Overall Score

44 / 100

Score based on streets, neighborhoods and cities reviewed in England

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  • Pay TV Access 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Pests & Rodents 4/5

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Recommended for...

  • Families / Kids 24%
  • Couples 30%
  • Singles 30%
  • Retirees 16%
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lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Tottenham, Greater London, England

Mar 29, 2009
3/5Average

“Vibrant, popular town in north London”

Tottenham, although filled with fantastic architecture, diverse culture and excellent public transport links, is quite a grubby looking town in north London comprising South Tottenham, Tottenham Green, Tottenham Hale and Tottenham Marshes. A multicultural hotspot and home to various ethnic groups including African-Caribbean, Kurdish, Turkish-Cypriot, Irish and Portuguese, Tottenham is said to house the largest Ghanaian population in the UK and Europe. An urban area perfectly suited to young professionals working in London, Tottenham is linked to the rest of London via buses, tubes and trains running from Bruce Grove, Northumberland Park, White Hart Lane, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale train stations and South Tottenham, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale tube stations. These lines link Tottenham directly with Kings Cross St Pancras, Oxford Circus, London Victoria, Stratford and Liverpool Street as well as neighbouring towns such as Waltham Cross, Edmonton Green, Stamford Hill, Hackney, Crouch End, Leytonstone, Finsbury Park and Highbury. Tottenham plays host to many historic sites and buildings including Bruce Castle, The Old Tottenham Manor House, All Hallows Church, Tottenham Cemetery, Broadwater Farm, Bruce Grove, Clyde Circus Conservation area and Brook Street Chapel. It is also known for its Premier League football team, Tottenham Hotspur.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Isleworth, Greater London, England

Mar 29, 2009
3/5Average

“Small town suited to families and professionals”

A small town based in west London, Isleworth is a great location for families or professionals. Sitting amongst towns such as Hounslow, Osterley, Brentford, Richmond and Twickenham, this greater London town has good public transport links and is home to its own mainline train station. This station links Isleworth directly with Reading, Brentford, Chiswick and central London. Lying immediately to the east of Hounslow and west of the Thames river, Isleworth is home to three secondary schools and seven primary schools, and is a nice town nestled amongst some very well regarded places. It is also situated in a part of London that typically enjoys higher property prices and has a great reputation.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Northfleet, Kent, England

Mar 28, 2009
2/5Poor

“Set to become a much more appealing area”

A residential and industrial town in Kent, Northfleet is known for its heritage in chalk quarrying for cement. Today, Northfleet has seen and continues to see development in order to move the town from an industrial hub to a residential haven. It will still maintain its heritage but over 2,000 new homes will be built including waterfront apartments and family homes, new shops, restaurants and cafes will pop up and both commercial and industrial buildings will be developed. This change will create new jobs and better housing for the area so it may become quite a sought after location for families. Currently it is best suited to families and retirees as the area ejoys low property prices, a handful of churches, schools, a rotary club, football and swimming clubs and a technology college. Trains run from Northfleet railway station directly to Chatham, Margate, Dartford, London Bridge, Canon Street and Charing Cross, and neighbouring towns include Swanscombe, Gravesend, Greenhithe, Tilbury, Stonewood and Southfleet.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed West Molesey, Surrey, England

Mar 28, 2009
3/5Average

“A great area for families”

A town based in Surrey on the border of greater London, Molesey is a typical suburban area home to many professional people commuting into central London. Bordered by Walton-on-Thames, Sunbury-on-Thames, Kingston-upon-Thames and Hampton, Molesey is split into East and West Molesey. It doesn't have a train or tube station but does have buses running to nearby Kingston and Richmond which have tube and train stations accessing central London. A great area for families, Molesey plays host to a cricket club, boat club and football club and has a number of interesting landmarks including several large reservoirs, a 15th-century pub called The Crooked Bell, Molesey Lock, The Molesey Stone (which divides East and West Molesey), a public library and public parks and greens with children's playgrounds. Molesey has a couple of local schools and has history as a sporting town, as it used to be the bare-knuckle boxing centre of England and home to a famous horse racing track.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Shoreditch, England

Mar 25, 2009
3/5Average

“Popular and fashionable area”

Shoreditch is a built-up part of inner city London situated immediately to the north and located just two miles from Charing Cross. It is currently poorly supported by public transport due to the closure of its tube and railway stations, however the East London Tube Line extension will see Shoreditch High Street tube station open along the line in June 2010. This will link Shoreditch directly with Whitechapel, Wapping, Surrey Quays and New Cross. Buses currently operate within the local area and to these stations. Shoreditch has, in the last 10 years or so, been regenerated and therefore changed from a typical working class suburb into a popular and fashionable area with a predominant creative influence. It still has sections that are rife with urban decay and striptease venues but, for the most part, the area is known for its many pubs, clubs, art galleries and restaurants. The area has enjoyed a hike in property prices and many buildings have been converted in offices and flats.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Weybridge, Surrey, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Great area located on the London commuter belt”

A countryside suburb located in the London commuter belt, Weybridge plays host to six of the ten voted most expensive streets in south east England. It is a lovely-looking area ideal for those who want peaceful living in a suburban area or those seeking a nighttime and weekend escape from working in central London. Comprising a number of small shopping hubs including the High Street, Weybridge plays host to a Waitrose supermarket, a number of hairdressers and estate agents, a number of pubs and gift shops, home and furniture shops, and much more. Weybridge, which sits amongst Addlestone, New Haw, Byfleet, Shepperton and Walton-on-Thames is also home to a World War 2 memorial and parks and open spaces. In recent times the area has grown from a village to a town with the construction of large family houses. The area makes for ideal living for families as it is also home to four schools and a variety of sporting clubs including rugby, canoeing, bowls, rowing and cricket. It is said that John Lennon lived in Weybridge in the late 1960s and that he and Paul McCartney wrote many of their songs here.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Great Bookham, Surrey, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Nice village ideal for families”

