IOrderedASandwich
Well-known member
This thread is quite nostalgic in terms of £800 being a good budget for a flatshare in zone 2....
- Notice
Londonsays
VIP Member
North London in my opinion is nicer to live in (been here 6 years). Fun to visit other parts of London but I prefer to live where I do, I feel it’s more open, quieter and great transport links and fantastic Turkish restaurants 
BettyCrocker
VIP Member
I think it feel quite lonely just due to the sheer number of people there. It’s so busy, lots of people moving around, all trying to get from A-B and no one really wants to chat to “strangers” in the same way you would in a town or village. Everyone keeps themselves to themselves- I had no idea who my neighbours were/what the looked like. No one would say hello if you were waiting for a bus or whatever. No one would really make eye contact or smile. It sounds silly but that lack of basic interaction does start to make you feel really alone. At work everybody was pleasant but all had their own lives/friends outside of work and lived in various parts of the city and beyond so there wasn’t any social life outside of work in that sense and no one was interested in getting to know you or whatever. Everyone just seems quite closed off and wary - it makes it quite isolating if you don’t know many people.
Begborrowsteal
VIP Member
I want to defend NW London 
there are some really lovely pockets within that area, crime isnt as bad in all parts. But yeah, rent is high! Especially kilburn/queens park/maida vale areas. Its all the stretch of Edgware Road so its close to central.
there are some really lovely pockets within that area, crime isnt as bad in all parts. But yeah, rent is high! Especially kilburn/queens park/maida vale areas. Its all the stretch of Edgware Road so its close to central.
Ostrichkeeper
Chatty Member
I have lived in NW London for thirty four years and like it.I think of London as a series of interconnected small towns. I have seen people grow from childhood and still see them locally as in any city.It just depends on how long you stay in one area.The best part about London is that you could never run out of places to go to lol.Yes, it’s awfully expensive here.
HelloStereo
VIP Member
Are you looking for a flatshare? Do you definitely have to have a double bedroom, or can you make do with a single?
By fairly central I am guessing you mean Zone 2 or thereabouts? Spareroom has a "where to live wizard" where you pick some characteristics and enter a budget and it'll suggest a few places: https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/where_to_live_wizard.pl.
I've lived in a couple of places in East and South East London. In East London I lived in the Whitechapel area. It's a short walk from Shoreditch so good for nights out, but it's not the greenest of places and there's not much really happening there. Although it is just by the City so I could walk to work. I also lived in Wapping which is so central (just east of Tower Bridge) yet still okay price wise unless you live in a riverside flat as they are expensive. It's quiet and leafy, Katie Snooks lives in the area so watch her vlogs to get a feel for it.
I also lived in Bethnal Green which I really liked. Also close to Shoreditch and a bit more happening in terms of cafes, pubs and of course Columbia Road Flower Market.
Now I live near Bermondsey and it's great as there are riverside walks and parks and the Beer Mile! Although it's a bit more expensive and although it's close to London Bridge, I have to take public transport to work now. I'd really recommend the area and Canada Water / Surrey Quays / Rotherhithe.
I know loads of people move to Clapham. I dated someone who lived there and it's great for pubs and cafes. It's full of rugby guys in their twenties (he was a rugby guy haha) and people just out of uni. However, I wouldn't recommend it if you work a 9-5 and need to use public transport. All the stations near there get so busy and it's so stressful. Every time I stayed round his house during the week I'd have to leave super early to be able to get on a train and get to work on time, as between 8:15-9 you have to wait on the platform until about five trains or so have passed by.
Anyway, check out the spareroom tool to see what it suggest for you https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/where_to_live_wizard.pl
By fairly central I am guessing you mean Zone 2 or thereabouts? Spareroom has a "where to live wizard" where you pick some characteristics and enter a budget and it'll suggest a few places: https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/where_to_live_wizard.pl.
I've lived in a couple of places in East and South East London. In East London I lived in the Whitechapel area. It's a short walk from Shoreditch so good for nights out, but it's not the greenest of places and there's not much really happening there. Although it is just by the City so I could walk to work. I also lived in Wapping which is so central (just east of Tower Bridge) yet still okay price wise unless you live in a riverside flat as they are expensive. It's quiet and leafy, Katie Snooks lives in the area so watch her vlogs to get a feel for it.
