Are you getting tired of your lengthy daily commute but afraid of the price tag that comes with moving into central London? Then take a look at our breakdown of where you can live more affordably, but still be less than 30 minutes away from Zone 1.
You work in… Notting Hill Gate
Notting Hill is known for its upmarket shops and restaurants and for its affluent residents, meaning that if you’re working in the area, you might be hard pressed to find a property that suits your budget. We’ve highlighted three neighbouring areas that will cut down your commute time and not your bank balance.
Hammersmith
From 13 minutes, District Line then Piccadilly Line
Hammersmith has been broken down into several different districts, including Brook Green and Stamford Brook, but has Hammersmith Broadway at its heart. Here you will find numerous well recognised amenities and both its underground stations that provide access to the District, Piccadilly, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines. There is a diverse selection of properties, including the more recent new build additions such as Bentley Place.
Take a look at properties for sale in Hammersmith and properties to rent in Hammersmith.
Shepherd's Bush
From 3 minutes, Central Line
Home to London Westfield shopping centre and the now converted BBC Television Centre, Shepherd’s Bush has been undergoing regeneration over recent years and is rising in popularity amongst buyers and renters. It has access to numerous shops and restaurants, along with fantastic transport links and a range of property types, from large period family houses to more affordable ex local authority flats that are perfect for first-time buyers.
Take a look at properties for sale in Shepherd's Bush and properties to rent in Shepherd's Bush.
East Acton
From 9 minutes, Central line
Lesser known than Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush, East Acton can offer buyers and renters more for their money while still having fast connections to central London via the Central Line, as well as having good access to the A40 for travelling out of London. Typically you will find three or two bedroom terraced houses in the area.
Take a look at properties for sale in East Acton and properties to rent in East Acton.
You work in… King’s Cross
Surrounded by famous attractions and renowned as a transport hub, King’s Cross is not known for having much property stock available, meaning if you work there you need to look further afield for an affordable home. Take a look at our three suggested areas.
Harringay
From 14 minutes, Great Northern then Victoria Line
Harringay is a residential area of North London presenting plenty of peaceful spots and an appealing mix of shops, cafes and restaurants that can mostly be found along its main shopping street: Green Lanes. Finsbury Park is also within easy reach and includes the beautiful Mackenzie Gardens. Mostly period properties are available in Harringay for sale and to rent.
Take a look at properties for sale in Harringay and properties to rent in Harringay.
Wood Green
From 13 minutes, Piccadilly Line then Victoria Line
Wood Green boasts a large town centre, ongoing regeneration and great transport links, while nearby attractions include Alexandra Palace and the 196 acres of beautiful parkland surrounding the building. Wood Green’s property portfolio consists of predominantly Edwardian and Victorian period conversions (read our blog for the differences in an Edwardian house vs Victorian), but there are also a few modern purpose-built apartment blocks, as well as ex-local authority flats.
Take a look at properties for sale in Wood Green and properties to rent in Wood Green.
Walthamstow
From 14 minutes, Victoria Line
Having experienced a surge in demand over the last 5-10 years, Walthamstow has become a place of change. An increasing number of independent restaurants, bars and shops have popped up in the area, sitting alongside well-established local favourites. The area also boasts Walthamstow Market – the longest outdoor street market in Europe. Expect varied property types, including the Warner-style flat that is unique to E17 and new developments.
Take a look at properties for sale in Walthamstow and properties to rent in Walthamstow.
You Work in…Victoria
Unless you’re the Queen, finding a property in the centre of Westminster can prove to be a bit difficult. If you work in Victoria, then take advantage of its transport connections to live within easy reach of your job but with a bit more breathing room.
Brixton
From 7 minutes, Victoria Line
Known for its thriving art scene, diverse culture and pop-up shops, Brixton provides fast connections to central London with the Victoria Line running 24 hours, while maintaining its own distinct personality and community feel. Buyers and renters can find predominantly Victorian period properties mixed with some Georgian, 1930s housing and new builds.
Take a look at properties for sale in Brixton and properties to rent in Brixton.
Streatham
From 17 minutes, Southern Rail
Being on the receiving end of major redevelopment, Streatham has risen in popularity over recent years. Proving particularly attractive to families due to its community feel, improving schools and green open spaces, including Streatham Common, the area also appeals to professionals due to its fantastic transport links and range of independent and high street shops along Streatham High Road.
Take a look at properties for sale in Streatham and properties to rent in Streatham.
Croydon
From 16 minutes, Southern Rail
Croydon has moved into the limelight over the past few years due to its ongoing regeneration, close proximity to central London, as well as its extensive range of amenities, including the recently introduced Croydon Box Park. It offers a diverse mix of property, with new developments, converted office blocks and Victorian houses.
Take a look at properties for sale in Croydon and properties to rent in Croydon.
You work in… Bank
Set in the centre of the City of London, Bank proves to be a popular place for professionals to commute to. We’ve picked out three areas you might not have first considered, but owing to Banks transport connections, are perfect for making your commute into work far less of an ordeal.
Deptford
From 23 minutes, DLR
Deptford was previously renowned in London due to Deptford Dockyard – an important naval dockyard. Today, it has been likened by some to a younger model of Shoreditch owing to its large student population and art scene. Mostly offering purpose-built apartment blocks and ex-local authority housing, the area has also seen an increasing number of new build developments, such as The Timber Yard, along with new independent stores and bars.
Take a look at properties properties for sale in Deptford and properties to rent in Deptford.
West Ham
From 13 minutes, District Line/Hammersmith & City Line then Central Line
Offering good value for money, West Ham mostly provides purpose-built apartment blocks and ex-local authority mansion blocks, along with some period properties. The area has fast connections not only into central London, but also to Stratford which is home to the Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.
Take a look at properties for sale in West Ham and properties to rent in West Ham.
Rotherhithe
From 13 minutes, London Overground then DLR
Providing a peaceful setting and a fantastic selection of schools, Rotherhithe proves particularly popular with families, but also attracts professionals due to its great transport links. It is set between the River Thames and Canada Water, and also within easy reach of Southwark Park. Expect to find mostly purpose built developments as well as an increasing number of new developments.
Take a look at properties for sale in Rotherhithe and properties to rent in Rotherhithe.
Find out how quick your commute could be with our travel time search for sales and travel time search for lettings tool.
Hoping for a cheaper option? Read our blog on the Cheapest places to live in London.
