Living in Hillingdon, London
What this article covers
- What makes Hillingdon a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Hillingdon for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Hillingdon
Hillingdon is one of the 32 London boroughs, situated in Greater London, England. It’s primarily residential and it’s the second largest of the London boroughs by far.
What makes Hillingdon a good place to live
Hillingdon is known for its remarkable blend of city and suburban living. Packed with amenities such as shopping centres, parks, and schools, it’s considered a desirable location for families, working professionals and students alike. The area is abundant with green spaces, hosting five national nature reserves such as the Colne Valley Regional Park. The borough also houses Brunel University, attracting students from around the globe.
What makes Hillingdon a bad place to live
Despite its positives, Hillingdon is not without its downsides. Some areas have become notoriously traffic-jammed, particularly during the rush hours. The borough is located on the periphery of London, resulting in slightly longer commutes to Central London compared to other boroughs.
Buying and renting in Hillingdon
The cost of living in Hillingdon largely depends on the area. As of 2021, the average property price in the borough is around £446,777. The renting market is a bit friendlier, with an average rental price currently sitting at around £1,300 per month.
Public transportation in Hillingdon
Hillingdon is served by a comprehensive public transport system. It has several stations on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines offering easy commute to Central London. There are plenty of bus routes and the area will also benefit from the Crossrail project, improving accessibility further.
Safety in Hillingdon
A majority part of Hillingdon boasts a relatively low crime rate, especially in residential areas. However, like any urban area, some neighbourhoods do see higher crime rates than others.
Most popular areas in Hillingdon
Ruislip (HA4)
Renowned for its village feel, Ruislip is a family-friendly area with good schools, parks, and local amenities.
Uxbridge (UB8)
Uxbridge attracts students and working professionals alike due to the presence of Brunel University and well-connected to transport links.
Least popular areas in Hillingdon
Hayes (UB3)
While the area is seeing redevelopment and investment, Hayes has higher crime rates compared to other neighbourhoods in Hillingdon.
West Drayton (UB7)
Despite significant development, pollution from the Heathrow Airport and traffic congestion make West Drayton less popular.
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