Living in Camden, London
What this article covers
- What makes Camden a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Camden for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Camden
Camden, located in Greater London, England, is well-known for its vibrant cultural scene and picturesque canals, attracting both working professionals and families alike.
Housing Cost in Camden
Camden is a desirable yet pricey borough. The average rental cost per month is approximately £1,700, whereas buying a flat or house can stretch from £800,000 to well over £1,000,000. These high prices may be feasible for working professionals but can prove challenging for families on a tight budget.
Transportation in Camden
Public transportation is efficient, with reliable bus, overground and underground services, which benefit commuting professionals. On the flip side, heavy traffic congestion can pose problems for families, especially those with young children.
Safety in Camden
While Camden generally has a reputation for being safe, it does have spots where crime rates are relatively high compared to other boroughs in London. Therefore, it’s advisable for residents to stay alert and informed about their neighbourhood.
Camden: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Overall, Camden offers a rich lifestyle with plenty to explore. However, high living costs and certain safety concerns are factors that can affect its appeal differently for professionals and families. It’s essential to balance these aspects when considering a move to Camden, Greater London.
Most popular areas
Hampstead (NW3)
Hampstead is one of the most affluent and popular areas in Camden known for its intellectual, liberal, artistic, musical and literary associations. It features beautiful Georgian buildings, plentiful green spaces such as Hampstead Heath, independent boutiques, high-end restaurants, and popular schools.
Covent Garden (WC2)
A district famous for its world-class shopping, street performers, bars, restaurants, theatres and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden is popular for those desiring an urban lifestyle in the heart of London. Covent Garden Piazza and Market is a significant draw for both locals and tourists.
Camden Town (NW1)
Camden Town is popular for its eclectic and vibrant nature. Known for the famous Camden Market, offering a variety of independent retailers and food vendors. The area is also rich in live music venues and the picturesque Regent’s Canal.
Least popular areas
Somers Town (NW1)
Despite being central, Somers Town suffers from a lower popularity mainly because it is primarily a social housing area with a lack of amenities compared to its surrounding locales. It is also considered less safe than other areas in the borough.
Gospel Oak (NW3, NW5)
Gospel Oak is less popular due to its lack of local amenities and less attractive housing options. It does, however, offer access to Hampstead Heath and is slowly seeing improvement with regeneration projects underway.
Camden Road (NW1)
Camden Road, often confused with the main Camden Town, is a less popular residential area. This is due to the high levels of traffic, noise and lack of green spaces compared to other areas of Camden.
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