A large Surrey-based village located between Guildford and Leatherhead, Great Bookham is the birthplace of Pink Floyd's Roger Waters. Nestled amongst villages such as Effingham, West Horsley, East Horsley, Fetcham, North Downs, Dorking and Clandon, Great Bookham is a great location for retirees and families who enjoy country living but proximity to central London. The local high street plays host to a butcher, baker, fishmongers, two greengrocers, estate agencies and four pubs and the common provides residents with a place to jog, walk the dog, play football or just relax. Great Bookham and the smaller Little Bookham are rich wildlife sites and home to all three species of British newt. This makes it an ideal location for visiting students as well as families with young children. Although there are no schools based in the immediate area, there are schools for children of all ages in the neighbouring villages.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Highgate, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Great place to live for families and professionals”

Highgate is a village based in north London near to Archway, Crouch End, Finchley, Hampstead, Hornsey and Muswell Hill. It is a good location for professionals working in central London as well as young families. There are a couple of schools in the immediate area and public transport links are also very good. Highgate tube station links the village with Camden Town, Moorgate, Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Waterloo, London Bridge, Bank, Clapham Junction and Wimbledon. Highgate perhaps takes it name from its location – one of the highest points of land in London – and is home to many pubs, former stately home Kenwood House, Highgate Wood, Highgate Cemetery, Highgate Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club and Highgate Brewery. The High Street plays host to a lot of hairdressers and estate agencies as well as a Tesco Express, cafes, charity shops, a post office and many other small specialty shops.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed East Molesey, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Typical suburban area”

A town based in Surrey on the border of greater London, Molesey is a typical suburban area home to many professional people commuting into central London. Bordered by Walton-on-Thames, Sunbury-on-Thames, Kingston-upon-Thames and Hampton, Molesey is split into East and West Molesey. It doesn't have a train or tube station but does have buses running to nearby Kingston and Richmond which have tube and train stations accessing central London. A great area for families, Molesey plays host to a cricket club, boat club and football club and has a number of interesting landmarks including several large reservoirs, a 15th-century pub called The Crooked Bell, Molesey Lock, The Molesey Stone (which divides East and West Molesey), a public library and public parks and greens with children's playgrounds. Molesey has a couple of local schools and has history as a sporting town, as it used to be the bare-knuckle boxing centre of England and home to a famous horse racing track.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Thames Ditton, Surrey, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Village charm on the borders of London”

A village based on the borders of Surrey and London, Thames Ditton is located 12 miles from Charing Cross and is bordered by Kingston, Surbiton, Esher and East Molesey. Popular among commuters working in central London and a large student population, the village retains loads of character and charm. Families would find it a good location as it is home to a handful of primary schools and central London is only half an hour by train. Though it does not have its own supermarket, this town does provide residents with necessities such as a bakery, pharmacist, greengrocer, off-license, restaurants and post office. There are also a number of hair salons, estate agencies, art shops, clothing stores, over 10 pubs and a florist. Transport from Thames Ditton to London and surrounding suburbs comes in the form of buses and a mainline train station, which links Thames Ditton with Hampton Court, Surbiton, Wimbledon and Clapham Junction.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Farningham, Kent, England

Mar 21, 2009
2/5Poor

“Tiny village in Kent”

A small village in Kent situated within proximity to the A20, M20 and M25 motorways, Farningham is an ideal location for retirees and perhaps families. It is generally overlooked as a prospective area for new development because of its size and therefore the nearest train station is based about 2km away and provides links into London Victoria and Blackfriars. With a population of just over 1000 residents, Farningham is a 5 mile journey to the much larger town of Dartford and 10 miles to Sevenoaks. Perhaps typical of a 'sleepy' village, Farningham plays host to necessities such as a butcher, post office, banks, hairdressers and furniture stores as well as a number of pubs, an Indian restaurant, a village hall and many clubs and societies including The Womens Institute, the Horticultural Society and both guitar and drama clubs.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Peckham, Greater London, England

Mar 21, 2009
2/5Poor

“Going through regeneration”

Based in south east London and surrounded by areas including Camberwell, New Cross, Bermondsey, Dulwich, Kennington and Brixton, Peckham is a traditionally working class community home to a diverse population of residents from Bangladesh, the Caribbean, China, India, Ireland, Nigeria Pakistan, Turkey and Vietnam. A recent regeneration of the area has seen a large number of cafes, wine bars, artist's studios and niche stores come to the area as well as the award-winning Peckham Library, but a few highly publicised crimes over the last 10 years have earned Peckham a tarnished reputation. In a bid to alter this perception however, investment is being made into housing in the area and new developments and redevelopments are now very popular. Peckham is well served by transport and is home to both Peckham Rye and Queens Road Peckham mainline train stations, which connect the area with south, east and central London. Peckham Rye Park is the main green area in Peckham, which has been home to notable residents such as Michael Caine, who attended Wilson's Grammar School, boxer Chris Eubank, footballers Rio and Anton Ferdinand, television presenter Vernon Kay, and Bend It Like Beckham's Parminder Nagra.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Leyton, England

Mar 21, 2009
2/5Poor

“Multicultural area in convenient location”