I also lived in Bethnal Green which I really liked. Also close to Shoreditch and a bit more happening in terms of cafes, pubs and of course Columbia Road Flower Market.
Now I live near Bermondsey and it's great as there are riverside walks and parks and the Beer Mile! Although it's a bit more expensive and although it's close to London Bridge, I have to take public transport to work now. I'd really recommend the area and Canada Water / Surrey Quays / Rotherhithe.
I know loads of people move to Clapham. I dated someone who lived there and it's great for pubs and cafes. It's full of rugby guys in their twenties (he was a rugby guy haha) and people just out of uni. However, I wouldn't recommend it if you work a 9-5 and need to use public transport. All the stations near there get so busy and it's so stressful. Every time I stayed round his house during the week I'd have to leave super early to be able to get on a train and get to work on time, as between 8:15-9 you have to wait on the platform until about five trains or so have passed by.
Anyway, check out the spareroom tool to see what it suggest for you https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/where_to_live_wizard.pl
ChloChlo
VIP Member
I grew up and lived in many places.
Rent is very expensive, so be prepared to get very little for your money.
Here is some places I have lived with a small description.
Wembley - I dont advise at all. It has risen in rental prices drastically. Despite being quite expensive, it is a relatively deprived area and full of crime. When matches or events are on, commute and travel are near enough impossible.
Streatham or Balham - both are about a 10-15 minute bus ride from Brixton. I found Streatham to be cheaper in rent prices than its next door neighbour, Balham. However actual accommodation in Streatham is of a poorer quality. The high street for Streatham isn't as "upmarket" as that for Balham which was mainly for yuppie bars, restaurants, independent and health food shops. Both places are very local to Brixton and have the commons. Tooting is also in close proximity to Brixton and can be a cheaper choice than both. The houses there though are often quite run down.
Bermondsey/Surrey Quays - Home of Millwall football club. South East London. Absolutely lovely place to live in. Right by the Thames and has gorgeous parks, it has very quick commute to most places as you are not too far from central London (although it certainly does not feel like it!).
Kilburn/Cricklewood - this is North West London, like Wembley. I personally do not like it there. The crime here can be indiscriminative. It feels quite uneasy and bustling. There doesn't really seem to be anywhere to "breathe". The rent is also quite high.
I moved out of London back in 2012 though and think anyone is absolutely mad who wants to live there. I find it an incredibly lonely place.
Rent is very expensive, so be prepared to get very little for your money.
Here is some places I have lived with a small description.
Wembley - I dont advise at all. It has risen in rental prices drastically. Despite being quite expensive, it is a relatively deprived area and full of crime. When matches or events are on, commute and travel are near enough impossible.
Streatham or Balham - both are about a 10-15 minute bus ride from Brixton. I found Streatham to be cheaper in rent prices than its next door neighbour, Balham. However actual accommodation in Streatham is of a poorer quality. The high street for Streatham isn't as "upmarket" as that for Balham which was mainly for yuppie bars, restaurants, independent and health food shops. Both places are very local to Brixton and have the commons. Tooting is also in close proximity to Brixton and can be a cheaper choice than both. The houses there though are often quite run down.
Bermondsey/Surrey Quays - Home of Millwall football club. South East London. Absolutely lovely place to live in. Right by the Thames and has gorgeous parks, it has very quick commute to most places as you are not too far from central London (although it certainly does not feel like it!).
Kilburn/Cricklewood - this is North West London, like Wembley. I personally do not like it there. The crime here can be indiscriminative. It feels quite uneasy and bustling. There doesn't really seem to be anywhere to "breathe". The rent is also quite high.
I moved out of London back in 2012 though and think anyone is absolutely mad who wants to live there. I find it an incredibly lonely place.
ChloChlo
VIP Member
I find London too bustling on a whole. So much goes on and I find there is "competition" to keep up.I agree on the lonely front, I look back at my 10 years and just think wow how did I last so long! I met some amazing friends but I often ended up eating out way too often, drinking way too much and being skint all of the time
People boast there about how much they have blown 3 months wages on a watch. Up in this Northern town they will boast, but about how little they paid for a pair of knickers in the Primark sale.
the friends I have in both areas reflect this!
