We reveal where you should rent in London depending on what exactly it is you're looking for. Whether you're a couple searching for a neighbourhood where there's plenty to do on weekends, or a family with older children struggling to please every member of your family, we've got it covered.
I want to live in a lively area
Peckham - More specifically Peckham Rye, this area has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. There are lots of trendy pubs, a huge mix of independent restaurants selling cuisines from around the world and it's home to alternative music venue, the Bussey Building. Situated on the top of a multi-storey car park, Frank's Café is perhaps the most well-known drinking spot in Peckham, attracting more and more south Londoners every summer.
Brixton - Brixton has a similar vibe to Peckham, but there's more going on in Brixton. With Brixton Village, Pop Brixton and restaurants everywhere you turn, you're always guaranteed to eat something different every time you eat out. And the nightlife is busy too, with the Prince of Wales and Phonox hosting world-famous DJs throughout the year – the great selection of bars and pubs are perfect if you're looking for a casual night out.
Alternative areas: Camden, Shoreditch, Hackney, Dalston
I want to live somewhere quiet but convenient
East Finchley - Sandwiched between Hampstead Garden Suburb and Muswell Hill, East Finchley has a suburban feel that's perfect for those looking to live somewhere a bit quieter. Yet there are everyday shops and eateries, as well as underground links that connect you with London Euston in just under 15 minutes. East Finchley is also close to the North Circular and the M1 if you need to travel by car on a regular basis.
Blackheath - Not only does Blackheath have a cute high street that feels more like a separate town than part of a bigger city, it is surrounded by parkland and the residential roads are peaceful. However, within minutes you can be driving through the Blackwell Tunnel and Blackheath to London Bridge is less than 15 minutes by train.
Alternative areas: Shortlands, Beckenham, Muswell Hill
We're a couple working in central London
Bermondsey - Bermondsey has transformed over the past five years into a fashionable area perfect for those looking for close proximity to central London and cool bars/eateries. Just down the road from London Bridge, it's an easy and quick commute to central London, the City and Canary Wharf and with Borough Market and the Thames not that far away, there's plenty for couples to do at the weekend.
Archway - Situated on the Northern line for links to Euston and St. Pancras, Archway has great underground connections if you work in central London. But most of all, this area is perfect for couples because it's close to Highgate and Hampstead – you can enjoy evenings and weekends eating out or exploring the area's parkland, without having to pay the rental prices that these neighbourhoods command.
Alternative areas: Earlsfield, Richmond, Surrey Quays, East Dulwich
We're a group of friends
Shepherd's Bush - The housing stock in Shepherd's Bush is varied, which means you'll probably find what you need as a group of friends fairly easily. While glossy Westfield serves all of your high street and designer shopping needs, along Uxbridge Road there are local cafes and restaurants and Shepherd's Bush Market. And you won't find a part of west London with transport links as good as those in Shepherd's Bush – no less than four underground and two train stations service the area.
Tooting - Voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Lonely Planet, Tooting is great for friends who want to house share. Unlike neighbouring areas such as Balham and Clapham, there are a lot of houses in the area and there's enough going on to keep you entertained at the weekend. Pop into Graveney and Meadow or The Castle on a Friday night and you'll see most of Tooting's renting population there.
Alternative areas: Streatham, Wood Green, Stoke Newington, Stratford
We're a family with young children
Wimbledon - The quality of both private and state schools in Wimbledon draws families to the area, along with a great choice of large family homes. To the east of Wimbledon Station and towards Wimbledon Chase there are lots of terraced homes close to primary schools, while in Wimbledon Village the homes are larger and the independent boutiques and restaurants are perfect for all the family to enjoy.
Chiswick - In Chiswick you'll find everything you need within walking distance of your home, which is ideal if you have young children. Supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and clothes shops can all be found along Chiswick High Road, while in amongst the residential roads there are a number of well-regarded schools. Underground and train connections make the commute into central London easy if you're not working in the area.
Alternative areas: Kensal Green, Hampstead, Bishop's Park, Raynes Park
We're a family with older children
Ealing - This west London suburb is our top pick for families with older children because it has everything a family would need, with lots for teenagers to do, too. Further out from the centre of Ealing there are retail and leisure parks near Acton and Park Royal and underground and Network Rail services provide quick links to Paddington, Oxford Circus and White City, to name but a few.
Greenwich - There is a good range of secondary schools in Greenwich and the surrounding areas, which can be reached easily by bus. In the centre of Greenwich, the parks are perfect for teenagers to hang out in during the summer holidays and the town provides plenty to see and do for all the family throughout the year.
Alternative areas: Putney, Hammersmith, Dulwich, Earlsfield
