Today I want to bring you my guide to the best places to live in south London for your style. I get asked where to live in London all the time, and I have a lot to say about it. There are plenty of south London areas to choose from, and I’m going to show you where you can move based on your personal preferences, interests, and stage of life. I’ve included an interactive map of all the neighborhoods on my list, too.
Best Places to Live in South London
There’s a lot to love about south London. Since moving to this part of the UK capital, I’ve discovered great London neighborhoods and plenty of fun places to eat, drink, and explore.
But what exactly constitutes “south London”? The phrase refers to the area south of the Thames, but it’s a broad term and not always a precise one. Some areas are technically south of the river, but are considered east or west London.
Others are actually north of the river, but because of the bends in its path, they sit farther south than some parts of south London. But generally speaking anywhere south of the Thames is in south London.
The geographical area covers a variety of neighborhoods, from the South Bank with its attractions to up-and-coming places like Deptford that are favorites with the hipster crowd.
There’s a big rivalry between north and south London, and born-and-raised Londoners will often tell you there’s a cultural divide. As an expat, I like being able to see the best in both areas.
Having lived north, west, central, and south, I also like to think I’ve had a pretty broad experience of the city. Since buying a flat south of the river, I’ve gotten to know many of the neighborhoods here well.
There are leafy villages and urban hotspots, residential neighborhoods and commuter areas. They all make south London attractive for their own unique reasons.
Regardless of whether you’re an expat, couple, young professional, student, family, or something else, there’s a part of south London that will fit your style, budget, and preferences.
Best Neighborhoods in South London
Below you’ll find my list of the best places to live in south London. After you’ve had a read, you can decide which part of the area fits your tastes and circumstances best.
If you want to buy a property in the city, my guide to how to buy a flat in London can help with next steps.
If you want to dig deeper into which parts of south London fit your style best, you can read through my neighborhood guides. I’ve published a number of them and I’ve linked to them in this blog post.
Think of this as the highlight reel and those as places where you can dig deeper.
If you need more inspiration or want to get to know a particular area better, my free self-guided south London walks and south east London walks will lead you through some of the neighborhoods on the list.
The walks will take you to high streets, side streets, and hidden places in south London, and they’ll help you get to know the areas and their unique characteristics.
If you want to spend time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in south London here. There are lots of options, including hotels, apartment rentals, and other accommodation.
Battersea
First on my list of the best places to live in south London is Battersea. This area is right on the Thames, and it’s become an increasingly popular place to move over the years. The same is true for neighboring Nine Elms.
Battersea is known for its riverside walking paths, the huge expanse of Battersea Park, the shops and restaurants in Battersea Power Station, and pretty pockets like Battersea Square.
The US Embassy is located in Nine Elms, so the area draws American expats, too.
Pros of living in Battersea include the riverside location, Overground, tube, train, and riverboat transport links, shops and restaurants, and central location.
Cons of living in Battersea are the construction and lack of historic surroundings in a lot of places.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Battersea here.
Brixton
Next on my list of the best places to live in south London is Brixton. This multicultural area is known for its vibrant markets, great nightlife scene, and fun restaurants.
Brixton is for you if you like creative spaces and a good evening out. It’s also home to popular venues like Pop Brixton and covered markets like Brixton Village.
Pros of living in Brixton include good tube and rail connections (which can be a rarity in south London), and fun restaurants, bars, and pubs.
Cons of living in Brixton include higher housing prices than some other parts of south London (although there’s better value in Brixton Hill and nearby Tulse Hill), and crowds at the markets on the weekends.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Brixton here.
Brockley
Next on my list is Brockley. This under-the-radar south London neighborhood has lots of colorful street art, a great market, and a park with views.
Brockley is an ideal area if you like to live away from the obvious places and you want something with a neighborhood feel. This place has good restaurants and plenty of green spaces, too.
Pros of living in Brockley include rail connections into the city center, slightly lower housing prices than some other parts of south London, and a variety of things to do.
Cons of living in Brockley include the slightly farther distance from central London and the lack of a tube station.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Brockley here.
Camberwell
Another of the best places to live in south London is Camberwell. This area is home to galleries, parks, and independent cafes. It’s for you if you’re artsy and you like a unique coffee shop.
From Camberwell Green to Burgess Park and the shops and restaurants around Camberwell Church Street, there’s a lot going on here. Add to that Camberwell College of Arts, and there’s always something exciting going on.
Pros of living in Camberwell include good rail and bus connections into central London, beautiful streets in areas like Denmark Hill, and fun restaurants and pubs.
Cons of living in Camberwell include the slightly higher cost of living than some other parts of south London, and the lack of a tube station.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Camberwell here.
Clapham
Next on my list of the best areas to live in south London is Clapham. With its charming old town, big common, and extensive transport links, many people like to call this part of south London home.
