With an abundance of parks, wealth of attractions, boundless job opportunities, and even a wealth of “outstanding” Ofsted rated schools, South London is well established as the hub of community spirit.

It’s an area where you can “forget” you’re in the city. A unique experience of bustling city life and peaceful scenery is part of the appeal South London has to offer. In recent years, the South West of London in particular, has soared in popularity for young professionals. This is thanks to seemingly unlimited job opportunities and ever-growing transport links into Central London.

Looking to relocate to one of London’s coolest hotspots? Keep reading this guide which looks at the best places to live in South West London, chosen by our experts who work closely within this area.

Kingston

Kingston, or Kingston Upon Thames (as some may call it), is a historic riverside borough just 12 miles from Central London. There are an abundance of family homes, plenty of green space, great schools and, as a major London retail hub, is a leading destination for shopping and eating.

Homes in Kingston range from Victorian cottages and houses, to modern and design-led residential properties surrounding the River Thames.

Kingston is well served by both independent and chain restaurants, including Wagamama, Wildwood, Carluccio, Riverside Walk, Hideaway, and The French Table. The Eden Walk Shopping Centre, which has recently been refurbished, provides everything you need under one roof, with plenty of coffee shops, supermarkets, boutiques, and some big brand names.

With reliable public transport links, Kingston has plenty to offer and is fast becoming one of the best places to live in South London.

Teddington

There’s no surprise that Teddington is currently a residential hotspot, after being named the best place to live in London by The Sunday Times. Situated within Richmond Upon Thames, Teddington is home to royal parks, nature reserves, rows of terraced cottages and modern luxury apartments.

Located in the hustle and bustle of Teddington, you’ll find plenty of cocktail bars, restaurants, cafes, cigar shops and gift shops, lining the streets.

With fantastic commuter links and outstanding schools (rated by Ofsted), Teddington is an ideal location for those looking to live on the outskirts and remains hugely popular with families.

Richmond

Described by many as a rural oasis, Richmond is a riverside location flooded with hills, woodland, gardens and grassland. It is also home to Richmond Park, the largest royal park in London.

From shops to pubs, restaurants to bars, theatres to galleries – Richmond has it all. For a day out, you may want to explore Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, Ham House. Once your adventures are over you may wish to visit the local riverside eateries for a spot of lunch.

As a highly sought after location to buy in, Richmond properties come and go very quickly and range from Georgian, Victorian and more modern houses and apartments. 

Kensington

As the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and home to a number of celebrities from around the world, Kensington is a highly sought after and upmarket area flooded with Victorian museums, royal parks and period Victorian properties.

Properties in Kensington range from quaint cottages, spacious townhouses and even grand mansions, characterised by Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Kensington is mostly suited for professionals and those of retirement age, although with several five-star Ofsted-rated primary and secondary schools located within the area, it has recently become a hotspot for younger families.

Chelsea

Chelsea is an exclusive and desirable area of London, with upmarket eateries, attractive boutiques, unique architecture, luxury furniture stores, antique shops, and of course, is the home to the world-renowned annual Chelsea Flower Show.

Just a stones’ throw from the hustle and bustle of central London, Chelsea offers some fantastic transport links, making it a popular destination for those working in the city and with families.

As London’s most impressive and sought-after property area, you’ll find plenty of Georgian and Victorian homes occupied by the rich and famous, along with streets of pretty cottages and riverside apartments.

Kew

Kew is a thriving place to live, with the quaint air of a village but still situated very close to the excitement of the city. It’s an area that continues to attract families who tend to reside in the more quiet area of Kew Green.

Regularly voted the best place to live in London, Kew has everything you could possibly want from a riverside suburb, with excellent transport links, independent retailers, fancy eateries, local gastropubs, and is characterised by large detached and semi-detached houses. 

The area is also famous for Kew Gardens, a botanical garden that brings plenty of visitors to the local area each year.

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is known for more than tennis, in fact, the affluent area is everything you could want from a residential location. With so much green open space, it can be hard to remember that you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities.

The area boasts a handful of character properties that date from the 16th century, as well as Georgian-style cottages, Victorian villas and modern townhouses to suit every style and taste. Wimbledon is generally more popular with families who have settled in the ever-popular destination, with transport links offering an easy route to central London within half an hour.

You’ll be likely to find boutique shops, traditional pubs, 17th-century museums and Edwardian theatres lining the streets of Wimbledon.

Battersea

Home to world-class restaurants, 200-acres of green space, a popular boating lake, fantastic transport connection links, and of course the UK’s most famous animal rescue centre, Battersea offers the best of both worlds and is quickly becoming one of the most popular corners of the capital.

The development of Battersea Power Station has been meticulously designed by world-renowned architects. It has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind development, which offers exceptional residential and lifestyle opportunities. 

Residents of the area can enjoy shops, leisure facilities, bars, restaurants, and can take advantage of landscaped roof gardens on the viewing platform overlooking the iconic power station.

Clapham

Clapham is one of the most flourishing parts of South London, so there’s no surprise that it is currently a well sought after destination. Properties in Clapham overflow with urban character, with the homes lining the streets boasting Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian charm.

Clapham possesses a diverse mix of residents – young professionals are drawn to the vibrant nightlife, social scene and extensive choice of shops and restaurants nearby, while families are brought to the area with a peaceful atmosphere, transport links and superb choice of schools. 

With that being said, you may find that Clapham North generally attracts the younger population, with larger properties situated further out in Clapham South.

How Can We Help?

If you’re interested in moving to any of the South West London areas listed above, we’d be more than happy to help. Whether you’re looking to sell, rent, buy or invest, the friendly team at JOHNS&CO are on hand to help you, every step of the way. We are a leading estate agency in London, with 8 branches across the city and an unmatched passion for property. Please get in touch with us to find out more.