An east London area based about 5 miles from the centre of London, Leyton sits within the borders of Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Stratford, Newham, Homerton and Lower Clapton. A hugely multi-cultural area with a very mixed population, Leyton is home to residents from Pakistan, Africa, Ireland, Cyprus, Italy, Bosnia, Serbia and Poland. It is a great place for those who enjoy local shopping, as it plays host to the New Spitfields Market – the leading horticultural market specialising in exotic fruit and vegetables – as well as two main shopping areas and a new retail park soon to be built within the town. There are also loads of pubs and restaurants in Leyton as well as a handful of supermarkets. Like most London boroughs in the lead-up to the 2012 olympics, Leyton is seeing some form of regeneration, with old high-rise buildings being completely renovated or demolished and rebuilt. There are two primary schools, one secondary school and a sports college in Leyton together with the London Velopark which will be used during the London olympics. The town is well served by buses, trains and tubes, and local stations such as Leyton and Leytonstone tube stations and Leyton Midland and Leytonstone High Road train stations connect the area with Essex, east London, north London and central London.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Hackney, Greater London, England

Mar 21, 2009
4/5Good

“Great, constantly improving area ideal for professionals”

With over 200,000 residents, Hackney is an ethnically diverse part of east London with a large Turkish community. Suited to professionals working in London, the area comprises owner-occupied households but most of the residents live in rented accommodation. The properties are all Georgian and Victorian terraces with some up and coming apartments and warehouse conversions. While it is currently poorly served by tube, Hackney is home to three mainline train stations and will be home to a number of new underground and overground tube stations by 2010, which will extend the network of connecting locations to this area. Hackney is home to a large arts and performance culture, represented by institutions such as The Institute for New International Visual Arts, Chat's Palace Arts Centre, Arcola Theatre, The Circus Space, Clown's Gallery Museum & Archive, Hoxton Hall and Space Studios. There is also a lot of history in the area which can be seen at attractions such as The Geffrye Museum, Hackney Archives, The Hackney Society, Sutton House and The Resevoirs Nature Society. And, with investment in education being made a priority in Hackney, new educational facilities will be introduced to the town in the next 5 – 10 years. Hackney is also quite a green area with 62 parks and open spaces, one of which will play host to the 2012 summer olympics thanks to it having the largest collection of football pitches in Europe.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Battersea, Greater London, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Popular area among 20 and 30-somethings”

An inner city district with a population of over 75,000 people, Battersea is potentially most known for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the Battersea Power Station, which was featured on Pink Floyd's cover for the Animals albumn. It is now disused and currently being transformed into an entertainment and commercial complex. Surrounded by suburbs such as Clapham, Wandsworth, Vauxhall, Chelsea, Stockwell, Earlsfield and Fulham, Battersea is an ideal location for professionals working in central London. It has fabulous transport links leading into and away from centre of London from Battersea Park train station and, soon, from Battersea North and Battersea tube station. The area is popular among 20 and 30-somethings and offers lots to do including New Covent Garden Market, Battersea Park, the London Heliport and the Royal Academy of Dance. There are also a number of theatres sitting within the town as well as a couple of churches, and the river Thames sits at one end of Battersea also.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Ealing, Greater London, England

Mar 21, 2009
3/5Average

“Major metropolitan cetre”

Bordered by Perivale, West Ealing, Brentford, Northfields, Park Royal, Acton, Gunnersbury and Pitshanger Village, this suburban town in south west London is a major metropolitan centre with a sizeable Polish population. It was once the home of Jamiroquai's Jay Kay, who reportedly attended St Benedict's School, and has since become most known for its film studios, where films such as The Ladykillers, Notting Hill, St Trinians and Star Wars Episode II were filmed. Ealing is a community made up of families and professionals working in central London and, as is the case with many London suburbs in the lead up to the 2012 olympics, the area is undergoing a degree of regeneration. Over the next year the town's roads will be revitalised and improvements will be made to local education, environment and housing.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Chiswick, England

Mar 21, 2009
4/5Good

“Affluent west London suburb”

An affluent area based in central west London, Chiswick is one of the most expensive areas to live in the UK. Nestled amongst suburbs such as Acton, Shepherd's Bush, Hammersmith, Barnes, Mortlake, Kew and Brentford, Chiswick is filled with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture in both commercial and residential properties. There are great public transport links in the area by tube, train and bus, and Chiswick is well connected by road too. Residents can easily access the M4, M3, M25 and both north and south circulars and trains and tubes run to Stamford Brook, Turnham Green, Chiswick Park, Gunnersbury, London Waterloo and Clapham Junction. There are a number of good schools for students of all ages in the local area and the high street offers a mixture of retail outlets, restaurants and fast food options, office premises, hotels and cafes. Within the town also sits the Griffin Brewery, Chiswick House, St Nicholas Church and a handful of historic pubs. Chiswick has active rowing and rugby clubs and is apparently the birthplace of singer Phil Collins.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Golders Green, England

Mar 21, 2009
4/5Good

“19th century London suburb”

A 19th century suburban town located roughly five miles from central London, Golders Green is a popular location among several communities including Jewish, Japanese, Greek and Hindu. An affluent and sought-after area with a busy high street, Golders Green has a wide variety of housing, most of which is very expensive. The area is home to its own tube and bus stations as well as many restaurants, schools, a large crematorium, Golders Green Hippodrome and Golders Hill Park, which has loads of offer families with children. Based near to Brent Cross, Hampstead, and Hendon, Golders Green plays host to plenty of students, most of whom attend the Central School of Speech and Drama, and in the past it has reportedly been home to famous figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Windsor and Jean Simmons.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed South Norwood, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Ideally suited to families or commuters working in Croydon and London”

