So, you’re looking to move home and find yourself searching for advice on the best places to live in East London? Well, look no further! We’ve teamed up with a number of prominent estate agents to come up with an up-to-date list of desirable East London areas and explore what it is that makes them so special.
As a local East London builder, we’ve seen our fair share of the things that people love so much about the place and have spoken to countless residents while working on our projects, discussing what they like and dislike about living here.
The best areas to live in East London
To decide which areas will go on this list, we looked at a number of factors including safety, affordability, local attractions, transport options, culture and history. In no particular order, here are the top pics.
Hackney
Highlights: Plenty of stuff to do, great transport links
Hackney is a diverse and vibrant area of East London that has undergone significant improvements in recent years. While it hasn’t exactly been known as the best place to live in London in the past, it has recently become a trendy and sought-after area with a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a range of unique shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
While Hackney has become more expensive in recent years, there are still affordable options for housing, particularly in some of the more residential areas of the borough. There are also many shared housing options available, which can be a more affordable way to live in the area, especially for younger people who do not have to worry about accommodating a family.
Transport options in Hackney are excellent, with several overground and underground stations providing easy access to other parts of London. There are also many bus routes and cycle paths, making getting around the local area effortless.
One of the best things about Hackney is the range of things to do. From browsing the vintage and independent shops on Stoke Newington Church Street to taking in a performance at the Hackney Empire theatre, there is always something happening in the area. There are also many green spaces, such as Hackney Downs and London Fields, providing a welcome respite from the busy streets.
Overall, Hackney is a dynamic and exciting area with a lot to offer and definitely qualifies as one of the best places to live in East London. While it can be more expensive than some other areas on this list, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a diverse and vibrant area with excellent transport links and plenty of things to do.
Redbridge
Highlights: Safety, strong sense of community
Redbridge is a diverse and family-friendly borough in East London that is known for its green spaces, good schools and a strong sense of community. It has a reputation as a very safe area with low levels of crime, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals.
No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find something suitable in Redbridge, from more affordable flats and shared housing to larger family homes as it offers a wide range of housing options. The borough also has a range of amenities and services, including good schools, healthcare facilities and plenty of cafes and restaurants for tying some exciting new cuisine.
Transport options in Redbridge are great too, with several underground stations providing easy access to other parts of London. There are also many well-planned cycle paths, making it easy to get around the local area while keeping active. Redbridge is also home to London City Airport, which is just a short drive away and provides easy access to a multitude of destinations across Europe – so you can skip the long journey to Heathrow!
One of the highlights of living in Redbridge is the number of possible activities. We promise you won’t spend a single moment in boredom if you end up moving to this exciting place. Redbridge is home to many parks and green spaces, including the beautiful Valentines Park, which is popular with families and dog walkers. There are also many cultural attractions, such as the Redbridge Museum and the Kenneth More Theatre, which hosts a range of performances throughout the year.
The area is also perfect if you’re looking for a sense of community, with many local events and initiatives aimed at bringing local residents together. Redbridge has a range of community centres, libraries and other facilities that provide a space for locals to come together and get involved in different activities and initiatives.
Greenwich
Highlights: Great transport links, local beauty, plenty of stuff to do
Greenwich is a picturesque area in East London that is known for its rich history, beautiful parks and stunning riverfront views. Despite its central location, housing is relatively affordable here, with a range of options to suit different budgets, from small flats and shared housing to larger family homes. Greenwich also offers good access to amenities and services, including good schools, hospitals, shops and plenty of restaurants and cafes for those looking to eat out.
Since it’s located very close to the very centre of London, Greenwich is a top pick if transport options are at the top of your list of priorities. Several overground and underground stations make it easy to access other parts of London, with many bus routes and cycle paths making local travel pleasant and convenient.
One of the best things about Greenwich is just how much there is to do here. There are several beautiful parks, with the most notable one being Greenwich Park, which boasts stunning views of the city skyline and is a stone’s throw from the river Themes. There are also many cultural attractions, such as the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, which host a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year. But if the local attractions don’t tickle your fancy, you can always hop on the tube and zip over to any attraction in London within an hour!
All these things make Greenwich one of the best places to live in East London and it’s a great option for anyone looking for a picturesque scene with good transport links, affordable housing options and plenty of activities to keep them entertained all year round.
