Living in St James’s, London
What this article covers
- What makes St james's a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in St james's for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in St james's
St James’s is a centrally located district in the City of Westminster, London. Situated in the heart of London, St James’s is renowned for its historic architectural beauty and vibrant city life.
What makes St James’s a good place to live
The area is perfect for working professionals, thanks to a high concentration of offices, retail stores, restaurants and entertainment options. Its bustling city energy and close proximity to several iconic London landmarks makes it an appealing choice for city dwellers. The reputable schools in the area also make this a good place for families seeking to provide a good education for their children. The nightlife of St James’s is suitable for students with various entertainment venues located just a stone’s throw away from popular student accommodations.
What makes St James’s a bad place to live
Despite its many perks, living in St James’s can be challenging due to the high cost of property and busy city atmosphere. Noise from traffic and weekend revelers may also be a downside for those seeking a peaceful environment.
Buying and renting in St James’s
Properties in St James’s can be at the pricier end, reflecting the area’s prime location. You can expect to see an average buying price of around £4.75 million and rental costs averaging £1,700 per week.
Public transportation in St James’s
The area is well-connected with several transport hubs including Victoria, Charing Cross, and Piccadilly Circus Tube Stations. St James’s is also within easy reach of London’s two major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, making it convenient for frequent air travelers.
Safety in St James’s
St James’s is generally considered a safe area, with police frequently patrolling this part of the city because of its numerous tourist attractions and government offices. However, like in any busy city area, it’s always a good idea to be cautious, especially during the night.
Most popular areas in St James’s
St James’s Square (SW1Y)
The historic charm of St James’s Square with Georgian and Regency architecture makes it a popular choice for wealthy buyers. It also benefits from a peaceful garden in the Square’s centre.
Pall Mall (SW1Y)
Pall Mall is favored for its proximity to Buckingham Palace and the National Gallery, along with easy access to many fine dining restaurants and shops.
Least popular areas in St James’s
Haymarket (SW1Y)
While still carrying a prime postcode, Haymarket can be congested with traffic and its closely-spaced buildings may feel claustrophobic to some.
Broadwick Street (W1F)
Despite being not too far from the action, Broadwick Street is less popular due to fewer period properties and less polished street-scene compared to its more affluent neighbors.
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