Are
moving to London anytime soon? Are you relocating with your entire family? If your answer is yes to both questions, then you need to know that London is a fairly challenging place for a family to live. This isn't to say that the city isn't suitable for you and your kids, but don't forget that it's a bustling metropolis with all sorts of people. Unfortunately, some areas are more dangerous than others, while a few are far from great schools for your little ones. So where do you settle down? Consider Hampstead, Richmond, Chiswick, Notting Hill, or Barnet. These are some of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in London.
Barnet
Located along the northern outskirts of London, Barnet is your little slice of the English countryside by the British capital. The vibes here are so different from the city center, you'd swear you were in an entirely different region. But don't worry! Distance-wise, it'll barely take you a day to get to the
central London neighborhoods from here. And while those districts are largely urban, Barnet boasts a more small town-like charm in contrast. It still has its big buildings and such, but the atmosphere here is more similar to the Coltwolds than Chelsea or Westminster.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Philafrenzy
Chiswick
Haven't heard of Chiswick before? Don't worry! Apart from true Londoners who have been here for a while (starting from their earliest generations, even!), this neighborhood isn't exactly all that known. And that's part of its charm! While the rest of the city is crowded in trendy districts and business-centric boroughs, Chiswick is a largely residential area that's perfect for families in London. There are beautiful green spaces, charming cafes, and a variety of shops and pubs. Don't forget about the beautiful
luxury homes to rent in London too! A lot of them have enough space for the entire clan.
Source: Geograph.org.uk/ Julian Osley
Hampstead
As one of the main
suburbs of London, it's only natural that Hampstead is on this list. The place itself is mostly residential too, filled with tight-knit communities all nestled together in beautiful homes. You'd see more houses and apartment complexes here than big buildings and tall skyscrapers. It's also an affluent neighborhood, complete with luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants, and more. Not to mention some of the best schools in the city too. From private academies to international schools, Hampstead has some of the finest institutions that will give your kids the best education in London.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Notting Hill
It's easy to think of Notting Hill as more of an adult-centric neighborhood. If you went by the iconic 1999 romcom starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, you'd think that Notting Hill was only a place for kooky adults in their late 20s and early 30s. There's no denying that those people have a place here, but the area is also suitable for families with young kids, elderly parents, and more. It's a lovely, somewhat chill neighborhood that maintains the right balance between an urban district and a small town in the
English countryside. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Putney
Putney doesn't get enough credit as a family-friendly neighborhood in London. While it does tend to get busy at times and it's not exactly far from the city center, the area still has a lot to offer families with young kids. For one thing, Putney is known as the sporty district of the city. Whether you're into cricket or tennis or even football or golf, the place is filled to the brim with sports clubs. Your little ones will love going to any or all of them and it'll help them grow stronger and instill a sense of discipline and good sportsmanship.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Metro Centric
Richmond
Richmond, also known as Richmond upon Thames, is perhaps the most suitable neighborhood for families
moving to London. Another of the city's suburbs, the place is largely residential and is a lot quieter compared to the city center. Some parts even look and feel more like actual suburban neighborhoods than other districts in the bustling British capital. With many of London's best international schools nearby too, it's almost as if the area was built specifically for families. They can get the best education here and on weekends, you can bring them to the beautiful Richmond Park.
Source: Flickr.com_ Michael Garnett
Sutton
The London Borough of Sutton is another area seemingly crafted for families with young kids. Firstly, the neighborhood is peaceful and rarely as hectic as the central districts. Secondly, much like Richmond, there's a good number of great schools nearby. And third, arguably the most important part, Sutton also boasts the lowest
crime rates in London. The British capital doesn't exactly have a good reputation when it comes to crime. While the city, as a whole, tends to have mid to high crime rates, Sutton serves as proof that London isn't all bad!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ A P Monblat
Wembley
While the rest of the world knows of it for its iconic Wembley Stadium, its namesake neighborhood deserves some attention too. It's one of the best for living with your family in London, after all, especially its village-like feel. Outside of the usual hoopla that Wembley Stadium often invites, Wembley is more of a quiet suburb of London. Here, you'll see houses upon houses, many with their own beautiful gardens, and pleasant apartment buildings. Even in the most commercialized areas, the establishments here rarely get as crowded as the hottest spots in the city center.
Source: Flickr.com/ diamong geezer
Are you moving to London with your family? If you are and you still don't know where to settle down, consider these family-friendly districts in the city. Not only are they more peaceful than most, but your kids will surely love any of them too!
