[M1011]

Hi, I'm looking for a little advise from any London locals in an effort to narrow down my property search. Apologies in advance if this is in the wrong forum, has been done before, or is generally wasting the time of 99% of people who click on this who shall immediatly go "ugh, close tab"

I'll be moving to London in September for work (Uni student in Birmingham atm). My job will be based in zone 1 (City Thameslink is the closest station), and I'll be moving down with my girlfriend who is in a very similar situation. We're looking for a 1 bedroom place (studio apartment kind of thing), in a nice area (preferably somewhere popular with young professionals), closer to z1 the better (budget allowing). We're researching of course, but neither of us know the London area so thought it might well be worth asking the TSR community for any advise! Budget wise we'll have a combined income in the mid 50s, so not sure how far that'll stretch in London but we can probably aim for 1.5kish a month on rent? I'm guessing there to be honest, appreciate if anyone in a similar situation in London can advise further on this (normal expenses; bills, council tax, food).

So to conclude, taking into account the above preferences and budget can anyone recommend any particular areas within London for us to narrow down our search? Much appreciated.

[Dez]

How about Cambridge?

If you're going to be taking the Thameslink line in every day it would probably make sense to look for somewhere on the Sutton loop, maybe around Tulse Hull or further south. You could look at the northbound bit too, although the areas around there aren't as nice I think. With an income of 50k you should be able to afford somewhere at least tolerable, although 1 bedroom flats have a distinct tendency to be absolutely miniscule.

[M1011]

(Original post by Dez)
How about Cambridge?

If you're going to be taking the Thameslink line in every day it would probably make sense to look for somewhere on the Sutton loop, maybe around Tulse Hull or further south. You could look at the northbound bit too, although the areas around there aren't as nice I think. With an income of 50k you should be able to afford somewhere at least tolerable, although 1 bedroom flats have a distinct tendency to be absolutely miniscule.

Cheers for the suggestion, will have a look at Tulse Hill although I think Cambridge might be a little far

First impression on right move is that 1.2-1.4k ish will get a nice 1 bed in Tulse Hill, although it keeps coming up with places in Brixton (whose reputation precedes it), so perhaps a little worried about the area. Am I being OTT? Lol

[Beebumble]

How about Waterloo? It's one bus to city or two trains. Both routes take about 25 mins.

[M1011]

(Original post by Beebumble)
How about Waterloo? It's one bus to city or two trains. Both routes take about 25 mins.

Another good suggestion, prices seem similar to the above. May I ask do you live there or have experience of the area?

[Zürich]

(Original post by M1011)
Hi, I'm looking for a little advise from any London locals in an effort to narrow down my property search. Apologies in advance if this is in the wrong forum, has been done before, or is generally wasting the time of 99% of people who click on this who shall immediatly go "ugh, close tab"

I'll be moving to London in September for work (Uni student in Birmingham atm). My job will be based in zone 1 (City Thameslink is the closest station), and I'll be moving down with my girlfriend who is in a very similar situation. We're looking for a 1 bedroom place (studio apartment kind of thing), in a nice area (preferably somewhere popular with young professionals), closer to z1 the better (budget allowing). We're researching of course, but neither of us know the London area so thought it might well be worth asking the TSR community for any advise! Budget wise we'll have a combined income in the mid 50s, so not sure how far that'll stretch in London but we can probably aim for 1.5kish a month on rent? I'm guessing there to be honest, appreciate if anyone in a similar situation in London can advise further on this (normal expenses; bills, council tax, food).

So to conclude, taking into account the above preferences and budget can anyone recommend any particular areas within London for us to narrow down our search? Much appreciated.

Islington is a good spot all things considered. The Holloway road/Angel/Caledonian Road/Farringdon are all very conveniently located, both for work and for your social life, and are all very popular with young professionals. You should find a nice flat there well within your budget even if they are traditionally seen as a bit rough around the edges.

[Beebumble]

(Original post by M1011)
Another good suggestion, prices seem similar to the above. May I ask do you live there or have experience of the area?

I don't know much about things like crime but it's very central so easy to get about and has a lot of London attractions so I'm guessing it's very touristy.

[Designer1986]

If you're looking at places close to Bank, like someone said Islington would be a good bet. Angel is a great place, a lot of young professionals and lots of trendy bars, restaurants, clubs etc you could never go hungry...Also Angel is on the Northern line and will take you to bank (city thameslink) in 10 minutes.

Clerkenwell is also in Islington and you could take the circle line from Farringdon again 15 minutes to monument/bank station in a very trendy area with pubs and bars. Clerkenwell has a lot of loft style apartments and warehouse conversions so a 1 bed or studio room should be easy to find.

I would't recommend Tulse Hill as the commute will be longer and I agree slightly about the area. Clapham however, which is down the road from there would be great socially and commute wise.

