Despite dropping for the first time in 30 years during the pandemic, London’s population is now well and truly on the rise once more. According to the Evening Standard and specialists like Rentola.co.uk, analysts are reporting a “boomerang effect” whereby the thousands who fled the metropolis a couple of years ago, are now returning to the capital.
Moreover, it appears that more young people than ever before are now choosing to call London home, with a study by MTV and Reebok revealing that young people would prefer to move to London over anywhere else in the world.
With excellent work prospects, a buzzing entertainment scene, a diverse food and drink offering, and global transport connections, it’s not hard to see why London appeals so much to younger generations. However, with the rising cost of living to contend with, rental costs are certainly something to bear in mind.
I’ve rounded up some of the best places to live in London for young people based on my own experience, and that of friends who’ve lived in these areas.
What parts of London are best for young people to live in?
Brixton
While parts of Brixton are known for crime, on the whole, Brixton has evolved over the years to become a relatively safe, multicultural area, with an illustrious social scene. Based within the London Borough of Lambeth, Brixton’s streets are peppered with cafés, restaurants, and social venues to suit all tastes.
While you might prefer to steer clear of the less savoury council estates, central Brixton is a swarming hub of people and energy, with several green spaces like Loughborough Park; Ruskin Park; and Brockwell Park. If you’re looking for an apartment for rent in London, the Brixton area is often more affordable than many other areas of London. What’s more, the excellent transport links across the city make it a convenient place for young people to live.
Camden
Nestled in northwest London, Camden is one of the trendiest locations in the city. In fact, it’s actually the first part of London I ever visited, drawn by the lure of Camden Market, and the quirky shops that line the high street.
Reasonable prices, reliable transport connections, and a lively social scene make Camden a real magnet for young people. However, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the High Street, you can enjoy a scenic stroll along Regents Canal, or perhaps even sail along it in a narrowboat! With regular transport links into the city, you can reach the heart of London in less than 10 minutes by tube, or under 20 minutes by bus. While the rising popularity of Camden has resulted in increased rental and property prices, some affordable areas do remain, especially if you’re only looking to rent a room in a shared house, as opposed to paying for a whole place by yourself.
Whitechapel
If you’re looking for a vibrant place in London, you can’t go wrong with Whitechapel. It allows young people to live near the city centre at affordable prices. Transport links are great, and you’ll master how to take the London tube fast.
If you need to do a spot of shopping, Whitechapel Market has everything you need, from pots and pans; to fruit and vegetables. Fancy a bite to eat? Take your pick from countless restaurants and eateries. And, for a memorable night-out, head to the Apples and Pears Bar – a trendy independent cocktail bar, tucked away behind a graffiti-scrawled shutter on the Aldgate end of Brick Lane.
Shoreditch
Based in London’s East End, Shoreditch is widely regarded as oneof the hippest parts of London. If you love arts and culture, this is the ideal location for you. Shoreditch is home to a number of popular art galleries and museums, not to mention an impressive display of street art. Complementing this cultural scene is a thriving network of creative workspaces, studios and co-working hubs, making Shoreditch a magnet for designers, makers and digital talent. This, combined with Shoreditch’s far-ranging offering of trendy clubs and bars, gastro pubs, restaurants, and indie coffee attracts creatives and young trend-setters in their hordes.
What’s more, commuting into the city is incredibly easy, as you’re just a 10-minute walk from the centre of London. While this does mean you can expect to pay a little more to rent and buy property here than you might do elsewhere in London, prices remain fairly reasonable when compared to to the likes of Chelsea, Kensington, Mayfair and Knightsbridge.
Clapham
Located in the southern area of London, Clapham is one of the most popular places in London for young people to live. The area is home to the iconic Clapham Common – one of Lambeth’s Green Flag Award-winning parks, previously awarded ‘Commons of the Year’ at London in Bloom. Green space aside, you’ll also find numerous cafés, restaurants and shops to explore.
Commuting to the town centre from Clapham takes just minutes, and it’s easy to travel across London on the overground train too.
Despite being popular among young people, however, Clapham isn’t exactly affordable to live in. The demand for property is high, and prices can be even higher. However, the area offers a high standard of living for young people who can afford it.
Angel
Angel was previously considered a less exciting part of London, before young people began flocking to it. Now, its youthful population and excellent transport options have helped to transform it into one of the sought-after areas in the city.
Based in North London, Angel offers plenty to entertain young people, from interesting places to eat and drink, to unique places to shop. You’ll find a handful of open spaces here too, like Highbury Fields, which is ideal for taking a stroll, walking the dog, or relaxing with friends. While property prices have shot up recently, you can often spot a reasonable deal, if you’re patient enough to look for it.
These are my top five places in London for young people to live, based on my own experience and that of others who’ve lived in these areas for extended periods. However, it’s by no means an exhaustive list and, ultimately, deciding where is best to live in London will largely depend on your personal circumstances and preferences, too.
What other parts of London do you recommend for young people to live in? Leave a comment to share your ideas.