How do I find out where's good to live in London?

[DMG]

I'm moving 2 London and don't know how 2 go about finding good location to rent flat/flatshare. Anyone know of good internet sites to advise? I'm used to v. big cities and want to be in the heart of things, but also need to meet people my age! Please don't suggest Loot or similar unless they have descriptions of the areas - I don't know my Clapham from my Islington.

[annavc]

Try www.moveflat.co.uk 

It has forums and stuff about all the different areas - its where I found my place and I've since found housemate's two seperate times by advertsing on there.  Definitely a good one.

[Andy008]

Go to livinginlondon.com

Don't believe anyone who tells you Brixton is a nice place - it isn't. I was there twice last week and have never felt so uncomfortable.

To be honest, it's only really worth moving to London if you are going to live in a nice part, and you will pay handsomely for the privilege.

Avoid: Brixton, Streatham, Camberwell, Kennington, Stockwell, Stratford, most of the East End, Stoke Newington, Tottenham, Camden Town (it's not called "Murder Mile" for nothing).

Go for: Chelsea, Fulham, Putney, Kensington, Notting Hill, Chiswick, Hampstead....��������

You must realise London is not really one city - it is a huge merging of little towns. The terrifically odd thing about it is you can be walking through a posh area one minute and suddenly into a horrible part, and vice versa.

Borderline "alright" areas are Kilburn, Kentish Town, Clapham, Acton, Greenwich. 

Sorry to sound so negative but it's true.

[beamer]

Andy008, do you actually live in London? I consider your advice wildly inaccurate.

For a start "Murder Mile" is located in Clapton (just north of Hackney), not Camden Town. Stoke Newington is where the Islinton luvvies moved to when out-priced of Islington - as a result Stoke Newington Church Street is a glorious hotch potch of up-market bistro's, lovely pubs and restaurants and very family orientated.

Kentish Town is, in my opinion, a dump.

As for Chelsea, Fulham, Putney etc... Er, great if your a trustatfarian and consider Tara Palmer Tomkinson a role model. Otherwise I'd leave those areas to the Louis Vitton brigade.

I would say nice, affordable areas would be places like Highbury, Dulwich Village, Stoke Newington (clissold park area), Islington, Hampstead (parliament hill area). Though really, it is very much a matter of taste, and what your in to.

[DMG]

Thank you all very much! I like the sound of Stoke Newington, and Islington's where my mum was born so if I can afford it and it's nice, I'll try that. The website (moveflat.co.uk) is good too.

[Hot Chef]

Have a look at Surrey Docks Rotherhithe area on the loop of the river good transport links nice pubs good river walks

[londondave]

I live in Chiswich which is really nice, lots of celebs here, nice riverside, loads of resturants, park etc. 24 hour transport into central London, overground, tube, north London Link & Busses it is prob one of the best places.

What are you into social wise?

[keilo]

Agree with previous posts that Stoke Newington is lovely - very villagey and bohemian. Clapham Common is also great for 20 -30 somethings - so many pubs and restuarants. Where are you going to be working - you need to think about your commute. Do you need bus/train/tube or all? Take a look East Dulwich - really up and coming area, so still affordable but safe and lots to do. No tube, but 11 minutes on train into London Bridge, frequent buses to Waterloo, Victoria and West End. I've lived all over London, but have settled in ED and haven't looked back. Local trendy pubs full of nice friendly people and great food.

[caleblyons]

Hi DMG,

First you should understand, before dealing with any letting agent, try to check out their previous background. You could seek counsel from an expert in this field.

I think you should ask the agent to show you the results of your checks – this is your right as being their customer.

There are many high profile agent firms that source major portfolios and developments. Well I can mention a good site such as Plazaestates.co.uk – and they have residential and commercial property going in every part of London. You can contact them for further guidance. Even they help you arrange mortgages, loans and finance to buy properties as per your budget as well.