Craving a slice of London life but unsure where to settle down or move to? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. At the end of last year, the Standard conducted research to find the postcodes that were in the highest demand.

We had a look at their top five and what it is that makes them the perfect spot to call home.

Why Live in London?

London’s extensive public transport network, including the Tube, buses, and trains, makes commuting within the city and beyond convenient and efficient. Major airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted offer easy access to international destinations, enhancing London’s connectivity.

The city boasts some of the best educational institutions in the world, including University College London (UCL), the London School of Economics (LSE), and Imperial College London. For families, London offers a range of excellent primary and secondary schools, both public and private.

Despite its urban landscape, London is rich in green spaces, including world-famous parks like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath. These areas offer residents a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Living in London means embracing a lifestyle that combines the excitement of a major city with the charm of diverse, unique neighbourhoods. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, peaceful parks, or world-class education, London has it all.

Wanstead East London streets and greenery

Wanstead has a lot of greenery

Leytonstone and Wanstead (E11)

  • Average Property Price: £500,000
  • Nearest Tube Stations: Leytonstone (Central Line), Wanstead (Central Line)
  • Key Schools: Wanstead High School, George Tomlinson Primary School
  • Local Employment: Proximity to Stratford, a key employment hub with Westfield Shopping Centre and offices.

The first in a popular triangle of postcodes in East London: Leytonstone and Wanstead. It has the perfect village vibe and yet is packed with independent shops, buzzing street markets, and a wonderful sense of community. With Epping Forest right on the doorstep, an 8000-acre greenspace – it’s perfect if you’re a nature enthusiast.

Equally exciting is the Lee Valley and the neighbouring Olympic Park in which the 2012 Olympic Games were held. Plenty of sport for you to pick up here.

Arsenals Emirates Stadium in Highbury

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in Highbury

Highbury (N5)

  • Average Property Price: £750,000
  • Nearest Tube Stations: Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line, Overground)
  • Key Schools: Highbury Grove School, Gillespie Primary School
  • Cultural Spots: Union Chapel, Highbury Clock Tower
  • Local Employment: Close to the City of London and Tech City in Shoreditch.

Shifting gears to North London we discover the vibrant heart of Highbury, and as a girl who once live on Conewood Street, I may be biased. This one’s steeped in history and Arsenal fans will be right at home with the iconic Emirates Stadium on their doorstep.

But everyone can enjoy the clutch of green spaces like Highbury Fields (perfect for picnics!) or Finsbury Park. Excellent transport links make exploring the rest of the city a doddle, while the area itself has a great reputation for excellent schools – a major plus for families.

Walthamstow Wetlands Waltham Forest

Walthamstow Wetlands in Waltham Forest

Walthamstow (E17)

  • Average Property Price: £550,000
  • Nearest Tube Stations: Walthamstow Central (Victoria Line), Blackhorse Road (Victoria Line)
  • Key Schools: Walthamstow School for Girls, Kelmscott School
  • Cultural Spots: William Morris Gallery, God’s Own Junkyard

The second postcode of the triangle of East London. This transformed neighbourhood has undergone a remarkable renaissance and you’ll find a thriving art scene with independent cinemas, galleries, and theatres. Improved public spaces have attracted wonderful shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The regeneration has sparked the development of beautiful new living spaces, such as the new homes in Hepworth Place – stylish and contemporary apartments, set around the stunning Waltham Forest Town Hall.

Hare and Hounds pub on Upper Richmond Road in East Sheen

East Sheen has some great pubs like the Hare and Hounds

Mortlake and East Sheen (SW14)

  • Average Property Price: £850,000
  • Nearest Tube Stations: Mortlake (National Rail), Richmond (District Line, Overground)
  • Key Schools: Sheen Mount Primary School, Richmond Park Academy
  • Recreational Facilities: The Thames Path, Mortlake Green

Away from the busy city centre, the gentle sound of the River Thames is your companion for walks, bike rides, or a little bit of kayaking. This area is a perfect mix of family-friendly neighbourhoods and a village close enough to central London for professionals to enjoy. Lots of shops, cafes and pubs are waiting to be explored – as well as the delightful Kew Gardens which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A406 looking into Woodford

South Woodford has easy access to the A406 (North Circular)

South Woodford (E18)

  • Average Property Price: £600,000
  • Nearest Tube Stations: South Woodford (Central Line)
  • Key Schools: Woodford County High School, Churchfields Junior School
  • Local Employment: Access to Canary Wharf and City of London via Central Line

A wonderful leafy haven with excellent transport links into the city. South Woodford is just north of Leytonstone and Wanstead. It gives off a lovely village vibe with its narrow Victorian streets, so it’s not surprising that a lot of young families have settled down here.

That’s of course only five out of around 200 postcodes in London and we highly encourage you to research the ones that take your fancy.