An urban town based just a few minutes drive from Croydon, South Norwood is known for being the home of British pop star Adele. Located just 12 miles south east of Charing Cross, South Norwood has a population of around 15,000 residents and is bordered by Selhurst, Thornton Heath, Anerley, Woodside and Croydon. It is ideally suited to professionals working in Croydon or central London and families. The area is home to two secondary schools and a number of primary schools as well as Spurgeons College. Whilst South Norwood hasn't always enjoyed the best reputation, it does have a busy mainline train station – Norwood Junction – which links the town with Croydon, Sutton, London Bridge and Victoria and will soon be home to a station on the extended East London line which will link South Norwood with the Docklands. This commuter town has plenty of local shops for residents including banks, estate agents, cafes, and a library.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Bexleyheath, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Good shopping and ideal location for families”

A suburban shopping town developed in the '70s, Bexleyheath is located just over 10 miles from central London. A family-orientated area, Bexleyheath offers something for young and old with its bingo hall, cinema, public library, bowling alley, and football centre. Nearby is also one of Europe's largest shopping malls, Bluewater. Once home to James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore, Bexleyheath has recently undergone regeneration work which increased the size of the town slightly and gave it a more modern look. Bexleyheath has great transport links with buses running to Lewisham, Woolwich, Thamesmead, Bromley, Eltham, Greenwich, Erith, and New Eltham. There are also two train stations, Bexleyheath and Barnehurst stations, with trains running to Charing Cross, Victoria, Dartford, and Gravesend. In addition, Bexleyheath offers a number of churches, loads of restaurants from all over the globe (including Indian, Cypriot, Chinese, Italian, and American), pubs and bars, over 2,500 car parking spaces, and easy access to the M25 and A2.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Kensington, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
5/5Excellent

“Affluent, densley populated area in central London”

Located less than three miles from Charing Cross in London, Kensington is an affluent, densley-populated commercial and residential area bordered by other highly-desired areas such as Notting Hill, Brompton, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Earls Court,, Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush. With its bustling High Street filled with various stores and its many museums, Kensington is a great location for families and professionals. Home to some of London's most expensive streets, Kensington's property ranges in price and particular developments have recently sold for in excess of £20 million. There are a large number of Victorian and Georgian terraces which have been split into flats and there are actually all but no high-rise buildings in Kensington at all. It is a town served well by public transport and is home to South Kensington, High Street Kensington and Gloucester Road tube stations, which all serve central London via the Circle, District or Piccadilly line. For visitors to the area there are many attractions including Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal College of Music, Natural History Museum, Science museum and Kensington and Chelsea College.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Stratford, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Set to become a major metropolitan hub”

Based in London's east end, Stratford is situated at the end of the London Underground's Jubilee line. Its public transport links are fabulous, linking the town by tube, rail, DLR and bus to central, east, north and south London. Stratford International Station is also opening this year and will provide a high-speed rail link to Kent and Heathrow as well as further stops on the DLR line. 2012 will be an exciting year for Stratford as it plays host to the Olympic games. This vibrant and optimistic town has seen major regeneration over the years with improvements made to its train station and town centre and the introduction of a cinema, library, performing arts venue and theatre. Some of Stratford's attractions include the University of East London, the Olympic park, Three Mills Studios and Atherton Leisure Centre. It also has a great local shopping centre which houses a range of affordable stores and indoor and outdoor market stalls. There are plans underway to build a multi-billion pound shopping centre which will become one of Europe's largest. Adjacent to it there are plans to introduce 5,000 new homes, offices, schools, public spaces and facilities, making Stratford a great place to invest currently. It seems it will soon be seen as a major metropolitan centre in the hear of east London.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Poplar, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Waterside town with good transport links”

Nestled in amongst east London towns such as Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs, Limehouse, Stepney, Canning Town and Bow, Poplar is the birthplace of Hollywood actress Angela Lansbury. A predominantly residential town which, in some parts, offers superb views over Canary Wharf, this historic town has a long-standing connection with London's docks which, for many years, provided Poplar's residents with employment opportunities. Public transport links to Poplar are decent, with the Docklands Light Rail running from Poplar station to Tower Hill, Bank, Bow Road, Canning Town, Beckton, London City Airport, Woolwich Arsenal, Canary Wharf, Greenwich and Lewisham. There are also a good number of bus routes servicing the town and connecting it with central London. Poplar is an ideal location for professionals to live, especially those working in the Docklands or central London. It is also ideal for students attending Tower Hamlets College. Poplar High Street also provides residents with access to a number of stores and necessities such as banks, restaurants, and more.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Eltham, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Ideal area for young families”

Located about 8 miles south east of central London, Eltham is a suburban and urban town with a population of almost 90,000 people. It is an ethnically diverse town typical of south London suburbs and is bordered by Woolwich, Kidbrooke, Welling, Lee, Mottingham, Shooter's Hill, Falconwood, Charlton and Blackfen. It also sits very near to the Kent border. Eltham is home to an unusual amount of parks and green spaces including Avery Hill Park with its stunning winter garden, Oxleas Woods which is over 8,000 years old, Sutcliffe Park which is 35 acres of parkland, Well Hall Pleasurance which is a formal garden and pond and Eltham Park North and Eltham Park South which are open green spaces. There are about 10 primary schools set against the backdrop of all this parkland but only half as many secondary schools, making this area ideal for families with young children. Commuters wouldn't be out of place here and would be able to reach central London by train in 20 minutes on a fast train. Eltham mainline train station has links into Charing Cross, Canon Street, Victoria, Crayford, Dartford, Slade Green, Gravesend, Gillingham and Rochester. There are also many shops, restaurants and pubs in the town centre but not very much in the way of nightlife. Property in Eltham is standard with a few very fine buildings scattered throughout the town and even a couple of streets on which properties have fetched over £1 million.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Camberwell, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Built-up inner city district with a large student population”