Havering
Highlights: Affordability, an abundance of green space, strong sense of community
Havering is another one of the best places to live in East London and is perfect for you if you have a lust for nature and green spaces. The area is home to several beautiful parks, including Raphael Park, which is perfect for families and boasts a huge lake with boats to rent out for the day and a children’s play area to keep the little ones occupied. There are also many cultural attractions, such as the Queen’s Theatre, which hosts some talented performers and is famous throughout London for its breathtaking theatrics.
When it comes to affordable housing, Havering has some really attractive options thanks to its location being on the outer edges of East London and the Evening Standard places it in the number two spot for best areas for first-time buyers. It has several suburban neighbourhoods with detached and semi-detached houses, as well as modern newly built flats. The cost of living in Havering is generally lower than in other areas of London, which is another reason why it is popular with people from all walks of life, from retired people to students.
Getting around Havering is easy, with several overground and underground stations that provide access to other parts of London. There are also many bus routes and cycle paths, which means you can explore the local area at your own pace. If you’re driving, Havering is home to the busy A12 road, which connects the borough to the rest of the city.
It’s clear to see why Havering has a reputation for being one of the best areas to live in East London. A great option for anyone looking to enjoy a slower pace of life compared to the rest of the busy and bustling London, with its family-friendly neighbourhoods, an abundance of green spaces and a strong sense of community.
Canary Wharf
Highlights: Transport links, quality of life, safety, plenty of stuff to do
Canary Wharf is a wonderful area located in the heart of East London. If you’re looking for a modern, sleek and bustling location with no shortage of things to do to keep you entertained, then Canary Wharf is definitely the place for you!
Living in Canary Wharf is definitely not a viable option for everyone and due to its central location and lack of affordable housing, it is one of the more expensive places to live in London. Those who do have the budget to consider moving here will have a choice of stylish flats and luxury penthouses with stunning views overlooking the river Themes.
Getting around Canary Wharf is easy and convenient with endless public transport options including the Jubilee line on the London Underground, the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and several bus routes. There’s also a riverboat service that runs from Canary Wharf, which is a fun and unique way to see the sights of London on the weekend.
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Canary Wharf – especially at night then you definitely won’t be disappointed. The area is home to a huge number of exciting bars open to locals as well as City workers looking to unwind after a hard day’s work at the office. There are also many cultural attractions like the Museum of London Docklands for those looking for something more chilled. You could even take a stroll along the Thames Path, which offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline. The possibilities really are endless!
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the biggest selling point of Canary Wharf is its lively and vibrant atmosphere. The area is always buzzing with activity, from business meetings to live music events and there’s always action to be found. With convenient access to the rest of East London, you can always be a little more adventurous and venture out to find something happening nearby. There are also plenty of community events that take place throughout the year offering residents a chance to meet new people and get involved in local activities – fantastic if you’re socially driven and outgoing.
Newham
Highlights: Affordability, plenty of stuff to do
Newham is a fantastic place to live in East London thanks to its diverse community, housing options and the number of exciting activities. It’s a vibrant and dynamic area with a rich cultural history and there’s always something new to discover, even for long-time residents!
While it may be located in the heart of London, the cost of living in Newham is generally lower than in other nearby areas, which makes it a great choice if you’re mindful of your budget. There are also plenty of housing options available, from modern flats to traditional terraced houses ranging from very cheap to a bit more on the luxurious side.
With good public transport links including the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), the Jubilee Line and the Overground getting around Newham is no challenge. If you prefer to burn off some calories while commuting to work, then you’re in luck as Newham has several cycle paths and a convenient bike hire scheme to encourage local residents to ditch the Oyster card and pick up their cycling shoes!
Those of us looking for some action will be happy to hear there is plenty of stuff to do in the area. Newham has several parks, such as the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which was built for the 2012 London Olympics with future use in mind. If you’re a film enthusiast, you’ll love the Stratford East Picturehouse, which screens independent and foreign language films you won’t find anywhere else in London. The area is home to people from all over the world making it a great place to explore different cultures and international cuisines, with the Newham Carnival taking place every year to celebrate the area’s cultural heritage.
Which is your favourite area in East London?
Those are the best areas to live in East London! We hope you enjoyed reading through our list and most importantly, found it helpful in your search for the perfect home. If you would like to explore some other options, be sure to check out our article on the best places to live in North London or the best places to live in Essex. We’re sure you will find them to be equally as useful as this was.
