South London is a great choice for anyone looking at property in the capital. Generally, you’ll get more for your money than north of river, and there’s a wealth of neighbourhoods to choose from – whether you’re looking for buzzy nightlife, a family-friendly vibe, historic, quirky or cosmopolitan.
Plus, wherever you live in south London you won’t be far from amazing green spaces and great transport links into central London.
While areas vary enormously in terms of amenities, type of properties and price – here is our pick of south London’s best.
1. Tooting Bec
This popular neighbourhood, right on the Northern Line, has plenty to recommend it. Tooting Bec common is a lovely open space and home to the legendary 90-metre-long lido. You’re not far from Tooting Market with its range of gastro and world cuisine, plus you’ll find good schools and a definite family feel. There’s a range of housing including the Heaver Estate with some of London’s most appealing Victorian terraces.
2. Herne Hill
Like Tooting Bec, residents of Herne Hill are lucky enough to have a lido right on their doorstep, in the middle of Brockwell Park – also the site of a summer programme of music festivals. Herne Hill has a village vibe with a wealth of cafes, restaurants and independent shops – from children’s books to haberdashery. There’s a farmers’ market and you’re close to all the buzz of Brixton.
3. Clapham
With not one but three stops along the Northern Line, Clapham offers an easy commute into central London. Home to the famous common for picnics, jogging or just chilling out, the area is also known for its vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs and restaurants. It’s great for young professionals, but, bang in the middle of south London’s ‘nappy valley’, it’s perfect for families too.
4. Battersea
Battersea is an area of contrasts when it comes to property. You’ll find plenty of attractive Victorian terraces around chichi Northcote Road and Battersea Rise, along with a great range of shops bars and restaurants – and superb transport links, thanks to Clapham Junction train station. Battersea has also been the focus of major regeneration, meaning it’s a good place to look for modern properties around the iconic power station. This area of Battersea is served by one of London’s latest tube stations at Nine Elms.
5. Wandsworth
If you fancy living by the river, Wandsworth is also a good choice. Here, you’ll also find plenty of modern riverside developments as well as attractive Edwardian properties. There’s an historic feel to the area too, and a good choice of pubs and restaurants.
6. Peckham
Described by the Evening Standard as a ‘hipster regeneration success story,’ there’s much more to Peckham than Del Boy and Rodney. You’ll find a vibrant arts scene, great nightlife, a cosmopolitan feel and mix of historic and modern properties, at more affordable prices than the likes of Shoreditch.
7. Wimbledon
If you think Wimbledon is just for tennis, think again. This leafy south west London area has the benefits of a village with a real country feel and a town centre with a good range of amenities. The common is a stunning green space and the area is served by the district line, tram and trains into Waterloo. Great for families, you’ll find a good choice of outstanding state and independent schools.
8. Richmond
Richmond has the feel of a town in its own right, yet it’s an easy commute into central London by train. There’s a busy town centre with a good choice of high-end shops. You can benefit from the vast open spaces of Richmond Park, plus you’re right by the river. An historic part of London, you’ll find attractive properties from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods – from townhouses to mews apartments.
9. Crystal Palace
Named the best place to live in London by this year’s Sunday Times guide, this hilltop location boasts great views, a bohemian feel, sought-after schools and a quirky mix of pubs, bars and shops. Plus, there’s Crystal Palace Park for green space, and its famous dinosaurs.
10. Balham
Another south west London neighbourhood with a stop on the Northern Line, Balham has plenty of shops and amenities, great schools and a real community feel.
If you’re looking for a new home, talk to us. We have properties in many of south London’s best neighbourhoods, plus plenty of experience of helping buyers find the right place whatever their priorities. Give us a call today.