areas. Websites, forums, and social media groups dedicated to living in London can offer really helpful information on what it’s like to live in these areas. Consider what works with your lifestyle — whether you prefer a bit of peace and quiet and green spaces like those in Hampstead or the more exciting vibrant nightlife of Hammersmith.

When you’re looking for a flat to rent in London, don’t forget that getting around London is easy so if you choose a quieter area, you can still experience the livelier side of London life easily. 

Step 3 — Consider your commute

If you’re moving to London for work, your daily commute can have a big impact on your quality of life, so think about how each area would affect your journey to work. London’s public transport system is extensive, but travel times can vary greatly depending on where you live. 

Use transport apps to check commute times from different areas to where you’ll be working. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your commute as well, as travel expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’re travelling across multiple zones.

Step 4 — Work out your budget

London’s living costs can vary significantly from one area to another, with rent being the largest expense for most people. Before falling in love with an area, make sure it matches up with your financial situation. 

Websites that list property prices and rental rates can help you get an idea of what you can afford. Remember to also consider other living costs, such as council tax, utilities, and groceries, which can vary depending on the area. If you can, look for all-inclusive accommodation to save money and the hassle of paying for everything separately. 

Step 5 — Take a day trip to the area

There’s no better way to find out if you like an area than by visiting in person. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential neighbourhoods, take a trip and visit them if you can. Walk around at different times of the day, including during the evening, to get a feel for the area’s atmosphere, and safety and see if you like it. 

If you can’t visit London before moving there, take a look at the areas on Google Maps and take a virtual walk around the neighbourhood. It’s not quite the same, but it should give you a sense of the area and help you to make your decision. If you know anyone already in London, get their thoughts on the areas you’re considering. 

By following these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the best area in London that suits your lifestyle and budget. Remember, choosing where to live is a big decision, but it’s not a permanent one. Most people who live in London will move between a couple of areas before finding the perfect one for them. Plus, if you choose one of the areas we’ve highlighted in this guide, you’re bound to have a brilliant experience. 

Ready to find your place in London? 

And there we have it. A complete guide to the best areas to live in London. We hope you found it helpful in narrowing down where to rent a flat in London. Wherever you end up, there’s always something to see and do in London and living centrally in the heart of the action means you’ll never miss a beat.

If you’re ready to find the best place to live in London, Studios2Let are here to help. We have all-inclusive short and long-term studio flats in the best areas of London. They come with everything newcomers need to settle in and feel at home in the city, including: 

• CCTV surveillance in shared spaces and entry points for enhanced security.
• Secure access via fob keys, ensuring resident safety.
• An entry phone system linked to TV-based CCTV for added peace of mind.
• Complimentary high-speed wifi internet for all your online needs.
• Digital TV screens featuring a selection of SKY TV channels for your entertainment.
• Fully stocked kitchens equipped with modern appliances
• Convenient in-house laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers

Ready to find your home in London? Explore our London studio flats today and book a viewing (in-person or virtually). If you have any questions, please get in touch and we’ll do everything we can to help.

About Studios2Let

At Studios2Let, we manage numerous fully-furnished studio flats in London. All of our studio apartments come with utility bills included, as well as no deposits or agency fees. We most rent studios for professionals and students in London’s most central and desirable areas. If you need any extra information or advice on the best areas to live in London, then please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be glad to help you narrow down the search for your next home.