Living in Merton, London
What this article covers
- What makes Merton a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Merton for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Merton
Merton, a borough located in South-West London, England, is known for its quiet and serene environment. As part of outer London, it bridges both urban and suburban lifestyles, presenting an opportunity that is hard to come by in the city.
What makes Merton a good place to live
Merton is highly suitable for working professionals, families and students as it is well-connected to Central London and offers excellent educational institutions, such as the renowned King’s college school. It is a green borough with plenty of parks and outdoor spaces for leisure and recreation.
What makes Merton a bad place to live
However, the majority of the borough consists of residential zones with less options for entertainment or nightlife activities compared to other parts of London. The cost of living is also slightly higher, which might turn away some individuals.
Buying and renting in Merton
The average rental cost in Merton is around £1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and about £2,000 for three bedrooms. The average house price is near £600,000, slightly above London’s overall average.
Public transportation in Merton
Merton is well-served by public transport with the Wimbledon Station, South Wimbledon and Merton Park tram halt making the area very accessible. Moreover, it is reasonably close to London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
Safety in Merton
Despite being in a metropolitan city, Merton is relatively safe with crime rates lower than many other London boroughs.
Most popular areas in Merton
Wimbledon (SW19)
Home to the famous tennis courts, Wimbledon is popular for its sporting legacy, green spaces and vibrant town centre.
Merton Park (SW19)
Known for its quiet, semi-rural charm, Merton Park is well-loved for its sense of community and quality schools.
Least popular areas in Merton
Mitcham (CR4)
While affordable, Mitcham is less popular due its lack of tube stations and distance from Central London.
Pollards Hill (CR4)
The remoteness and a lack of nightlife options make Pollards Hill a less attractive place for those seeking a livelier environment.
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