I would suggest if you can find something in your budget within these boroughs you should be ok commute and location wise:

The City (farringdon, Clerkenwell etc)
Islington
Camden
Southwark and Lambeth (but stay close to the river London Bridge, Waterloo, South Bank etc unless you go further south to Clapham or balham which are very nice )
Tower Hamlets and Hackney (staying close to the city. Shoreditch, Haggerston)

[AP1989]

(Original post by Beebumble)
How about Waterloo? It's one bus to city or two trains. Both routes take about 25 mins.

(Original post by M1011)
Another good suggestion, prices seem similar to the above. May I ask do you live there or have experience of the area?

I spent a lot of time there in the KCL halls where my girlfriend was living up until last week.

Excellent location travel links wise, but you're not exactly close to any major supermarkets. The area is too central for a typical local high street with everything you need. So it depends what you value more, I think the good location makes up for it.

[YemiSanya90]

Since you want a place where commuting to work won't be too difficult, look at areas in terms of their distance from their local tube or national rail station. FindaProperty.com lets you search for places via the London tube map. You're nearest tube station are Holborn and Temple.

Areas such as Islington and Finchley are nice areas, so are Barnet, Oakwood and Enfield Town. Other areas such as Muswell Hill, Mill Hill, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill and Swiss Cottage in North West London are fine and have station on the overground or underground to make commuting easier.

But, get to grips with the transport system, learn the different lines, get an oyster card and a rail card as you can add this your oyster card to get discounts. Learn the different bus routes you can get and see if you can even get the bus to work as it might work out cheaper. As travel cards are worked out by zones, the further the zone you live in the more you pay. For example, I live in Zone 4, which mean a Zone 1-4 travel-card would be about £36-40 a week for me.

I can't really advise you on council tax and bills as I live in student accommodation and at home I don't pay rent obviously.... But you're best speaking to few people who do live in London and are able to give you an idea whereabouts of how much you could be paying.

Good luck and I hope you find a place to live.

[monk_keys]

Wandsworth be rockin the lowest council tax in the country

[sarahoo]

I think you should expect council tax to be between £80-110/month, in my experience. Like others have said, Islington/Angel, Shoreditch, and Clapham are all really nice, trendy places to live. The first two would be my first choice, though I find Clapham a bit out of the way.

You'll probably find the best way to get around is an Oyster travelcard, unless you're close enough to work to walk.

Do you knwo what you're looking for in an area? Every neighborhood in London is different, depending on whether you want to go out a lot, eat out a lot (what type of foods you like, included), if you want more greenery around, parks, a more relaxed feel, a more busy, bustly city feel. Lower crime rates, more conveniences... etc.

[M1011]

Thanks for all the great advance. Sorry for the really long post, wanted to reply to everyone.

(Original post by Zürich)
Islington is a good spot all things considered. The Holloway road/Angel/Caledonian Road/Farringdon are all very conveniently located, both for work and for your social life, and are all very popular with young professionals. You should find a nice flat there well within your budget even if they are traditionally seen as a bit rough around the edges.

Thanks, Islington is looking like a strong favourite.

(Original post by Designer1986)
If you're looking at places close to Bank, like someone said Islington would be a good bet. Angel is a great place, a lot of young professionals and lots of trendy bars, restaurants, clubs etc you could never go hungry...Also Angel is on the Northern line and will take you to bank (city thameslink) in 10 minutes.

Clerkenwell is also in Islington and you could take the circle line from Farringdon again 15 minutes to monument/bank station in a very trendy area with pubs and bars. Clerkenwell has a lot of loft style apartments and warehouse conversions so a 1 bed or studio room should be easy to find.

I would't recommend Tulse Hill as the commute will be longer and I agree slightly about the area. Clapham however, which is down the road from there would be great socially and commute wise.

I would suggest if you can find something in your budget within these boroughs you should be ok commute and location wise:

The City (farringdon, Clerkenwell etc)
Islington
Camden
Southwark and Lambeth (but stay close to the river London Bridge, Waterloo, South Bank etc unless you go further south to Clapham or balham which are very nice )
Tower Hamlets and Hackney (staying close to the city. Shoreditch, Haggerston)

Thanks for the list, very useful.

(Original post by AP1989)
I spent a lot of time there in the KCL halls where my girlfriend was living up until last week.

Excellent location travel links wise, but you're not exactly close to any major supermarkets. The area is too central for a typical local high street with everything you need. So it depends what you value more, I think the good location makes up for it.

Thanks for the input, appreciated.

(Original post by YemiSanya90)
Since you want a place where commuting to work won't be too difficult, look at areas in terms of their distance from their local tube or national rail station. FindaProperty.com lets you search for places via the London tube map. You're nearest tube station are Holborn and Temple.

Areas such as Islington and Finchley are nice areas, so are Barnet, Oakwood and Enfield Town. Other areas such as Muswell Hill, Mill Hill, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill and Swiss Cottage in North West London are fine and have station on the overground or underground to make commuting easier.

