London is a sprawling, densely populated metropolis with accommodation options to suit expatriates’ budgets, lifestyles, and circumstances.

While it is no longer considered the most expensive city in the world for expatriates, the cost of accommodation remains high in the British capital.

In addition to budgetary constraints, expats must think carefully about commute times, proximity to supermarkets, and the type of property they want to live in when moving to London.

Let’s take a look at what the different areas have to offer.

The 4 Best Areas for Expats to Live

West London

Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and South Kensington are London’s most expensive and exclusive areas.

Because of their proximity to the French Institute, the French Consulate, and two French international schools, they are quite popular with French expatriates. Chelsea is also home to many wealthy Spanish, Italian, American, and Middle Eastern expats.

These neighbourhoods are close to London’s best nightclubs, restaurants, and bars.

The area has an excellent subway and bus network, and the centre of the capital is within walking distance.

International schools in the area include Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, La Petite Ecole Bilingue, and Southbank International School’s South Kensington campus.

Notting Hill, famous for its summer carnivals, is a colourful neighbourhood in West London. This bohemian area is home to many young Americans and Australians. There are many large green spaces. It is home to many quaint eateries and coffee shops.

Fulham is an attractive suburb popular with middle-class families and young professionals because of its closeness to King’s Road and Chelsea.

Putney is just south of Fulham, across the river, popular with Australian, New Zealand, and South African expatriates. Accommodations in the area are slightly cheaper than in Chelsea, and there are some excellent pubs.

Particularly popular with Irish, French, and Australian newcomers, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush are a bit remote but still very central. They have good access to tube stations and excellent schools. Rents are lower than in other parts of West London, but accommodation is still high quality.

North London

Hampstead is a rich and green neighbourhood in London. It is a great area for families, with vast open spaces and closeness to some of the capital’s best schools, including the Hampstead campus of Southbank International School.

Properties in Hampstead Heath are highly sought after, and rental prices reflect this. The area boasts a great selection of top-quality restaurants, independent boutiques, fashion stores, and bespoke pubs.

Camden is a popular area for those renting or buying property in London, with its old terraced houses full of character.

The neighbourhood is one of the most bohemian areas of London and has long been popular with students, artistic types, and young expats.

There is plenty of entertainment, clubs, bars, and restaurants. Camden is known for its vibrant music scene, and even on weeknights, you will often see long lines outside music venues.

Further out from the centre of London are more reasonably priced neighbourhoods, such as Wembley, where rents are more reasonable. It is an ethnically diverse London suburb that’s also popular with expatriates from Asia, especially India.

If you live there, you will be close to supermarkets, stores, and restaurants. Wembley is on many public transportation lines, including several subway lines.

East London

Over the last decade or so, Shoreditch and Hoxton have become two of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Their cosmopolitan atmosphere and entertainment facilities make them popular with young professional expats. Many of London’s finest media and advertising companies have offices here.

New coffee shops, restaurants, and bars are always opening, while the local authorities carefully preserve East London’s historic charm.

In Leyton and Stratford, expats can find more reasonable property prices, although it is slightly more expensive to go to central London. These areas have undergone a major makeover with much investment due to the London 2012 Olympics.

There are plenty of bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and Westfield Stratford City, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe, is nearby. London’s extensive bus, subway, and overground train network also serve the area well.

South London

As for housing, somewhere in Wimbledon, you can pretty easily find accommodations that suit your needs and budget.

The area has everything from custom homes and penthouses in Wimbledon Village to public housing towers in South Wimbledon. House shares and small apartments in the area are affordable.

It is a fairly multicultural area but is especially popular with people from South Africa, India, Poland, and Australia.

Clapham is a vibrant neighbourhood in south London. Its residents are quite diverse, making it suitable for young couples or single young people looking for a house share.

There are many mansions, especially in North Clapham near the park. Jamaican, Irish, and Nigerian expats prefer this area.

Clapham Junction is just a few minutes from Waterloo and is the busiest train station in the UK, with dozens of trains per hour to central London. Living near this station makes it easy for expatriates to get almost anywhere in southern England.

Tips for a Smooth Move to London

To make your move to London as smooth as possible, ensure that you have researched and selected the best area where you want to live.

Reach out to real estate agencies in the area and provide them with a list of what you are looking for in a property and your budget. Do not hesitate to check Facebook groups to find properties or other expats willing to share a house.

If you have a lot of belongings or need to store them somewhere, you want to reach out to a house removals company who can assist you with the move.

Consider Getting Assistance from a London House Removals Company

When moving to London, seeking help from a local moving company is crucial. Apart from safely delivering your belongings, such businesses can offer help and advice specific to your chosen area.

With their insurance, house removals guarantee that your valuables will remain safe during transportation, and should you need more time to settle, they can offer you a good price for storage.

Conclusion

Every area in London is unique and offers much to an expat looking to settle there. You must focus on the site that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Like any other time you are moving house, ensure that you have everything prepared before the big move to start your new life successfully.

Consider employing a removals service for a smooth moving process.