If you’re about to move to London with your family and wondering where you and your kids will feel welcome and happy, keep reading. If you are also bringing your furry friend to the capital, don't miss this pet-lovers article.
There are several elements to considering when thinking about the best places to live in London with kids, for example: schools, supermarkets, play areas and parks. You also want your children to be safe, so it's important to check the crime level in the neighbourhood of your choice. The Metropolitan Police provide an excellent up to date crime map where you can easily find the safest areas.
If finding a great school for your kids is the main criteria of your house hunting, then you can check all London schools on the official government website – the London Schools Atlas.
Considering how hard and tiring is to move home, you need to make sure you choose the right neighbourhood for you and your family and get it right the first time.
Check out all Spotahome London Neighbourhood Guides
So with the aim to facilitate your house hunting in London, we've selected the most family-friendly neighbourhoods.
Brixton
Brixton truly is a fabulous area. Cheaper than most of North London, there is a huge park with a refurbished playground where your kids can play and make new friends. The park also has tennis courts, lawn bowls and picnic areas. The neighbourhood is filled with babies, toddlers and parents groups, which helps a lot if you are moving from another country and in need to make new connections. The local council, Lambeth, has invested a lot of money in the area and has launched lots of family-friendly events like the Country Show (rides, animals, arts and crafts, food, music), Guy Fawkes Fireworks night and Brixton Splash (a music street party). Transport connections are simply perfect as the area is served by lots of buses, the tube as well as the overground.
Hampstead
Outdoor spaces, including Regent’s Park and Hampstead Heath, are the cherry on the cake of Hampstead's neighbourhood. But this is not only a families hub, it's a trendy and fun area full of shops, restaurants and all sorts of activities for you and your little humans.
Additionally, well-catered schools along with a low crime level make Hampstead a very desirable area to live with your family. If you have a tight budget, you can look slightly west in Hampstead West, where property prices are slightly lower than Hampstead itself.
Richmond
Located next to the River Thames, Richmond is consistently rated as one of the safest places in London to live. There are lots of places to visit, children-friendly restaurants and plenty of green. Not to mention the gorgeous Richmond Park, a 2,360 acres area and home to flocks of deer which your kids are going to love. Just a bus ride away, there are also the beautiful Kew Gardens.
Richmond is also well-served by public transports (train and tube), making it a good base if you need to commute to the city centre for work. Lastly, there are many great private schools to choose from if you’re looking to privately educate your children.
Sutton
Sutton is one of the most affordable and desirable areas for families thanks to the abundant green spaces and low crime rates. It is also easy to commute to central London since the train only takes 30 minutes to London Victoria, St. Pancreas and London Bridge. If you are looking for schooling, there are lots of good grammar schools and primary schools.
Notting Hill
Trendy, fancy but quite expensive Notting Hill is the perfect base for you and your family. With plenty of attractions for your children, like the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, it will be impossible to get bored. On Saturdays, a stroll around Portobello Road Market will also get your kids excited especially if you get them some fresh paella or fish & chips.
The level of the schools in the area is also quite high and crime rate low. There are parks within walking distance, like Kensington Park and Holland Park while Hyde Park is also a great choice for your Sundays picnics and family time.
EXTRA TIP: kids travel free on London Transport!
Children under the age of 11 travel free on London Transport. This includes The Tube (London Underground trains), London Buses, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground Trains.
If you are looking for more info about London life, read these other useful articles and familiarise with the most beautiful city in the world: