From the pastoral idyll that is Richmond to the vibrant inner-city buzz of Highbury, London has somewhere that appeals to every family’s lifestyle requirements. Our rundown of the top five areas for families to live in London shows you where to find them.
Richmond (South-West)
The number 1 area for families to live in London
This picturesque riverside setting has everything families with young children could possibly want from suburban city life: a generous selection of top-rated schools, Middle England atmosphere, attractive high street and desirable housing stock. You’ll even have wild deer on your doorstep, in the 2,500 acres of enclosed green space that is Richmond Park.
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While Richmond is situated further from central London than the other areas on our list, the fast train only takes 19 minutes to get to Waterloo and it’s located on the District Line in fare zone 4.
Beautiful Richmond Hill provides amazing views over the river, and unlimited outdoors activities possibilities for children and adults alike: bicycle rides in Richmond Park, boat trips on the Thames, as well as rugby games in the neighbouring (almost world-famous) Twickenham stadium. In addition to these activities, Richmond also offers an amazing cultural programme, with 3 cinemas and two theatres (Richmond Theatre & The Orange Tree) .
But besides the amenities we have described above, it really is the Schools landscape that attracts families over there. Richmond is one of the best London areas offering an excellent choice of state primary schools, including the sought-after Vineyard Primary School, as well as two Grammar Schools.
To find out more, read our articles: Richmond: the beloved suburban area for expat families in London
Battersea (South-West)
Another fantastic South-West area for families in London
Dubbed the ‘the original nappy valley’, Battersea has been a go-to area for young families since the dawn of the millennium. Home to a large leafy park, excellent schools and designer pram shops, it has family living nailed.
Did you know that Clapham Junction is the beating heart of Battersea? We have the Victorians to thanks for this slight confusion after they renamed it in the hope it would be held in such high esteem as its more salubrious neighbour – we think they’d be rather pleased with its evolution.
Recently, Battersea joined an exclusive list of south London locations that can boast their own tube station – make that two stations. The £1 billion Northern line extension opened in September 2021, connecting the shiny new Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms station with the City and central London – a vital transport link following the mass development of new homes in the area.
Battersea is lined with attractive Victorian terrace streets, most popular are those between Wandsworth and Clapham Commons, either side of yummy mummy mecca Northcote Road.
Schools-wise, Battersea is home to outstanding primary and secondary state schools, as well as some famous private schools.
To find out more, read our articles: Battersea: everything families and professionals can wish for
Blackheath (South-East)
The top South-East area for families in London
Famously home to the start of the London Marathon, Blackheath is also home to a cosy village vibe and 211 acres of windswept common that let families combine the idyllic with the vibrant – Waterloo is just 20 minutes away on the train.
The local area also boasts several top independent and state schools, a vibrant café-culture and one of the most popular Sunday farmer’s markets in the business.
To find out more, read our article: Blackheath village in London: the gem of Greenwich?
East Finchley (North-West)
The leafy enclave tailor-made for a family-friendly London life
As the Northern line emerges into the daylight you are greeted by East Finchley – a leafy enclave that’s tailor-made for family-friendly London life. It possesses all the key ingredients of a modern gentrified suburb: thriving community spirit, well-priced homes, smart period properties, independent shops, outstanding schools and excellent transport links.
The local property market’s ability to keep its feet on the ground is something of an anomaly in this part of town. So, if nearby Hampstead, Highgate, Muswell Hill and Crouch End are beyond your budget, this is a perfect alternative.
Highbury (North-East)
The star of the North London areas for families
Family life in London doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to the centre of town. This leafy middle-class staple is close to, but not right in the middle, of the action. Conveniently located near the more high-profile north London hotspots of Islington and Angel, it quietly goes about its business while London’s energy continues to buzz around it – perfect proof that an area doesn’t need to be the centre of attention to be desirable. Instead, it provides access to one of the loveliest residential squares in London (Highbury Fields), delightful period homes and a belt-loosening collection of restaurants.
To find out more, read our article: Highbury in North London: a town of elegance