Blahblahahaaa77
VIP Member
I have lived in London for 10 years...
Streatham - my house was lovely (pretty cheap) and the High St is handy, the common is lovely but it’s a bit rough around the edges
Vauxhall - the only good thing was the Sainsbury’s, it’s quite scary on a night
Elephant & Castle - super handy for getting around and I loved mercato!!
Highbury & Islington: much more grown up, really enjoyed my time there
Brixton: I got my phone stolen and followed home a few times, looking back I never really get safe there!
I personally think COVID has kinda ruined the London experience, it seems to have lost its sparkle! If you haven’t got a job lined up I wouldn’t say now is a good time to make the move as it might not be as great as you want it to be!
Streatham - my house was lovely (pretty cheap) and the High St is handy, the common is lovely but it’s a bit rough around the edges
Vauxhall - the only good thing was the Sainsbury’s, it’s quite scary on a night
Elephant & Castle - super handy for getting around and I loved mercato!!
Highbury & Islington: much more grown up, really enjoyed my time there
Brixton: I got my phone stolen and followed home a few times, looking back I never really get safe there!
I personally think COVID has kinda ruined the London experience, it seems to have lost its sparkle! If you haven’t got a job lined up I wouldn’t say now is a good time to make the move as it might not be as great as you want it to be!
I’m in zone 4, have lived here since I was little. The train gets me into London Bridge in 20 mins.
If you want to be further into central though, maybe Bermondsey or Stratford? Both have good transport links. Rent in central is high though unless you share with quite a few people. If you don’t mind going a little bit further out, you’ll get more for your money
If you want to be further into central though, maybe Bermondsey or Stratford? Both have good transport links. Rent in central is high though unless you share with quite a few people. If you don’t mind going a little bit further out, you’ll get more for your money
I’d also add to the Clapham (pre-COVID, so much to do, bars open til all hours, parks, BUT the tubes are a nightmare in the mornings), Canada Water/Surrey Quays, also Docklands. I know it’s DLR but most of it is served by a jubilee line near enough. Quiet, nice views of the Thames too.
One thing I would say though is not to go just yet - we have no idea what the next few months is going to hold, and as someone said above London has lost a lot of it’s sparkle. Without the 24hr nightlife, museums, galleries, theatre, endless options, London really is just an expensive shell. If I were you I’d wait a few months, save up a bit more money and then move March ish next year when hopefully we’re coming out the other side of this. Really hope that doesn’t sound patronising, just me and my OH are doing our best to get out of London now, lockdown really changed our world view!
One thing I would say though is not to go just yet - we have no idea what the next few months is going to hold, and as someone said above London has lost a lot of it’s sparkle. Without the 24hr nightlife, museums, galleries, theatre, endless options, London really is just an expensive shell. If I were you I’d wait a few months, save up a bit more money and then move March ish next year when hopefully we’re coming out the other side of this. Really hope that doesn’t sound patronising, just me and my OH are doing our best to get out of London now, lockdown really changed our world view!
Megansnarkle
VIP Member
Is there a reason she's interested in Westfield Stratford particularly? There's another, bigger and posher, Westfield - Westfield White City in West London which has more shops. White City is also closer to other nice areas of London like Notting Hill.
If going to Westfield White City you could stay somewhere near Bicester village (even if the budget doesn't allow, might be fun to browse) and get a train in from there. If going to Stratford then it depends a bit on how far you want to drive south. Epping is an easy tube ride to Stratford and outside the ULEZ zone but at that point you're practically in London.
DigiDuino
Well-known member
I live in this area too, absolutely love it! Canada Water/rotherhithe are super residential but everything you need is there. Quiet but always busy enough to feel safe.
The overground and jubilee line are both fantastic so you’re never far from anything. Buses are also good, there’s a nice big bus station at Canada Water tube station.
I love the river walk along to tower bridge. Southwark park is also massive.
BettyCrocker
VIP Member
Do you have a job lined up to go to when you move? If so, what area is this in? If not....are you mad?! (Or I guess, do you have a decent pot of money to move with to
Cover first months rent/bills etc while you look for work??)
