A Guide to Living in Hackney

Creative melting pot

A paradise for creative types, Hackney’s reputation for nurturing talent and innovation has drawn those at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts. Venues like the Hackney Empire, the Arcola and the Hackney Picturehouse provide a stage for up-and-coming comedy acts, experimental theatre and also cutting-edge cinema. London College of Fashion is in trendy Shoreditch, which straddles the Hackney and Tower Hamlets boroughs. And some of the best contemporary galleries in the capital are here, showcasing eclectic, out-of-this-world pieces.

Hackney’s street scenes

Hackney’s high streets are something of an attack on the senses, thanks to the colourful graffiti art, crooning buskers and street food aromas. And you can eat your way around the world in its restaurants. Cosy British pubs for Sunday roast with all the trimmings? Tick. Pocket-sized Italian pizzerias? Check. Lemongrass-scented Pan-Asian eateries? You betcha. And brunch is something of a religion in these parts, with countless cafés specialising in sourdough and avo and organic juices.

Hackney cafés and bars

There’s a real café culture to be embraced here, with quality coffee shops often doubling up as vegan food markets, bicycle repair workshops and record stores. Lots open late-night, too, for poetry readings, board games and band jam sessions. Speaking of after-dark escapades, the bars in Hackney vary, with watering holes spanning faded boozers, drag clubs, and DJ-ed underground dens.

Retail therapy

Then there’s the hypnotic markets, which bring all walks of life together. Hackney Flea Market, Broadway Market and Ridley Road are three of the best, packed to the brim with stalls selling fruit and veg, handmade jewellery and retro prints. In fact, we can’t mention Hackney without paying homage to its vintage wares. The best dedicated stores can be found in Dalston, with visitors spending hours trawling the treasures in Oxfam on Kingsland Road.

A slower pace

With all that, it’s easy to think of Hackney as an urban metropolis, but that wouldn’t be doing it justice. Lots of its candy-coloured neighbourhoods have a distinct village feel; such as those near London Fields, Chatsworth Road and Hackney Wick. In these areas you’ll find independent stores, canal-side walks and leisurely park picnics (the borough brags 800-plus acres of green). It could be easy to forget you’re in London; but residents benefit from brilliant train and tube connections to the likes of Canary Wharf, Oxford Street and Liverpool Street.

Residential developments in Hackney

When it comes to choosing where to live, young professionals especially can take their pick from smart new-build properties. For those who like to be in the thick of it, Dalston Curve is a great option. This 106-strong apartment collection can be found on Dalston’s Kingsland High Street. Fringed by vintage shops, Vietnamese restaurants and also, reliable transport links.

“The location is great in between Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction stations. Dalston is a really fun place to live with amazing restaurants, bars, cafes etc. When you just want a quiet evening, the sound insulation keeps out the buzz so the building quality is good. The same goes for heat insulation – it’s toasty in the winter! There’s a lovely roof garden round the back and residents are very friendly.” – Anonymous, verified resident at Dalston Curve

On the same road as Dalston Curve there’s FiftySevenEast, a Taylor Wimpey property managed by Cushman & Wakefield. This stylish tower is next to Dalston Kingsland station. With design-led apartments and also, a front lobby inspired by Hackney’s street art. A great place to rent in Hackney.

“Well built. Good design. I was looking for an apartment that is close to the city but still provides a good balance of life in east London. The development provides excellent quality living. Management have been quick to deal with any snags or issues.” – Anonymous, verified resident at FiftySevenEast

And lastly…

Aitch Group’s Bagel Factory is another development to consider renting in Hackney – this one’s right next door to Hackney Wick station, and the area’s waterfront pubs and bars.

“Rumour has it, commuters were often treated to the smell of freshly baked dough as they passed through Hackney Wick Station; courtesy of the Mr Bagels factory just across the road. Today, the assembly lines are long gone and, in their place, there’s an all-new Bagel Factory – a collection of luxury modern apartments from heavyweight London-based developer, Aitch Group. The place oozes industrial cool, from its contemporary lighting to its oversized steel windows, not to mention the clever use of brickwork inside and out (each apartment has its own living room feature wall). The end result? A stylish nod to the warehouse-like architecture synonymous with the Hackney borough.” – HomeViews Property Pro on Bagel Factory

You can find out more about living in the Hackney by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and also, to discover the best places to live and rent in Hackney. Moreover, If there’s a Hackney property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here