Living in Borough, London
What this article covers
- What makes Borough a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Borough for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Borough
Borough, a district in Greater London, England, offers a unique blend of history and modern urban living. Here working professionals and families alike find different attractive facets.
The Appeal for Working Professionals
For working professionals, Borough is an attractive place because it’s at the heart of the city. With its close proximity to London’s financial district, commuting to work is relatively quick and convenient. The average rent for a flat here can range from £1,300 to £2,000 per month while buying could cost around £700,000, understandably steep given Borough’s central location.
The Family Perspective
For families, Borough offers a rich educational and cultural experience thanks to the array of primary schools and iconic landmarks like the Southwark Cathedral. However, the hustle and bustle might not be ideal for those seeking peaceful suburban living.
Transportation
The Borough is exceptionally well-connected, with excellent Tube and bus networks. But driving in Borough can be stressful due to congestion and limited parking.
Safety in Borough
According to Metropolitan Police data, the Borough of Southwark, which includes Borough, recorded crime rates above the London average in recent years, implying it might not be considered the safest. However, residents generally report feeling safe.
Overall Impression
In conclusion, Borough offers a vibrant, dynamic place to live. The choice to live here ultimately depends on individual preferences for city life, budget, and personal comfort regarding safety.
Most popular areas
Bermondsey (SE1)
Bermondsey is known for its fashionable and creative vibe. It’s home to thriving markets like Borough Market and Maltby Street Market. It offers a blend of modern constructions with period properties and its proximity to the central city is convenient for working professionals.
Bankside (SE1)
Bankside is incredibly popular because of its close proximity to the Thames and the cultural landmarks like Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and The London Eye. It offers a diverse range of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Living in Bankside means having the city’s rich history at your doorstep.
Southwark (SE1)
Southwark is a highly sought-after area due to its diverse cultural scene and excellent location. It’s home to famous landmarks like The Shard, the Imperial War Museum and is adjacent to the Thames. It offers extensive shopping options, a fantastic food scene and is a hub for arts with numerous galleries and theaters.
Least popular areas
Peckham (SE15)
Despite having a thriving creative scene and strong community spirit, Peckham is often considered less desirable due to comparatively higher crime rates and the perception of it being less posh than its neighbouring areas.
Deptford (SE8)
Deptford, although it has been seeing significant regeneration in recent years, is still less desirable due to fewer green spaces and some pockets with higher crime rates. It is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbours such as Greenwich.
Lewisham (SE13)
Lewisham is often overlooked due to the lack of tube station, despite having a good train link. Some areas of Lewisham retain a post-industrial residential landscape which can make it less appealing compared to other areas in the Borough.
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