A Guide to Living in South West London

The Nine Elms regeneration project

The award for ‘most dramatic transformation’ goes to Nine Elms, a long slither of Thames riverfront between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. Here, glossy new-build apartment blocks are ten-a-penny, but it’s not just the residential scene that’s getting a facelift.  New offices, infrastructure, transport and entertainment hubs – among many other initiatives – are part of this £15 billion renovation scheme.

Brixton

Just south of the sparkling skyscrapers of SW8, urban cool can be found in edgy Brixton and Clapham. The lively pubs, bars and music venues (don’t miss Hootananny) in these parts promise a night out to remember; and there’s plenty in the way of kitsch brunch spots to help with that sore head the next day. Area newcomers should head to Brixton Village and Brixton Market, where the community spirit is infectious, and the round-ups include taste-tingling street food and local performers. Next door Stockwell is quieter but not without its charms. Dubbed ‘Little Portugal’, it’s home to a large Portuguese population, and its cafés and eateries serve up all kinds of national delicacies.

Affluent South West London

Northern postcodes like SW1, SW3 and SW7 appeal to those who like to live la dolce vita. Ticking off upmarket neighbourhoods such as Westminster, Belgravia, Chelsea and South Kensington, it’s where house prices are in the millions and the residential scenery is quintessential London. Think timeless Victorian townhouses, black wrought-iron gates and immaculate garden squares.

Nappy Valley

Further south, you’ll find greener boroughs like Wandsworth and Wimbledon; both of which regularly top polls of London’s best places to live. Wandsworth is well-known as ‘Nappy Valley’, such is the draw for families here. Wandsworth Common and King George’s park are prime picnic and playing territory, and the local schools have a decent reputation. That said, the area’s younger population is also rising steadily; a result of the brand-new luxury waterfront apartments, an easy commute to Victoria and Waterloo, and a fabulous wining and dining scene. This savvy lot also knows it’s a lot cheaper to live in Wandsworth than it is to live in Fulham; just across the river.

Putney

East of Wandsworth lies pretty Putney, a delightful mix of riverside restaurants and cafés, swathes of green and period properties. The area’s many sporting clubs (tennis, golf, rowing – it’s all present and correct) will suit outdoorsy types, while nearby Roehampton University pulls in the students. As such, the waterfront bars come alive after dark.

Universities in South West London

As one of the most desirable parts of London to live in, the South West is a major draw for students wishing to combine studies with a great lifestyle. Imperial College London is perhaps the best-known, but Roehampton, Kingston and St Mary’s Twickenham are all extremely popular options. See our in-depth guide to universities in the South West of London for more.

Best schools in the South West of London

As well as universities, the South West offers an excellent selection of schools for parents to choose from. The Tiffin schools in Kingston top the list of the best-performing schools in the area, with Sutton and the London Oratory also achieving impressive results. See our full guide to the best schools in South West London for more details.