Borough of Islington

Islington is a borough of many faces. Its mish-mash of neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality, from the urban bars and pubs of Angel to the chintzy antique stores of Camden Passage. Its properties have many guises, too – there are in-the-thick-of-it luxury apartments, and period townhouses sitting shoulder to shoulder on sleepy backstreets. Read on to discover more about the Islington area, as well as, quotes from residents living in some of the best places in Islington.

 

4.56
Average Location Score

Excellent

63%

Very Good

29%

Average

7%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

0%

Best places to live in Borough of Islington

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Residential development next to canal in Islington

Best of both worlds

Islington is less than 10 minutes from the capital’s centre, so it’s perfect for those who want to be close to the action, but still enjoy the peace and quiet associated with London’s outskirts. This is an area of wooded bicycle trails and sweeping parkland – Highbury Fields and Gillespie Park, in particular, come highly recommende.

Islington transport

The area’s serviced by multiple tube and train stations. From Angel, residents can get to Bank in just five minutes, and London Bridge in seven. Similarly, the Victoria line from Highbury & Islington can whisk commuters to Oxford Circus in seven minutes. While the Overground connects to Clapham Junction, Shoreditch and Stratford.

“Fantastic transport links in one of London’s most prestigious suburbs.” – A property professional on The Pad, N7

New Flats in Islington

Foodie draws

For top-notch dining, Islington occupants can stay put. These parts are packed with restaurants serving around-the-world cuisines. Try Upper Street for both cutesy independent eateries and well-known chain varieties, dishing up Italian, Japanese, Turkish and Mexican specialities. Clerkenwell’s Exmouth Market is brilliant for regional plates and fusion fare. And if you’re cooking at home? Trawl Islington Farmers’ Market for quality slabs of meat and fish, fresh herbs and veg and gorgeous cakes and pastries. Plus, stop by Grange Nursery for seasonal blooms for the table.

Shopping scene in Islington

When a little retail therapy is on the cards, Islington comes up trumps. Its namesake high street is best for book shops, delis and clothes boutiques, while big brands can be found in the Angel and Nag’s Head shopping malls.

“Just a couple of blocks away from Canonbury Cross is Upper Street, a myriad of independent bars and pubs as well as high street stores and boutiques.” A property professional on Canonbury Cross, N1

Boys playing guitar outside old houses

Local entertainment in Islington

The borough’s big on culture, as well. Try the Almeida for world-class theatre, and the Pleasance for little-known comedy acts tipped for big things. There’s also the Islington Arts Factory – a community centre for inspiring classes like reggae aerobics, pottery and tai chi. The centre’s celebrated for its exhibitions, which showcase local artists’ sculptures, paintings and photography.

 

Quotes from the HomeViews community on some of the best places to live in Islington…

“Waterside strolls, lazy weekend brunches, cocktails and vintage shopping – it’s all on the doorstep.” – A property professional on Hoxton Press, N1

“A mish-mash of family-friendly cafés and glamorous restaurants.” – A property professional on Xchange Point, N7

Reviews in Borough of Islington

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Brilliant location

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2023

Excellent área, good transport and to near schools, hospital, supermarkets. Only 5 minutes St Pautl Cathedral

Please review your development:

The de velozmente is very modern, the building desing is nice, we have concerge service 24/7. Tha place is safety.
Excellent área, good transport and to near schools, hospital, supermarkets. Only 5 minutes St Pautl Cathedral and 15 minutes London Bridge

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Good reputación od one housing group , this complex is very near central london

What is the best feature of your home:

Only refurnished bsthroom and kitchen, the unita have more 10 years gave good condition but will better exhange

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
User submitted image of  Central Square, EC1V
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Loxford Life

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2023

The location is brilliant: sandwiched between great local parks (Finsbury Park, Highbury Fields and Clissold Park) as well as being close to a range of independent shops on Highbury Barn area. Its also really great links to Central London by bus or tube. You can get into Central London in 30 minutes. The area is generally very quiet with little crime or anti-social behaviour. The development itself is peaceful.

Please review your development:

The development is well designed. The flats and houses are well proportioned and spacious with good natural light. There are lifts in all apartment blocks. There are not really any facilities. The communal garden is great in the summer when there are not building works going on – and children can safely play there with little supervision. The property management is not very good. The housing association who manage Pitt House blocks are not very engaged and the overall property management (Y&Y) are not very focused on residents’ interests at times. But overall I do love living here.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

To make sure you get the developer to fix all defects properly before you sign it off after 12 months.

What is the best feature of your home:

The natural light I get in the morning and evening on either side of the flat.

3
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
2
Management
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Amazing place to live

Review Date Jun 2023

It’s great that the tube station is basically next door and M&S downstairs. I’m not a fan of the shady peeps around the tube station, but it’s not too bad.

Please review your development:

Overall it is a very nice building, facilities and apartment. Love the view! Also, the apartments are so well isolated – I have never heard a neighbour. The residents team and neighbours feel like family, which is especially nice when living far from home. 🙂

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I never imagined we could live in a place where we don’t need to turn on heating in the winter! It is always warm (or hot) in this building – whether summer or winter.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They always react very quickly, but sometimes it takes time to get things fixed.

4
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Manager Response

Thanks for your review G! If you get the opportunity to verify your review, that would be great! I’ll pass on your kind words to the Residents Team.

Build to rent system is a good way to rent

Review Date Jun 2023

Very convenient for the tube. A few good restaurants. Area has grown with pedestrian square. Close to Highgate Village and Hampstead Heath. Lots of options for groceries.

Please review your development:

Good flats. Nice people. The build to rent system solves a lot of daily needs (parcels, maintenance). Generally stress-free living which is the big advantage. Communal spaces are good for working and have a great view of London. Events for residents.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Flats can get warm in summer. Could use a bit of a wifi upgrade (GB cap).

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Important repairs get done, same with a building-wide issue comes up.
Would help to give night reception people more tools to deal with eg. any wifi issues, as that is an all-day need.

4
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
3
Value
4
Management
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Manager Response

Thanks for your review M. If you’re able to verify your review, that would be awesome. We’ll take a look at your comment about night staff being able to help more, and see if there is anything we can get them trained on!