Clapham Old Town is full of pretty streets and houses, and Abbeville Village is charming. Clapham Common is a great place to take a walk, and the bars and pubs on Clapham High Street and around Clapham Junction are lively every night.
Pros of living in Clapham include great tube, Overground, and train connections, the common, and the nightlife.
Cons of living in Clapham include the busy commute into central London, and that the nightlife scene can be a bit rowdy (if that’s not your thing).
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Clapham here.
Crystal Palace
Next on my list of the best areas to live in south London is Crystal Palace. This place is famous for its dinosaur sculpture-filled park, views of London, triangle of high streets, and neighborhood feel.
Lots of people move to this area and neighboring Sydenham because housing costs can be significantly lower than in other parts of London. It’s popular with young professionals, couples, long-term expats, and those looking to get on the housing ladder.
Pros of living in Crystal Palace include lower housing prices than in other places in the city, train and Overground stations, good shops and restaurants, and Crystal Palace Park.
Cons of living in Crystal Palace include the lack of a tube station and the long commute into central London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Crystal Palace here.
Deptford
Next on my list of where to live in south London is Deptford. This trendy area is known for its coffee shops, market, and independent stores. It’s one of the coolest London neighborhoods.
Located right next to Greenwich on the Thames, Deptford is an ideal area if you like all things new and hip. From pubs to pop-ups and railway arches packed with restaurants, it has it all.
It’s a popular place with young professionals and those looking to get on the housing ladder.
Pros of living in Deptford include relatively low housing costs, rail and DLR stations, a riverfront location, hip shops and nightlife venues, and the proximity to Greenwich.
Cons of living in Deptford include the lack of a tube station and a slightly longer commute into central London than from some other areas.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Deptford here.
Dulwich
If you’re looking for the most beautiful place to live in south London, Dulwich is for you. This village-like area features picture-pretty streets, a famous art museum, and leafy parks with lush gardens.
Dulwich is ideal if you like elegant houses and you want to get away from the bustle of the city. Living here feels like being far from an urban center. Given the quality of the schools here, it’s popular with families, too.
My self-guided walk in Dulwich village can show you more of the area and give you a feel for what it has to offer residents.
Pros of living in Dulwich include the beautiful village atmosphere, rail and bus connections, green spaces like Dulwich Park and Dulwich Wood, and the world-class Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Cons of living in Dulwich include a higher cost of living than most other parts of south London, the lack of a tube or Overground station, and fewer restaurants, shops, and pubs than other areas around it.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Dulwich here.
East Dulwich
Right next to Dulwich village, East Dulwich is another of the best places to live in south London. It has a great high street called Lordship Lane that has lots of shops and restaurants.
East Dulwich also has the weekly North Cross Road Market, which is one of the best south London markets. It’s in an ideal location between leafy Dulwich and hipster Peckham, too.
East Dulwich is popular with everyone from young families to couples and professionals. Students from the neighboring academic institutions also like to call this area home.
Pros of living in East Dulwich include rail and bus connections into central London, the shops and restaurants on and around the high street, and the slightly lower cost of housing than in neighboring Dulwich.
Cons of living in East Dulwich include the lack of a tube or Overground station, and a slightly higher cost of living than some other parts of south London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in East Dulwich here.
Elephant and Castle
Elephant and Castle is another popular place to live in south London. This area is full of new high-rise buildings, buzzing food markets, and independent shops and restaurants.
Given its proximity to central London, Elephant and Castle is a popular place for professionals, students, and couples to live.
Pros of living in Elephant and Castle include good rail, tube, and bus connections into central London, markets like Mercato Metropolitano, and the slightly lower cost of housing than in central London.
Cons of living in Elephant and Castle include the lack of a neighborhood feel and perpetual construction.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Elephant and Castle here.
Forest Hill
Forest Hill is another popular area to live in south London. This neighborhood is known for everything from the Horniman Museum to the great views of the London skyline.
Forest Hill also has fun cafes, delicious markets, and pretty gardens. The shops on and around London Road are popular, too.
Pros of living in Forest Hill include rail and bus connections into central London, the Horniman Museum and its weekly market, and the slightly lower cost of housing than in some areas around it.
Cons of living in Forest Hill include the lack of a tube station, and slightly fewer restaurants and shops than other areas of south London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Forest Hill here.
Greenwich
Greenwich needs no introduction. This famous area in south east London is bursting with maritime history and royal residences.
From Greenwich Park to the covered market and the great shops and restaurants by the Thames, this area has a lot going for it. And that’s to say nothing of the pretty streets and houses. My self-guided Greenwich walk will take you to some of the best.
Pros of living in Greenwich include the rail and DLR connections into the city center, the cultural attractions, the shops and market, and the pretty residential areas.
