Best Places to Live in West London
London is packed with history, culture and social opportunity in every street, square and park. The staggering number of things to see, do and enjoy are near inexhaustible, and that's what makes so many people want to live in this incredible city.
From the iconic entertainment venues of Hammersmith to the sporting history of Wembley, West London has long attracted all kinds of residents to its streets thanks to its good transport connections, its excellent schools and its career opportunities.
In this blog, we're going to give you the rundown of the best places for living in West London, considering everything that makes this part of the city one of the best spots to call home.
Ealing Broadway
Leafy, laid-back and attractive, Ealing is a popular borough at the heart of West London. With a fine choice of parks and green space, Ealing offers a winning combination of both urban and country in one area, making it the ideal choice for those who love the idea of being close to the big city, but who also want to enjoy everything nature provides. With a wealth of superb properties in the area, Ealing is a worthy addition to your West London wish list.
Ealing Broadway's high street is home to a wide selection of retailers and eateries. A shopping centre sharing the name tops things off, while the railway interchange here offers direct links across London and out into the rest of the country.
Ealing is most famous for its cinematic and television history - the iconic Ealing Studios are the oldest film studios in the world, producing Ealing Comedies such as the Ladykillers and Passport to Pimlico. Other famous series and films filmed here include Doctor Who, Downton Abbey and Notting Hill.
Wembley
World renowned for the arch of its striking football stadium, Wembley has seen immense growth in the past decade thanks to various redevelopment plans, and with fresh new employers, burgeoning green space and its sporting heritage, Wembley provides a buffet of attractive features for those looking to find a new property.
At the core of the area is Wembley Park, a charming hub of culture and sporting excellence. With an array of bars and restaurants to serve both locals and fans visiting the stadium, this is a thriving spot for anyone looking for a slice of entertainment with their West London living.
It being such a centre for sports, Wembley also features a convenient set of transport links, with the underground station being only two quick stops away from the central London. From there, you're just a stone's throw away from getting a national rail service out into the country beyond.
Chiswick
An elegant retreat from the hustle and bustle of London life, Chiswick is a village-type district in West London, and you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a town out in the countryside rather than an area just outside the city centre. With a prime spot on the river, streets of charming Victorian cottages and trees lining many of the streets, buying a new home in Chiswick is an ideal choice for those wanting to experience a slower pace of life that urban living can offer.
Chiswick is a treasure trove of independent shops, cinemas, restaurants, cafes and bars, all offering something a little bit different that you'll be hard pressed to find elsewhere in London. It is also famous for its historic pubs and theatres, many dating back through the 19th Century and beyond.
Perhaps the jewel in Chiswick's crown is the regal Chiswick House, a stately home, notable for its impressive Neo-Palladian design. The villa is open for the public, perfect for a weekend visit. Also worth keeping an eye out for here is the Griffin Brewery, thought to be the oldest brewery in London.
Fulham
Positioned on the banks of the Thames, close to the centre of London, Fulham is a relaxed area of West London that offers peaceful suburban-style living among greenery-lined streets and high-class establishments. Just a 20 minute journey away on the district line to Paddington, you're always within commutable distance to Central London - ideal for professionals in need of a modern home near their workplace.
Fulham is well-known for its classy eateries, among which can be found a Michelin-starred pub, The Harwood Arms, along with many independent cafes and bars. Beyond the stops for food, you can find galleries, craft fairs and some wonderful walks along the river.
Perhaps Fulham is best known for its football team, Fulham FC, whose home games are played at the historic Craven Cottage. This stadium is hidden among the cottages and terraced houses that play such a big part in the attractiveness of Fulham as a district.
Chelsea
Synonymous with affluence, Chelsea is one of West London's most impressive areas, with wonderful architecture on show, built by iconic architects and designers throughout the centuries. Part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Chelsea is well-connected, with highly-regarded schools and superb transport links. Better yet, Chelsea properties like these fit professionals, families and retirees right down to the ground.
Fashionable and boutique shops are the name of the game in Chelsea, and there's something to fit everyone, both of the independent and chain fare. Michelin starred restaurants, include Gordon Ramsay's three-star venue, pepper the avenues, while both trendy and traditional pubs are great for a drink or two.
As well as food, shopping and drink, Chelsea is know for its history and its art. The Saatchi Gallery houses some of the most adventurous art around, there are all kinds of blue plaques to track down and the National Army Museum chronicles over 500 years of warfare history.
Thinking of making the move to West London? At Berkeley Group, we've created a full catalogue of sophisticated and trendy West London homes in some of the most desirable spots in the area. Explore our complete collection of London homes here.