Discover the 5 Neighbourhoods Most Recommended by London Estate Agents
are so many options available.
However, you can find the best answer to this question if you first ask yourself what your priorities are. That will be the main deciding factor you should consider because London has a place for everything and everyone. You are guaranteed to find the place that suits you best if you zero in on the aspects that are most significant to you.
You can find areas with great amenities and an amazing nightlife if you are young and single and like to have fun. You can choose a quiet suburban area with good schools if you have a family. You can narrow down your decision based on cost or access to transport links. London has it all.
That is why our list of best areas to live in London in 2020 is organized based on the most popular priorities buyers or renters take into account when house-hunting in London.
Follow this list of best areas compiled by our [London estate agents] and you will soon come to the best decision for you:
Stratford
The Best Place to Live in London for Shopping Enthusiasts
Living in Stratford may affect your budget. And that’s not because of the high property prices. It’s because Stratford offers any type of shopping opportunity you could envision. Westfield Stratford City alone has 250 shops and 70 dining venues, so there will always be something to shop for if you’re living in Stratford.
If you are dreaming of a house with modern amenities like a gym, a swimming pool, or concierge services, Stratford offers many high-end new-build options. The area has great transport links and rapid access to the city centre and is referred to as the most sought-after location for buying in London’s Zone 2.
If entertainment is on your mind, Stratford offers residents great attractions, too. The most popular places where Stratford locals spend their time are:
Queen Elizabeth Park – hosting London Stadium, the London Aquatics Centre, the Copper Box Arena, a VeloPark as well as playgrounds and cafes- ArcelorMittal Orbit – world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide and viewing platforms offering breath-taking views of London
- Stratford’s Cultural Quarter– home to many cultural venues from theatre and circus performances to exclusive film screenings
Average Property Prices in Stratford
Stratford estate agents place the average property prices in Stratford at £298,000 for one-bedroom properties and £787,000 for 6-bedroom properties.
If you want to discover more about the area, click here to see our Stratford Area Guide.
Barking and Dagenham
The Best Area to Live in London for Budget-Conscious House Hunters
The best way to describe the area of Barking and Dagenham is ‘low prices and a big ambition’. Located in East London only 9 miles away from Central London, this area is taking its plans for regeneration very seriously. 50,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs are expected to be created by local authorities over the next 20 years.
One of the most notable projects, Barking Riverside, is a new development with thousands of new flats built on the site of an old power station. Other projects include Fresh Wharf (531 residential units),the Abbey Retail Park transformation project (600 new homes), the Crown House (an old office building converted to 400 flats in two tower blocks). It’s safe to say that once all these projects are finalized, the skyline of Barking and Dagenham will be dominated by modern high-rise buildings, taking it into the 21st century.
Barking and Dagenham estate agents are seeing the area become very attractive to investors and first-time buyers and expect to see amazing [property price] increases in the following years. The area’s regeneration plans, its investments in improving transport links to the rest of the city, and the [diverse housing stock]it offers are major advantages for buyers.
Average Property Prices in Barking and Dagenham
The average property prices for Barking and Dagenham in 2020 are £240,000 for a one-bedroom property and £750,000 for a 6-bedroom property.
Hackney

The Best Place to Live in London for the Hip & the Young
Once poor, Hackney is now cool. It offers a wide range of amenities, plus many bars, shops, restaurants, and clubs. It has great access to the city centre by Overground – only 5 miles from Charing Cross. It’s easy to see why it is very popular with young professionals.
The vibrant nightlife and trendy feel are making Hackney more and more popular for house hunters, but the area still offers good value for money. Our Hackney [estate agents] recommend buyers to secure a home in the area soon if they want to make the most out of their budget since prices are on the rise. It is already the 7th most expensive borough in London.
Average Property Prices in Hackney
The average property prices for Hackney in 2020 are £504,000 for a one-bedroom property and £1,785,000 for a 6-bedroom property.
Canary Wharf
The Best Place to Live in London for Families
Canary Wharf has everything you could dream of. From residential properties with amazing views of the River Thames to great transport links, modern buildings, and a great housing stock. Canary Wharf is home to One Canada Square – the third tallest building in the UK, Westferry Circus, and Cabot Square. It sits on the Isle of Dogs, named the number one area to live in London in 2019 by the Sunday Times.
Canary Wharf went from industrial wasteland to top financial centre and is now transforming from the home of young London professionals to one of the best places in London for young families. The number one reason for this change is that the once young professionals are now having families of their own and are encouraged by the very well-ranked schools in Canary Wharf to remain in the area.
Canary Wharf is also ideal location-wise. If you work in the business district, it offers the best kind of commute – a short walk. The city centre is also close by – you can get there in 15 minutes.
The housing stock is mostly made up of new-builds with amazing amenities and contemporary architecture. Not to mention the breath-taking views. The population of the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf in particular is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years so locking in a [property at a reasonable price] may not be an option for long.
Average Property Prices in Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf estate agents say that property prices right now are as low as £325,000 for one-bedroom properties and £850,000 for 4-bedroom properties.
If you are interested in [buying] or [renting] a property in Canary Wharf, check out our Area Guide here.
Islington
The Best Area to Live in London for Students
If you are looking for a family-friendly, affordable area in London, Islington is your answer. First of all, it’s hard to beat its location since living in Islington means you can walk to the centre of London in 30 minutes. There are also good transport links by busor Underground. Another advantage is that properties in Islington come in all shapes and sizes, so there is a property for everyone, no matter your preferences.
Islington is also known for its nightlife and many bars, restaurants, and cafes offering international cuisine to suit every taste bud. It also offers cultural amenities with galleries and museums.
The Best Area to Live in London for Students
If you are looking for a family-friendly, affordable area in London, Islington is your answer. First of all, it’s hard to beat its location since living in Islington means you can walk to the centre of London in 30 minutes. There are also good transport links by busor Underground. Another advantage is that properties in Islington come in all shapes and sizes, so there is a property for everyone, no matter your preferences.
Islington is also known for its nightlife and many bars, restaurants, and cafes offering international cuisine to suit every taste bud. It also offers cultural amenities with galleries and museums.
Average Property Prices in Islington
Islington estate agents place the average property prices at £636,000 for one-bedroom properties and £1,570,000 for 6-bedroom properties.