Home to a large population of people from the Caribbean and Africa as well as huge amounts of students, Camberwell is the base for Camberwell College of Arts, Kings College and the University of London. A built-up inner-city district, Camberwell's properties include well-preserved Georgian and 20th century housing and loads of tower blocks mixed in with green spaces and parks. Bordered by Brixton, Peckham, Walworth, Herne Hill and Elephant & Castle, Camberwell is well connected by public transport and is home to Camberwell Gate and Camberwell New Road tube stations. There are several bus routes serving the area, which make it an ideal location for those relying on public transport. Professionals and students make up most of the population. Camberwell's other attractions include Kings College Hospital, the Maudsley Hospital, the Institute of Psychiatry and the South London Gallery.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Paddington, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Everything at your doorstep”

Best known as being the home of Michael Bond's lovable fictional character Paddington Bear, this west London suburb is seeing a fantastic resurgence with new residential developments being erected that will soon provide lots of extra modern living space for locals. Home to a host of restaurants, bars, retail outlets and commercial offices, Paddington is an ideal location for investors looking to make a profit on properties that will sell for a much higher rate once the area is complete. Paddington mainline railway station links the town to Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Cornwall, Wales and Heathrow airport, so you couldn't ask for better rail links! Paddington is also home to St Mary's Hospital and Paddington Green Police Station. Single and coupled professionals would be very at home in Paddington and it also makes a great location for businesses. The area offers a lifestyle to suit everyone who enjoys living in London and having everything at their doorstep, including facilities, culture and entertainment.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Mayfair, England

Feb 14, 2009
5/5Excellent

“The most exclusive district in London”

Named after the May fair that took place in what is today Shepherd Market, Mayfair is a commercial and residential area home to many hedge funds and estate agencies. The most exclusive district in London, this fashionable and popular destination has gained its prestige from its position on the Monopoly board and the rental value of properties in Mayfair are among the highest around the world. Mayfair's residents and visitors can indulge in a mixture of activities from shopping in exclusive stores and along Saville Row to staying in London's largest concentration of luxury hotels and visiting the US Embassy, The Royal Academy of Arts, the Handel House Museum and Claridge's. With neighbouring areas such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Park Lane, Mayfair makes an ideal place to live and work for those who appreciate the adage 'you get what you pay for'. A true microcosm, Mayfair is home to stunning parks and sqaures that provide visitors and residents with a peaceful haven in the centre of popular London.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Soho, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“London entertainment district”

An entertainment district in west London which has been known best for its sex shops and night life, Soho is today a much more fashionable and trendy area with some prostitution and drug dealing but, in contrast, many upmarket restaurants, media offices, clubs, pubs, bars, late night coffee houses and record shops. Bordered by Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, Mayfair, Covent Garden, St James's Park and the Strand, Soho is a multicultural area and home to industry, commerce and culture. Soho's chinatown is filled with restaurants and businesses, London's theatre district is nearby and Old Compton Street – London's main gay village – has loads of businesses thriving on the 'pink pound'. A residential area for the wealthy and average earners, Soho has, at some point in time, been home to many artists including Eric Clapton, The Sex Pistols, Karl Marx and Mozart. It has a number of underground tube stations which connect Soho to all of central London, and these include Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Maida Vale, England

Feb 14, 2009
5/5Excellent

“Prime district in London”

A residential district in west London surrounded by St Johns Wood, Kilburn and Paddington, Maida Vale is a highly affluent, predominantly residential area that is home to a number of architectural styles including Edwardian and late Victorian red-brick mansions. Characterised by wide tree-lined streets and large communal gardens, Maida Vale is a prime district in London that is known for its fantastic variety of shops and restaurants. It is also home to many attractions such as Lord's Cricket Ground, the Canal Cafe Theatre, the Puppet Barge, the Cascade Floating Art Gallery, the Warwick Castle and pub, many of the BBC's recording studios, the 1896 Spanish and Portuguese synagogue and a beautiful area known as Little Venice. It has its own tube station – Maida Vale tube – which is based in travelcard zone 2, and great public transport links into central London.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Chelsea, England

Feb 14, 2009
5/5Excellent

“Home to high earners and celebrities”

Despite the fact that their club grounds are based in a neighbouring town, Chelsea Football Club is perhaps the best-known attraction to come out of this beautiful town. Based in central south west London, Chelsea is bordered by towns of equal stature, including Sloane Square, South Kensington and Fulham. It once had a reputation as the bohemian quarter of London and was rife with artists and poets, however these days Chelsea has traded its arty rags for glamorous riches and is home to high-earners and celebrities, including Kylie Minogue, Johnny Depp who rented property on Kings Road whilst filming Finding Neverland, Judy Garland who spent the last few months of her life here, Bob Geldof and Michael Hutchence who lived on Redburn Street, and Bob Marley who coposed I Shot the Sheriff in a one bedroom flat off Cheyne Walk. Chelsea is a stunning area and ideal living space for city workers seeking easy access to central London. It maintains historical attractions such as the Chelsea Arts Club, the old home of Oscar Wilde, Crosby Hall which survived the great fire of London and was moved brick-by-brick to Chelsea, and Chelsea Public Library. Many shops adorn the main road through Chelsea including an eclectic mix of high street brands such as Gap and McDonalds and boutique specialty stores.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Brixton, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
2/5Poor

“Crime ridden with a bad reputation”