Cons of living in Greenwich include the lack of a tube station, the distance from central London, and the higher cost of housing than in some areas around it (but neighboring North Greenwich is less expensive, and Blackheath to the south is great, too).
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Greenwich here.
Herne Hill
Back over by Dulwich, Herne Hill is another of the best places to live in south London. It’s known for Herne Hill Market, the big green space in Brockwell Park, and fun shops.
Herne Hill has great pubs and restaurants that give the area a local neighborhood feel. It’s a popular place for families, couples, and professionals to live.
Pros of living in Herne Hill include rail and bus connections into the city center, the market, the park, and the proximity to the tube station in Brixton (depending where you live in the area).
Cons of living in Herne Hill include the lack of a tube station and slightly fewer restaurants and shops than in some areas around it.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Herne Hill here.
Kennington
Next on my list of the best places to live in south London is Kennington. This area is home to leafy parks and gardens, a weekly outdoor food market, independent cafes and restaurants, pretty residential streets, and hidden squares.
Due to its proximity to the river, Kennington is popular with professionals and couples. It’s also near The Oval, so it’s great if you’re a cricket fan.
Pros of living in Kennington include tube, rail, and bus connections into the city center, green spaces, and the relative closeness to central London.
Cons of living in Kennington include the slightly fewer restaurants and shops than some areas around it.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Kennington here.
Kingston upon Thames
Out in south west London, Kingston upon Thames feels like a town in its own right. That’s because it was once an ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned.
As the name implies, Kingston is right on the river. It has heritage buildings galore, and a real sense of history.
Pros of living in Kingston upon Thames include rail connections into central London, the history, the riverside location, and a lower cost of housing than in some other parts of south London.
Cons of living in Kingston upon Thames include the lack of a tube station and a long commute into the city center.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Kingston upon Thames here.
London Bridge Area
Just across the river from the Tower of London, London Bridge, Borough, Bermondsey, and Southwark have great restaurants, pubs, nightlife, and attractions.
From Borough Market to More London, Bermondsey Street, Vinegar Yard, Maltby Street Market, Flat Iron Square, and the Thames, this area has a lot going for it. My self-guided London Bridge walk can show you the highlights.
Pros of living in and around London Bridge include great rail and tube connections, lots to do, and a central location on the Thames.
Cons of living in and around London Bridge include the high cost of living compared with other parts of south London, and the crowds on weekends, in the stations, and during peak tourist season.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in London Bridge here.
Nunhead
Back down by East Dulwich, Nunhead is another of the best places to live in south London. This under-the-radar neighborhood is famous for its otherworldly Victorian cemetery, cool bars and pubs, and community feel.
Nunhead Green lies at the heart of the area, and there are lots of independent shops and restaurants around it. The neighborhood has pretty streets and lots of greenery, too.
Pros of living in Nunhead include rail and bus connections to central London, a local vibe, and lower housing prices than many of the areas around it.
Cons of living in Nunhead include the lack of a tube station and a smaller number of restaurants and shops than some areas (but it’s right near Peckham, so there are lots more nearby).
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Nunhead here.
Peckham
Multicultural Peckham is one of the most hipster areas in London, and it’s a popular place to live south of the river.
Peckham is known for its nightlife, and it has some of the best rooftop bars in south London. It also has a great creative scene and lots of independent restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Pros of living in Peckham include good rail and bus connections to central London, a cool vibe, and great nightlife.
Cons of living in Peckham include the lack of a tube station and higher housing costs than some other parts of south London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Peckham here.
Putney and Barnes
Next on my list of the best places to live in south London are Putney and Barnes. Located right on the Thames, these areas are known for their pretty streets and green spaces.
Putney is famous for rowing, pubs, and streets full of shops and restaurants. This place has lots of riverside scenery, and it’s home to big green spaces like Putney Heath. It’s also a great place to watch the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge.
Barnes sits in a bend of the Thames. It’s home to great local pubs, lovely shops, and the London Wetland Centre. The neighborhood has a nice village feel to it, too.
Pros of living in Putney and Barnes include a tube station in Putney, train stations, parks, and the riverfront locations.
Cons of living in Putney and Barnes include higher housing prices than many other parts of south London, and the slightly farther distance from the city center than areas like Fulham.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Putney here.
Richmond
Next on my list of the best places to live in south London is Richmond. Out in the south west, this affluent area is known for its riverfront scenery, expansive park, busy high street, and pretty side streets.
Stately homes like Ham House add a nice cultural element to the area, and historic alleys like Brewers Lane are charming. Neighboring Kew is a great place to spend time (or live), too. Kew Gardens is famous.
Richmond Green has great pubs, and it’s a fun place to catch a glimpse of a local cricket match (it’s also a filming location for Ted Lasso). My self-guided Richmond walk can show you the highlights of the area.