But, get to grips with the transport system, learn the different lines, get an oyster card and a rail card as you can add this your oyster card to get discounts. Learn the different bus routes you can get and see if you can even get the bus to work as it might work out cheaper. As travel cards are worked out by zones, the further the zone you live in the more you pay. For example, I live in Zone 4, which mean a Zone 1-4 travel-card would be about £36-40 a week for me.

I can't really advise you on council tax and bills as I live in student accommodation and at home I don't pay rent obviously.... But you're best speaking to few people who do live in London and are able to give you an idea whereabouts of how much you could be paying.

Good luck and I hope you find a place to live.

Thanks for the advise. Regarding travel, you mentioned an Oyster card would be the best bet. I'm familiar with them in principle, but had a few questions you might be able to advise on. If I'm commuting daily, is an Oyster still a viable option compared to an annual travelcard? When you say you can add a rail card, do you mean like a 16-25 young persons railcard? Thanks.

(Original post by monk_keys)
Wandsworth be rockin the lowest council tax in the country

I'll certainly have to check on those council tax rates!

(Original post by sarahoo)
I think you should expect council tax to be between £80-110/month, in my experience. Like others have said, Islington/Angel, Shoreditch, and Clapham are all really nice, trendy places to live. The first two would be my first choice, though I find Clapham a bit out of the way.

You'll probably find the best way to get around is an Oyster travelcard, unless you're close enough to work to walk.

Do you knwo what you're looking for in an area? Every neighborhood in London is different, depending on whether you want to go out a lot, eat out a lot (what type of foods you like, included), if you want more greenery around, parks, a more relaxed feel, a more busy, bustly city feel. Lower crime rates, more conveniences... etc.

Good question really. I guess primarily I'm looking for a good central location and I like the hustle and bustle of the city, although a park would be nice (think they'll let me stay in Buckingham Palace? ). I'm not incredibly concerned about bars/restaurants given most of that will take place around my work location as opposed to around my home. I guess I'm just keen to avoid being in a rough area, or an area full of families as opposed to young professionals. The time will come for that, but it is not yet!

On the complete opposite end of the scale, I've always liked the idea of living in one of those gated complexes where you get a nice apartment and a communal swimming pool etcetera. Sounds like it'd be awesome, but I imagine I'd have to commute from Wales in order to afford it

Islington is looking like a safe bet

[mc1000]

Peckham.

[danny111]

Little Venice.

[YemiSanya90]

(Original post by M1011)
Thanks for the advise. Regarding travel, you mentioned an Oyster card would be the best bet. I'm familiar with them in principle, but had a few questions you might be able to advise on. If I'm commuting daily, is an Oyster still a viable option compared to an annual travelcard? When you say you can add a rail card, do you mean like a 16-25 young persons railcard? Thanks.

All travel (Bus, National Rail, Underground, Overground, DLR) across London means using an oyster card. You can buy an oyster card from any tube station. There is pay as you go travel and travelcard options on oysters. If you are commuting daily, then an oyster card travelcard is your best bet and when buying your travelcard, buy it by the Zone which you see on any tube map. You can purchase your travelcard for 7 days, monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly or yearly. But if you purchase it yearly, you can spend over thousand pounds doing so, so I would purchase it monthly.

Register it via the paper form that can be found in any tube station, so that if you lose it, all the money/travelcard on it are transferable to your new oyster card. Then register it online, so that you can buy all your travelcard and top-ups needs via the internet. You can now add your 16-25 railcard discount to your Oyster card if you have one, hand both cards across to any staff in tube station counter and they will do that for you.

All the information can be found on www.TFL.gov.uk and www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14825.aspx

if you need any more help, call the staff and they can explain it you further.

Good luck.

[sanaindaclub]

Just realised how little I know about London outside of the east despite living here my entire life!

[M1011]

(Original post by mc1000)
Peckham.

I would but I drive a three wheeler. It'd all be far to stereotypical.

(Original post by YemiSanya90)
All travel (Bus, National Rail, Underground, Overground, DLR) across London means using an oyster card. You can buy an oyster card from any tube station. There is pay as you go travel and travelcard options on oysters. If you are commuting daily, then an oyster card travelcard is your best bet and when buying your travelcard, buy it by the Zone which you see on any tube map. You can purchase your travelcard for 7 days, monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly or yearly. But if you purchase it yearly, you can spend over thousand pounds doing so, so I would purchase it monthly.

Register it via the paper form that can be found in any tube station, so that if you lose it, all the money/travelcard on it are transferable to your new oyster card. Then register it online, so that you can buy all your travelcard and top-ups needs via the internet. You can now add your 16-25 railcard discount to your Oyster card if you have one, hand both cards across to any staff in tube station counter and they will do that for you.

All the information can be found on www.TFL.gov.uk and www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14825.aspx

if you need any more help, call the staff and they can explain it you further.

Good luck.

Thanks for the detailed explanation!