Perhaps best remembered for the 1981 riots which took place here, Brixton is, today, better known for being home to many a live music venue, including Brixton Academy. It is still an area riddled with crime, perhaps more so today than 20 years ago, and its bad reputation has earned it the unofficial titles of 'drugs capital of London' and the 'gun capital'. Surrounded by Stockwell, Clapham, Streatham, Camberwell, Tulse Hill and Herne Hill, Brixton's population includes a multi-ethnic community of which 24 percent are African or Caribbean. There are six major housing estates in Brixton which account for a large percentage of the residential area in the town, and the unfortunate link between these estates and urban decay and crime does nothing to change the current face of Brixton. For residents there are many activities to enjoy include a skatepark, cinema and Brixton Market, a daily market selling a range of Afro-Craibbean, Indian, Vietnamese and South American products. Brixton is well connected by public transport by way of Brixton railway station which serves London Victoria and Kent, Brixton tube station which links the town to central London via the Victoria line, and a number of bus networks. It is also near to many connecting main roads. Brixton's claims to fame include that David Bowie and Sharon Osbourne were both born here.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed East Horsley, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Tiny village in a very quiet area”

Set against a backdrop of lush Surrey countryside, East Horsley is bordered by Leatherhead, Guildford, West Horsley, Ockham, Effingham, Ripley, Bookham and Cobham. It is a tiny village with a railway station and two strips of shops. A quiet area just inside the M25, East Horsley is best suited to families and retirees and connects by rail with London Waterloo, Wimbledon, Epsom and Surbiton. The population of the region is just 8,000 or so people and there is only one primary school in the town. Properties here are quite expensive for the area and sell for an average of £216,000 for a 2 bedroom flat, £575,000 for a 3 bedroom house and a whopping £810,000 for a 4 bedroom house. East Horsley enjoys a very low rate of crime and is home to a very well-equipped amateur theatre.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Ewell, Surrey, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Rural village charm”

A village in Surrey based near to the southern boundary of greater London, Ewell has a growing population but maintains its rural charm. Bordered by Cheam, Chessington, Epsom, Stoneleigh and Tolworth, Ewell experienced a low rate of crime and good results from its educational institutions. There are a large number of open spaces in Ewell which is ideal for walking the dog, playing football, jogging or flying a kite, but the town's lack of entertainment facilities means this characteristic little town is better suited to families and retirees. Served by two railway stations – Ewell West and Ewell East – the village's residents can reach Waterloo, Dorking, Guildford, Horsham and London Victoria quite easily. The town's most notable feature has to be Bourne Hall, an architecturally impressive structure set against a backdrop of public gardens and housing a library, theatre, gym, cafe, and museum. Yoga and karate classes are also often held here as well. Ewell has two claims to fame including being voted Britain's best place to live by TV show The Best and Worst Place to Live in the UK in 2005 and being the home of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page at one stage.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Wandsworth, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Trendy area and hotspot for high earners”

Based in south west London, Wandsworth is a former wharf area which is, today, lined with new apartment blocks and a bunch of bars and restaurants. A trendy area and hotspot for high earners in London, Wandsworth is home to many attractions such as the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building which houses a theatre school and restaurant, Wandsworth prison (the largest in London), a long river walk alongside the Thames towards Battersea village and the west end, Southside shopping centre and a bustling High Street which is always very heavy with traffic. Certain areas of Wandsworth are stunning while others are typical of a south London suburb. Sought-after areas include 'the toast rack' where you'll find some of the most expensive townhouses in London, several boutiques, and the restaurant where Gordon Ramsay trained, Chez Bruce, and 'the Tonsleys' which is a residental area near to the river and town centre that has a very village feel to it as well as great pubs and is home to Victorian properties that fetch anywhere between £600,000 and over £1million. This part of town is popular among city workers, lawyers and ad executives while the standard part of Wandsworth is home to professionals and families. Wandsworth has two train stations including Wandsworth Town and Wandsworth Common stations and has been home to such notable residents as journalist Martin Bashir, former PM Tony Blair, Take That's Mark Owen and actress Keira Knightley.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Notting Hill, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
5/5Excellent

“Fashionable cosmopolitan area made famous by the film”

Though the area was made famous and therefore highly popular among tourists by the movie of the same name, the residents of Notting Hill aren't fans of the film or the attention it has attracted. Until the movie, Notting Hill was most known for its fantastic Portobello Market on Portobello Road, which runs almost the length of Notting Hill from north to south. The market sells everything from antiques to second-hand furniture, fruit and vegetables and clothing. Notting Hill in general is a fashionable, contemporary town in an affluent part of London. With its vibrant main streets and peaceful residential areas, property in Notting Hill is incredibly expensive. A mixture of large Victorian townhouses and terraces and modern new-build flats and apartments make Notting Hill a perfect area for families and professional singles or couples. The area also has an association with alternative culture so arty types would fit right in here. A fabulous combination of high-class and High Street shopping ensures there's something for everyone here, from take away outlets and restaurants to boutique stores, pubs and clubs. The area has awesome transport links into central London and the West End by way of Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park or Ladbroke Grove tube stations. Based at the north west corner of Hyde Park, Notting Hill is home to the Notting Hill Carnival, which is led my members of the Caribbean population and attracts around 1.5 million people, putting it among the largest festivals in Europe.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Longfield, Kent, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“A great escape from city life”

An Ancient village sitting between Dartford and Meopham in Kent, Longfield has managed to retain its rural heritage and therefore makes for ideal living for retirees, families with children, and even professionals working in London who are looking to escape from city life when they leave the office. For the latter, Longfield railway station serves the town and journeys to London Victoria and Blackfriars take just 45 minutes. Dartford is only 10 miles away as is Gravesend, Hartley, Hook Green and South Darenth. The nearest town to Longfield is New Barn which is larger in population and much more modern. It has little in the way of amenities but for those seeking newer developments in the countryside it makes for a great compromise. Longfield, however, is home to a number of pubs, around seven schools, a country market that trades every Friday, an historic church, and a fairly large shopping area comprising a baker, butcher, Waitrose, Co-op, Post Office, pharmacy, estate agency, hair salon, antiques stores and many fast food outlets and restaurants. Property in the area sells, on average, for £150,000 to £400,000 depending on whether you're looking for a 2 bedroom flat or a 4 bedroom house, and crime stats for Longfield are below the national average.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Dulwich, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Affluent area and conservation zone”