Pros of living in Richmond include the train and tube stations, beautiful streets, Thames Path, green spaces, and neighborhood feel.
Cons of living in Richmond include high housing prices compared with many other parts of south London, and a longer commute into central London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Richmond here.
Rotherhithe
Back in south east London, I’ll continue my guide to where to live with Rotherhithe. This area is steeped in history. It’s known for being the site where the Mayflower ship departed London for America in 1620.
Rotherhithe is also home to great riverside scenery, heritage pubs like The Mayflower and The Angel, small museums, and leafy streets and parks.
Pros of living in Rotherhithe include an Overground station in the heart of the area, pubs, green spaces, history, pretty streets, and the river.
Cons of living in Rotherhithe is that there isn’t a high street with lots of shops and restaurants, and there’s no tube station (but Canada Water isn’t far).
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Rotherhithe here.
Tooting and Balham
Next on my list of the best places to live in south London are Tooting and Balham. Located south of Clapham, these London neighborhoods are known for their residential atmosphere, buzzing high streets, nightlife scenes, and green spaces.
Tooting and Balham benefit from big parks like Tooting Bec Common. They’re popular with mid-career professionals who want to live on a tube line and buy London property, but don’t want to pay Zone 1 prices.
Pros of living in Tooting and Balham include the lower housing prices than in central London, train and tube stations, shops, restaurants, and parks.
The main con of living in Tooting and Balham is the somewhat longer commute into central London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Tooting or Balham here.
Vauxhall
Next on my list of the best places to live in south London is Vauxhall. This London neighborhood has unique cafes and nightlife, a hidden lavender garden, riverside walks, and peaceful green spaces.
Vauxhall Park and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens are great places to soak up the sun on warm days, and hidden spots like Bonnington Square are fun to discover. The area also has cool food markets under the railway arches.
Pros of living in Vauxhall include the central location, a tube and train station in the heart of the area, good bus connections, the Thames, the parks, and the cafes and nightlife.
Cons of living in Vauxhall are the lack of a high street with lots of shops and restaurants, and a higher cost of housing than in some other parts of south London.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Vauxhall here.
Wandsworth
Next on my list of where to live in south London is Wandsworth. This area starts on the Thames and extends a decent way south from there. It’s home to lots of parks, local pubs, and pretty streets.
Wandsworth is a great area to be based in London, not least because of its local restaurants and shops, and its proximity to central London. It’s popular with professionals, couples, and expats.
Pros of living in Wandsworth include the riverside location, rail and bus connections into central London, shops and restaurants, and green spaces.
Cons of living in Wandsworth are the lack of a tube station and a slightly farther commute into central London than places like Battersea.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Wandsworth here.
Waterloo and Lambeth
Next on my list of places to live in south London are Waterloo and Lambeth. Right on the Thames, these neighboring areas are centrally located and have restaurants, markets, museums, and shops to discover.
While Waterloo gets overshadowed by the South Bank and the giant train station, there are a lot of great bars, restaurants, pubs, and markets here. Lower Marsh is one of my favorite streets near the river.
Lambeth is more residential, and it’s home to important museums like the Imperial War Museum and the Garden Museum. Lambeth Palace is here, too.
Pros of living in Waterloo and Lambeth include the riverside locations, tube, rail, and bus connections into central London, shops, restaurants, and museums.
Cons of living in Waterloo and Lambeth are that the areas can be busy and they lack a community feel.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Waterloo or Lambeth here.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is next on my list of where to live in south London. Best known for the annual Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the village is worth considering as a place to call home for the rest of the year.
Wimbledon village has a great high street with pubs and shops, and Wimbledon Common is an expansive green space that’s perfect for getting into nature in the city. There’s horseback riding, too.
Pros of living in Wimbledon include tube, tram, and train stations in the heart of the area, green spaces, and a village feel.
Cons of living in Wimbledon include the relatively high housing prices and the longer commute into central London than from a lot of other places.
If you want to spend a bit of time here before making an official move, you can book a place to stay in Wimbledon here.
Map of the Best Areas to Live in South London
As I mentioned at the start of this post, you’ll find a map of all the best places to live in south London here. If you click on the pins, you can see my blog posts about each neighborhood. I hope it helps you discover the one that fits your style!
Best Places to Live in South London
I hope this blog post has helped you get a feel for the best places to live in south London. There are a lot of great areas to call home here, and no shortage of neighborhoods to consider moving to.
If you’re interested in other areas, take a look at my guides to the best places to live in north London, the best places to live in central London, the best places to live in west London, and the best places to live in east London.
If you want to see the entire city in one place, my map of London neighborhoods can help. And if you’re researching how to relocate to the UK, you can take a look at my guide to how to move to London. Good luck!
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