Where To Live In London As An American – 12 Best Neighborhoods

If you’re moving to London from America, you’re probably wondering where to live.  This is one of the biggest and most important decisions to make in the relocation process. Deciding where to live can be especially tough if you’re unfamiliar with London’s many neighborhoods, transportation systems, or where to live in London relative to work or school.

Whether you know only part of the moving equation or absolutely none of it, here are the best areas to live in London.

Choosing where to live plays a significant role in settling in and enjoying the experience of living in London. It’s definitely worth time, research, and partnering with an expert in the London housing market to understand the unique personalities of each neighborhood and what they have to offer.

Since my own personal situation wasn’t convenient to live in London Central (and let’s be honest, I have a bit of bias towards St Albans), I don’t have the experience to truly answer a top question American expats ask me:

What’s the best area to live in London?

I partnered with one of London’s boutique real estate firms that specializes in assisting Americans in finding their perfect place to live: Jean Oddy & Company.

This independent estate agency, Jean Oddy & Company, specializes in helping American expatriates find the perfect home in London. As a graduate of the American School in London, the firm offers a unique perspective that’s relatable to other Americans trying to relocate to London with kids.

Kensington Neighborhood

Where To Live In London

This post is brought to you by Jean Oddy & Company, in collaboration with aBroad purpose.  Here are top questions answered for Americans trying to decide where to live in London.

1. Which comes first for Americans renting or buying in London: deciding a school or finding where to live?

For most, it makes the most sense to confirm the school before selecting a home as the school will almost certainly be the focal point of most of the family’s activities. Once the schooling is clear, the important factors to consider for where to live in London include:

• Transport to and from school: is there a school bus, will the kids walk or take public transport?
• Are transport links convenient? Will the family own a car and drive to school?
• Where will parents be working?
• Again, are the transport links direct and manageable for your family? For each family, this will be different. Some prefer to be right next to the school to minimize the complexities of a new city, others are happy to compromise on the commute for either the kids or parents in order to find a home or neighborhood that is ideal.

Belgravia Neighborhood

2. What are the best neighborhoods in London for Americans to move to with kids that are safe, family-friendly, walking distance to school(s), easy access to public transportation, amenities, and high street shops?

London is a city of villages and each has its own character and charm. Consider what you love about your current home and what you hope to get out of your experience in London.

Questions to ask that help decide on where to live in London:

• Are you in a more suburban environment and love space around you?
• Do you love the vibe of a city and hope to be right in the heart of everything?
• Do you intend to have a car?

The west and north areas London tends to be more family-friendly, but there are some very hip, trendy neighbourhoods on the east side that are fun. Once you narrow down your selection, be sure to allow plenty of time to walk around each area both during the day and at night, as this is the best way to get a feel for an area.

St Johns Wood – best London neighborhood for American expats

Best Area To Live In London For Americans

As advised by Jean Oddy & Company, the best neighborhoods to live in London for Americans are listed from most expensive to more affordable.

Knightsbridge & Belgravia

Elegant, traditional London locations close to Hyde Park, lots of embassies and shopping. Homes will be a selection of flats and houses.

Marylebone

Heart of London, close to parks and international schools, most family properties are flats or narrow townhouses with very little outdoor space.

Kensington & South Kensington

Two urban neighborhoods beside Kensington Gardens, with lovely streets and good schools. The original Lycee Francais is located in South Kensington.

St John’s Wood & Maida Vale

Often considered ‘expat’ neighbourhoods close to the American School and Southbank International School. The stock of rental property is good in these areas, and there are lots of community organisations to help expats settle in.  Not to mention the best Halloween trick-or-treating in London, too!

Hampstead & Belsize Park

The neighbourhoods surrounding Hampstead Heath often feel like an English village in the heart of the city. Lots of schools and international families.

Primrose Hill

Absolutely charming and quiet, with a lovely high street full of independent restaurants and shops. People love the peace and quiet of Primrose Hill and tend to stay there, so the availability of rental property isn’t as plentiful as in other areas.

Notting Hill & Westbourne Grove

Notting Hill & Westbourne Grove neighbourhoods rose in prominence after the eponymous movie. Trendy, with lots of cool shops, boutiques, and cafes. You can get a peek at its colorful architecture in this Notting Hill walk.

Pretty London suburb for expats ~ Holland Park

Queen’s Park & Kensal Rise

Recently re-gentrified and becoming very popular, these two neighbourhoods have the feel of an artsy, trendy crowd, with independent shops and a farmer’s market on the weekend.

Richmond & Kew Gardens

Beautiful green, leafy, riverside neighbourhoods with classic houses and wonderful villages. Slightly farther from central London, but the air and suburban feel are worth the trade-off.

Fulham & Putney

Located along the river and slightly more removed from central London, these are comfortable neighbourhoods full of families.

Chiswick

Also located along the river, Chiswick is midway between central London and Heathrow Airport, with a good high street and nice parks.

Clapham

South of the river, Clapham has a vibrant high street, more affordable family homes, and good transport links.

Where To Live Outside Of London

If central London isn’t an option due to the work commute, affordability, or access to schools, consider these alternative London suburbs best for families.

1. For where to live outside of London and commuting in for work, these are the best areas to move to with kids?

Richmond and Kew

Richmond and Kew are good hybrid neighbourhoods, with access to central London, but with more of a countryside feel.

Surrey, Kent & Hertfordshire

There are great areas just beyond the M25 ring road around London in Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire. Life is more suburban, with lots of green space, often more of a village feel, and a better cost of living than in central London.

St Albans City

As someone that dreamed to live in London, I can personally vouch that living in St Albans is lovely.  St Albans is in Hertfordshire and an amazing alternative to London.  It offers a smaller city feel but with all the perks of easy access to London with loads of things to do. Need to know more?  Read these pros and cons of living in St Albans.

St Albans City ~ 20 minute train ride from London

Final Tip On Where To Live In London As An American

If you’re moving to London and seeking assistance on where to live in London and the best area to live in London with or without kids, be sure to contact Jean Oddy & Company.

If you could live anywhere in London, which neighborhood would you live in and why?  Post in the comments.

Looking for more American in England resources?  Try these.

• • Second Thoughts About Moving?
  • How To Make American Expat Life Easier
  • Looking to move to the UK?  Download this moving to England guide.

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