It will really depend on your budget/finances & what you are looking for. Do you want to live on your own? House share? Are you a student or happy to live with students? Are you interested in being in the middle of a busy area with lots going on or more a village vibe? When you say you don’t want to pay crazy rent can you narrow that down - what is your budget? London is obviously massive with a huge variety of different areas, so its hard to give much advice based on what you’ve posted.
Why do you want to live in London? (Genuine question) - I moved to London years ago and left after a year - I enjoyed it but for me it was just too full on/busy and it was ridiculously expensive. I guess I liked the idea of living there but the reality was quite different.
Cover first months rent/bills etc while you look for work??)
It will really depend on your budget/finances & what you are looking for. Do you want to live on your own? House share? Are you a student or happy to live with students? Are you interested in being in the middle of a busy area with lots going on or more a village vibe? When you say you don’t want to pay crazy rent can you narrow that down - what is your budget? London is obviously massive with a huge variety of different areas, so its hard to give much advice based on what you’ve posted.
Why do you want to live in London? (Genuine question) - I moved to London years ago and left after a year - I enjoyed it but for me it was just too full on/busy and it was ridiculously expensive. I guess I liked the idea of living there but the reality was quite different.
mindlessness
VIP Member
Hi! A few thoughts. I lived in London for 3 years before moving back to Australia and have plans to come back in 2021.
I would look at areas on the same tube line/s as Leicester Square to make your commute as easy as possible! So Northern Line or Piccadilly. Or maybe Central Line if you walk to Tottenham Court Rd. Then do some searches for flats/flat shares in your price range and look at where they're located (using street view or walks when Covid allows). That will give you a visual for the area and what you can afford.
Some questions worth asking yourself:
- Do you want to be near a good street with nightlife? A big park? A Lido?
- How easy do you want the trip abck to High Wycombe to be? How easy is getting to Marylebone for the train from your preferred locations?
- Where are you friends in London? All SE? Maybe don't move NW.
It can be lonely, for sure, so definitely join fb groups and seek out friends of friends and make an effort to form a community. You don't need to make 20 London friends, but a good few will definitely help!
London sometimes feels like a city made up of smaller villages/towns. I think looking just online can be pretty hard, so personally would definitely wait to move until Covid circumstances allow for you to visit different areas and get a feel for places. Don't think of this as a move forever and take a chance!
I would look at areas on the same tube line/s as Leicester Square to make your commute as easy as possible! So Northern Line or Piccadilly. Or maybe Central Line if you walk to Tottenham Court Rd. Then do some searches for flats/flat shares in your price range and look at where they're located (using street view or walks when Covid allows). That will give you a visual for the area and what you can afford.
Some questions worth asking yourself:
- Do you want to be near a good street with nightlife? A big park? A Lido?
- How easy do you want the trip abck to High Wycombe to be? How easy is getting to Marylebone for the train from your preferred locations?
- Where are you friends in London? All SE? Maybe don't move NW.
It can be lonely, for sure, so definitely join fb groups and seek out friends of friends and make an effort to form a community. You don't need to make 20 London friends, but a good few will definitely help!
London sometimes feels like a city made up of smaller villages/towns. I think looking just online can be pretty hard, so personally would definitely wait to move until Covid circumstances allow for you to visit different areas and get a feel for places. Don't think of this as a move forever and take a chance!
Begborrowsteal
VIP Member
Rents are pretty crazy. I grew up in zone 3 north. East london used to be cheaper, but thats caught up now too. Its pretty quick to get into central from most sides of the city tbh. Id avoid going too far beyond tube lines because relying on DLRs and buses is just shit 
rainbowlemon
VIP Member
Yep i grew up super close to Queens Park and I loved having the park on my doorstep. The park still even has a small animal farm with goats and a sandpit area for little kids. There's lots of smaller shops. They would also do a regular farmer's market in the primary school. You could also easily walk down to Kilburn high road which has an Aldi which I love and it's two poundlands. It was close to Hampstead heath too!I want to defend NW London
Honestly I think it depends on your budget, but also on other things like will you be wanting to start a family soonish? How far would work be?
My closest friend lives in Walthamstow and loves it. I really liked the easy transport links from there too.