The 9 best London neighborhoods for young professionals
Remember to consider these factors when you’re looking for a new home in London.
London is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s perennially popular with young professionals. Whether you’re moving to the city for business, pleasure, or a little bit of both it’s important to settle in the right neighborhood.
When you want to stay for a month, a few months, or a year or longer, Blueground’s flexible leases make it easy to live in the city’s best neighborhoods. All of our furnished apartments in London and 14 other cities have full kitchens and top-of-the-line appliances, not to mention luxury linens, Smart TVs, and other thoughtful extras.
There are a number of factors to consider when you’re looking for a new home in Britain’s capital. Here’s a look at some of the best London neighborhoods for young professionals.
The 10 best places to live in London for young professionals:
1. Camden Town
2. Canary Wharf
3. Chelsea
4. Fitzrovia
5. King’s Cross
6. Knightsbridge
7. South Kensington
8. Hoxton
9. Shoreditch
1. Camden Town
This hip area in northwest London has been popular with young people for a long time. Camden Town has a youth culture and music scene that dates back to the 1960s. Today, it’s one of the best neighborhoods in London for young professionals.
Once the weekend rolls around, there’s entertainment right at your doorstep in Camden Town. Take advantage of nearby outdoor street markets and music venues like the Electric Ballroom. The neighborhood is served by the Northern line of the London Underground, as well as several bus lines, so it’s a snap to get to work.
2. Canary Wharf
Near the Thames is this financial hub, home to financial services powerhouses like Ernst & Young, JP Morgan, HSBC, and KPMG, to name only a few. The surrounding area is buzzing with activity, as many employees of these firms choose to live nearby.
Canary Wharf is served by London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR), the Jubilee Underground line, and the Crossrail National Service train line, with a direct connection to London’s Heathrow Airport. Of course, there’s a lot to do right in the area. In addition to casual and fine dining spots, you’ll find newly built shopping centers. There’s even a rooftop park at the Crossrail Place Gardens.
3. Chelsea
Posh and scenic Chelsea is also sitauted along the river Thames, in the southwest part of the city. The neighbourhood is home to Georgian and Victorian-era mansions that have been carved up into flats, and remains perennially popular with young professionals. Chelsea is served by the Circle, District, and Piccadilly Underground lines as well as the Imperial Wharf station on the London Overground Network.
Chelsea lays claim to the iconic King’s Road, where you can find more than a mile’s worth of shops and stalls to indulge in retail therapy. The neighborhood also has world-class restaurants and is the setting for the Saatchi art gallery. On the weekend or after work, head to Battersea Park for a stroll or run.
4. Fitzrovia
The popular London area is small in size, with a village feel, making it a popular choice for young professionals and recent transplants to the city. The neighborhood is home to tech companies like Slack as well as architectural firms and design offices.
Fitzrovia has a creative culture all its own, plus there’s plenty to keep newcomers busy. Oxford Street, a major shopping hub, is nearby. There are also innovative pubs and restaurants that cater to the tech crowd. It’s easy to get around Fitzrovia: three Underground stations are within walking distance: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street, and Warren Street.
5. King’s Cross
King’s Cross, a bustling Central London neighborhood, has undergone a massive facelift in recent years. It is now the site of so much commercial and residential redevelopment that newcomers are arriving in droves — especially young professionals. The Guardian and Observer newspapers are both headquartered here, and Google has a presence in the neighborhood, with a second office under construction.
Part of the reason for the area’s popularity is as a nexus for London’s public transportation system — it’s a major hub for rail transport as well as the London Underground. The Circle, City, Hammersmith, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria tube lines all serve the King’s Cross St. Pancras rail station, which makes the neighborhood a suitable home base for commuters throughout London.
King’s Cross is home to a number of notable cultural institutions, including the British Library and the London Sinfonietta.
6. Knightsbridge
Stately Knightsbridge is a posh introduction to London life, and an easy place for young professionals to get their bearings. Elegant mansions are set behind gates on leafy streets, and high-end Harrods is located nearby.
Knightsbridge is also home to many foreign embassies and the much-loved Victoria & Albert Museum. The Knightsbridge and South Kensington tube stops are served by the Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines.
7. South Kensington
Just a short distance from Knightsbridge, South Kensington is similarly swanky. You’ll see well-heeled locals as well as a mix of young people and students. There are also sizable French and Spanish expat communities, which lends the neighborhood a unique culinary scene.
South Kensington is just a short walk from Hyde Park, a massive greenspace that is ideal for a stroll or a run. The neighbourhood is very well connected to the rest of London via the Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations, served by the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines.
8. Hoxton
Hoxton, located in East London, is a prime destination for young professionals seeking a vibrant and creative atmosphere. Formerly an industrial hub, it has evolved into a cultural hotspot filled with art galleries, trendy cafes, and experimental shops. With its dynamic nightlife and diverse community, Hoxton offers endless opportunities for networking and inspiration, making it an ideal choice for young professionals looking to immerse themselves in a thriving urban scene.
9. Shoreditch
Shoreditch, nestled in East London, is a haven for young professionals drawn to its unique blend of urban charm and cultural diversity. Once a center of industry, it has transformed into a dynamic neighborhood pulsating with creativity. From its iconic street art to its bustling markets, Shoreditch offers a wealth of experiences for those seeking inspiration and adventure. With its vibrant community and abundance of networking opportunities, Shoreditch is the perfect choice for young professionals looking to thrive in a lively and eclectic environment.
Are you still renting the old fashioned way? Why commit to just one London neighborhood when you could explore one or more with a flexible-term lease. Find out more about the Blueground experience.