An affluent area in south London bordered by Streatham Hill, Herne Hill, Brockley, Forest Hill, West Norwood and Sydenham, Dulwich is home to a mixture of architecture from modern housing to original 18th and 19th century buildings. A conservation zone in itself, Dulwich hasn't fallen victim to being over commercialised and still maintains its old-school feel. An ideal area for families and, due to its proximity to London, young professionals, Dulwich is home to Dulwich Park with its ponds, playground, bowling green, tennis court and horse riding, and Dulwich Picture Gallery. There are about 20 junior schools in the area and 5 secondary schools as well as Dulwich College. A handful of churches sit within the town as does East Dulwich and West Dulwich rail stations, which reach London Victoria and Blackfriars in 10 minutes. Bus routes also service the area which sits alongside the South Circular, and its most notable residents have included Enid Blyton, comedienne Jo Brand, Margaret Thatcher, and AC/DC's first lead singer Bon Scott, who died in East Dulwich in 1980.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Marylebone, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
5/5Excellent

“Pronunciation aside, this is a stunning part of London”

Marylebone gaines its popularity not only through its upmarket housing and prime location in London's west end, but also thanks to its position on the Monopoly board and the trouble everyone has in pronouncing its name. Arguments over whether it is said Mar-le-bone, Marry-le-bone or any other kind of bone are ageless. A highly affluent area of central London, Marylebone is predominantly residential with many businesses premises housed within it also. Based very near to Oxford Street, Edgeware Road and Great Portland Street, Marylebone has its own mainline train and tube stations which connect the area with all of central London via the Jubilee Line, which runs from north London to east London. It is only a 5 minute walk from Marylebone station to Baker Street tube, which was home to Sherlock Holmes and is today the site of Madame Tussaud's. The University of Westminster and the Royal Academy of Music are in Marylebone, as are a number of very well-regarded schools, making the area a perfect location for well-off families with children. Jimi Hendrix reportedly lived at 43 Upper Berkeley Street at one point and Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr apparently lived at 34 Upper Montague Square. Other famous residents have included Madonna, Noel Gallagher and Sienna Miller.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Lovely area for families”

One of only two towns in England to have been granted the title 'royal', Tunbridge Wells is a west Kent based town about 30 miles from central London. Its population of almost 57,000 is made up of predominantly white Christian residents according to a 2001 census. Tunbridge Wells experienced less crime than the national average and is known to be quite a lovely area for families. There are many gardens and parks in the town as well as attractions such as castles, historic houses, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shopping centres. Residents who work locally do so, predominantly, for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and EDF Energy and unemployment in the area is very low. There are a number of schools in the area including three selective entry secondary schools. The town is well connected by road to Maidstone, Newhaven, Crawley and East Grinstead, by buses to Bromley, Brighton, and Eastbourne, and by rail to Tonbridge, Hastings, Canon Street, Charing Cross.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Penge, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Fairly grubby town with many schools nearby”

A fairly grubby looking town on the borders of Kent and south east London, Penge is bordered by Sydenham, Beckenham, Norwood and Crystal Palace. Home to about 10 pubs, Penge has a very busy High Street which includes small independent shops and supermarket chains and takeaway food outlets. There is a police station on the corner of the High Street and Green Lane which is believed to be London's oldest working police station. There are also a number of Victorian almshouses which are now all converted into private residences. Penge is a suitable area for families as there are a number of schools nearby. Professionals working in local towns or in London will find cheaper accommodation here and good public transport links. Buses run to the bordering towns and Penge East and Penge West mainline train stations connect the town to London Bridge, East Croydon, West Croydon, London Victoria, Orpington, Bromley and Clock House. The East London tube line is due to be extended to Penge West station in 2011, which will enable residents to travel into the Docklands and Shoreditch.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Lewisham, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Bustling town near to London with great shopping”

A bustling town centre in south east London, Lewisham doesn't have the greatest reputation and does see some crime, but it also offers a fantastic shopping experience and easy access to central London. The High Street is particularly large and extremely busy, and there is a section that is pedestrianised and home to daily and weekend markets. The markets sell everything including fruit, vegetables and fresh cut flowers, and occasionally they are themed to include Polish and French goods. There is a good mix of chain and independent stores as well as one of the largest shopping centres in south east London. For families with teenage children, there are three sixth form colleges in the area as well as Goldsmiths College and Laban Dance College, and the area does have plans for regeneration, which it needs. A major transport hub that is home to Lewisham mainline train, tube, and Docklands Light Rail stations, Lewisham sits on the A20 towards Dover and the A21 towards Hastings and has its own bus terminal. It is bordered by Catford, Deptford, Greenwich and Hither Green and has the largest police station in Europe. Famous residents have included Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, Jude Law, Maxi Priest, and Ian Wright.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Ashford, Kent, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Great town with plans to become even better”

Once voted the fourth best place to live in England, Ashford has massive plans over the coming years and will soon potentially be the best place to live! A constantly growing, bustling town popular among families and professionals, Ashford is an integral hub for international high speed train travel, communications and agriculture. Shopping is a huge part of Ashford, which is home to three different shopping centres as well as two traffic-free shopping thoroughfares in Bank Street and the High Street. Its continual growth is ensuring Ashford is a very modern town, with very little medieval influence left. There are plans to further expand the town by delivering over 13,000 homes by 2016 and 31,000 homes by 2031, which will also create many more jobs for residents. Currently however, Ashford's residents work predominantly in London, which is almost an hour away by train. With plans to also open a high-speed train line to London this year, it will soon only take 37 minutes to reach central London. For local families, Ashford has nineteen primary schools and six secondary schools as well as two colleges of further education. For visitors to the area there is Ashford Borough Museum, the Willesborough Windmill, a WW1 Mk4 tank, and Godington House and Gardens. There is something for everyone in this busy town, and it looks as though it is set to become something of a city itself in no time.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Fulham, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“Inner London suburb with prime property prices”

