Brixton: this slick suburb has come a long way since the turn of the millennium. Today its multicultural vibe, buzzing social scene and culinary credentials combine to make it the talk of the south London.
Gentrification: love it or hate it, there’s no denying it’s transformed Brixton into a harmonious community in recent times – where you’re just as likely to find a market stall selling goat meat and plantain as you are a trendy pop up restaurant serving gyoza dumplings and craft beer. Having shaken off its rough and ready reputation – major riots in the 80s and 90s defined Brixton for so long – this achingly cool spot has emerged as a foodie paradise. When you’re not indulging in the tantalising selection of multicultural cuisines, you might choose to browse the (indoor and outdoor) markets or indulge in the area’s vibrant nightlife.
Transport
Brixton can rightly claim to have the best transport links in south London – where tube stops are a premium.
- Tube – Unlike neighbouring Clapham and Balham – which are located on the impossibly congested Northern Line – Brixton station is at the southern end of the speedy Victoria Line. This doesn’t mean it’s in a far-flung travel zone – far from it in fact. This zone two stop whisks passengers in and out of central London in just 12 minutes – and you can almost always get a seat.
- National rail – Direct trains from Brixton train station to London Victoria take around 10 minutes. On an average weekday, there are 75 trains travelling between the two stops.
- Bus – Numerous commuter bus routes run through Brixton, including the 2 to Marylebone via Victoria and Marble Arch, 3 to Trafalgar Square, 59 to King’s Cross via Waterloo and Holborn, 133 to Liverpool Street via London Bridge and 159 to Marble Arch via Trafalgar Square and Oxford Circus.
Property
Brixton’s supply of large period properties – mainly mid to late Victorian two, three and four-storey terrace houses and mansion flats – stems from its salubrious past. Many of these have since been converted into flats and now sit comfortably alongside the new-build apartment blocks that have sprung up in recent years.
Average property prices in Brixton: flat price: £494,104, house price: £972,917
Average rental price in Brixton: £632 per week
Schools
- Primary – Most of the area’s primary schools are judged to be “good” or better by the Government’s education watchdog Ofsted. Those with the much-vaunted “outstanding” rating are:
Sudbourne https://www.sudbourne.com/
Corpus Christi https://www.corpuschristischool.co.uk/
Jessop https://jessop.lambeth.sch.uk/ - Secondary – A wide selection of comprehensive schools in the surrounding area are judged to be either “good” or “outstanding”:
Platanos (co-ed, ages 11 to 16) http://www.platanoscollege.com/
Ark Evelyn Grace (co-ed, ages 11 to 18) https://evelyngraceacademy.org/
Saint Gabriel’s CofE (co-ed, ages 11 to 16) http://www.saintgabrielscollege.org/index.asp
Trinity Academy RC (co-ed, ages 11 to 18) https://www.trinity.futureacademies.org/
The Elms Academy (co-ed, ages 11 to 18) https://www.theelmsacademy.org.uk/
St Martin’s in the Fields CofE (girls, ages 11 to 18) https://www.stmartins.academy/ - Private – Herne Hill School (co-ed, ages 2 to 7) is a private infant school, which acts as a feeder to local private schools like Dulwich College.
https://hernehillschool.co.uk/
Things to do
We’d be here all day if we tried to list every exciting thing to do in Brixton – so here are a few of our favourites:
- Brockwell Park – Technically located in nearby Herne Hill – but just a short stroll from Brixton – this graceful Victorian park is a small slice of rolling countryside nestled in south London. Here you’ll find everything from an attractive lido and walled garden to a miniature railway and BMX track.
- Brixton Market – The beating heart of Brixton Market can be found outside on the iconic Electric Avenue, which charmingly spills inside several adjoining covered arcades. Shoppers flock here, returning home laden with fresh fish and meat, arts, crafts, vinyl, antiques and much more.
- Brixton Village – This, and the other covered markets nearby (Reliance Arcade and Market Row) – falls under the umbrella of Brixton Market. Walking through is a journey of the senses, as you try to decide which of the cosy restaurants to frequent.
- Pop Brixton – This intriguing jumble of converted shipping containers demonstrates Brixton’s trendy edge. Craft beer, live music, street food and good times are the name of the game here.
- Brixton Academy – Choose to live in Brixton and you’ll have one of London’s premier live music venues on your doorstep. Since opening in 1983, the 4,921-capacity Brixton Academy has hosted a who’s who of musical talent – from iconic groups like the Clash and the Sex Pistols to the chart-topping contemporary acts of today.
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