Based about 3 miles south west of central London, Fulham has had many faces over the years but, today, it is a green inner London suburb with 'prime' property prices and proximity to well-regarded areas such as Putney and Chelsea. An ideal area for both families who can afford the price of property and professionals seeking great public transport links to central London, Fulham is the home of Fulham Palace, which is nestled amongst elegant botanical gardens, the Fulham Broadway centre, a cinema complex, Fulham Town Hall, where many concerts are held, and both Fulham and Chelsea Football Clubs' stadiums. The area has loads of great pubs and many parks and open spaces. It has it own tube station, Fulham Broadway, which was used in the film Sliding Doors, and the area in general has been included in films such as The Omen. Fulham has been home to Sir Roger Moore, Jemima Khan, Supernanny Jo Frost, Catherine Tate, Dame Maggie Smith, Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe, and Welsh singer Duffy. So, if you don't mind neighbours like these, Fulham is a fantastic place to live for all ages.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Streatham, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
3/5Average

“Multicultural town close to London with a busy High Road”

A multicultural town with one of the busiest High Streets in inner London, Streatham is a short train journey from central London. Streatham Common is one of the town's most attractive features, and is visited by families and professionals on weekends for walking dogs, flying kites, jogging, playing football, and to attend the fair that visits every now and again. This part of Streatham, based not far from the High Road, is well suited to families and the properties around here are quite large. There are plenty of schools and doctors' surgeries in the area and a huge Sainsbury supermarket as well. Other parts of Streatham are really suited to professionals commuting for work. With three mainline train stations – Streatham, Streatham Hill, and Streatham Common – and the town being based just 5 miles from central London, Streatham is a dream to travel in and out of. The surrounding areas include Brixton, Crystal Palace, Norwood, and Thornton Heath. The residents of Streatham currently comprise middle class families living on leafy streets in properties that fetch over £500K, and large numbers of asylum seekers, predominantly from north and east African countries. Streatham's most notable resident, though, was supermodel Naomi Campbell.
lauryn
Level 5

lauryn reviewed Clapham, Greater London, England

Feb 14, 2009
4/5Good

“The busiest railway station in England”

An extremely popular area among travellers, Clapham is a vibrant and exciting town based in south west London, just 10 minutes from central London. A fashionable place to live for young professionals or those who travel by air a lot, Clapham's mainline train station has exceptional links into London, Surrey, Middlesex and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. With three tube stations including Clapham North, Clapham Common, and Clapham South, it is easy to access nearby towns such as Balham, Stockwell and Battersea as well. A hub for 20 and 30-somethings working in London, Clapham has loads of shops, pubs and restaurants to provide locals with exciting nightlife. There are also a sizable number of businesses in the area for those looking to work locally. Many of the properties in Clapham are blocks of flats or converted flats suited to the many young singles and couples who occupy the area currently.
Smiler29
Level 1

Smiler29 reviewed Cornwall Gardens, Kensington, England

Aug 21, 2008
3/5Average

“French aristo, euro chic, low end Kensington but still uber expensive”

fun square ideally placed for Gloucester rd tube and Ken High st shopping. Friendly vibe, with some French aristos whos' families must have fled during the revolution. Council services outstanding (three rubbish collections a week). Shops in Gloucester rd are a very nice indeed. No shortage of restaurants.
propertyfan
Level 1

propertyfan reviewed Erpingham Road, Wandsworth, England

Aug 14, 2008
3/5Average

“Quiet, pleasant suburban street, close to activity”

Between Lower and Upper Richmond road and close enough to Putney High Street for going out. As everywhere else in Putney, especially West Putney, aeroplanes are a nuisance from about 5AM to 11PM, otherwise very quiet and leafy.

Hop skip and a jump away from Putney Leisure Centre, good for swimming, no ball sports though.

Lots of conversions of large old victorian detached and semi-detached houses.

Lovely pub (The Spencer Arms) around the corner.

StreetAdvisor asks me about child care and schools, and it forces me to answer these questions - not a particularly good idea, as I don't have children. So please ignore the schools and child care ratings
rrr
Level 1

rrr reviewed Orton Malborne, England

Aug 07, 2008
3/5Average

“A city on the bank of improvment”

Some places are not very pleasant yet others are very nice.
Needs more to do for kids.
abandonedbike
Level 1

abandonedbike reviewed Fancourt Avenue, Wolverhampton, England

Aug 07, 2008
4/5Good

“Suburbia with access to so much”

Edge of town location, good links into Wolverhampton. Local facilities are good. Access to countryside excellent.
toby
Level 1

toby reviewed Leigham Court Road, Lambeth, England

Aug 07, 2008
3/5Average

“Value for money?!”

It's hardly the most picturesque street in London, but like the rest of Streatham represents reasonable value for money in terms of property prices. Depending on location Leigham Court Road is well placed for Streatham Hill, Streatham, West Norwood and Tulse Hill mainline rail stations, plus a wealth of bus routes. Between these it's also easy to get to Balham (Northern Line) or Brixton (Victoria Line) tube stations.

Streatham itself is a mixed bag - a few great places to eat, a couple of nice places to drink, an Odeon cinema, but little in the way of useful shops (apart from Streatham Fruiterers!). It's been 'up and coming' for at least the last 6 years, hard to tell if it's actually on the way anywhere though.
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