Without wanting to wish Christmas away, it'll soon be a new year. New years mean fresh starts, and fresh starts can mean many things. New habits, a new job, a new place to live? If, like many will be, you're planning or even considering a move to the capital in 2024, this blog is for you! Here we'll take you all across the city to find and summarise several of the best places to live in London, because moving can be stressful, but being informed can help to take some of the stress away. There are many more amazing options than the ones we outline here, and we may well do a part 2 of this post, but here's some of our personal favourites to get things started. First stop, Hampstead! 

Hampstead, NW3

If you're in search of the London experience, whilst maintaining the village/small town feel that help make a neighbourhood full of charm, Hampstead might just be the place for you. With quaint shops lining the streets, and a choice of independent pubs like The Old White Bear, and iconic pubs such as The Holly Bush, there is plenty to do. On top of that, green space is aplenty, Hamsptead Heath (800 Acres!!) is considered to be one of the best parks in the city, and if outdoor swimming is your thing, you have the Parliament Hill Lido, Kenwood Ladies' Pond, Highgate Mens' Pond and Hampstead Mixed Pond, all on your doorstep. As with anything, all of this comes at a cost, and it is not the cheapest place to rent, or buy, but move here, or close to here, and you're sure to fall in love with the place!

Queen's Park, NW6

In a city that is becoming, in parts, increasingly built up, there is a theme in this list of places in close proximity to green, open spaces. Queen's Park embodies this, with its namesake park the centre of the community. At 30 acres, this impressive park, named after Queen Victoria, is a real London gem, and a real advantage to moving to this area. Notting Hill is just over 1.5 miles away, and Queen's Park offers a similar charm, at a lower cost. With Edwardian and Victoria homes lining the streets, and, of course, plenty of independent stores/restaurants, with a choice of chains too so you don't have to travel far & wide for the essentials. Overall, it is a great place to live and definitely somewhere to consider. You can visit all year round to get a true feel of what it is like, as this charming spot has great appeal, no matter the season. 

Barnes, SW13

Moving to Barnes, London offers a charming blend of tranquility and urban convenience. Nestled along the Thames River, Barnes boasts picturesque riverside walks, green spaces like Barnes Common, and a village-like atmosphere. The area is known for its top-rated schools, making it an attractive option for families. With a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, Barnes provides a sense of community while still being well-connected to central London. The Barnes Bridge railway station offers easy access to Waterloo, and nearby bus routes enhance the accessibility. Cultural attractions like the OSO Arts Centre add vibrancy to the area, making it a haven for art and literature enthusiasts. Overall, Barnes presents a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and cosmopolitan amenities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive London lifestyle, and, in our opinion, a better version of Richmond (controversial?).

Angel, EC1

Angel has previously been described as a microcosm of London as a whole, with a good mix of students, young professionals, families, and retirees, all in one place. This makes for great diversity and a positive community spirit. Angel also has the benefit of easy access to Camden, Shoreditch, the City, West End, etc. Rest assured, you will not be short of entertainment either, with endless restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops, it is a really social place which gives it an authentic buzz, without feeling overcrowded.
To top it all off, there is beautiful georgian and victorian architecture everywhere, sounds pretty idyllic, right?

Brockley, SE4

It goes without saying, but we're all about hidden gems, here at Hidden UK Gems! Brockley is just that. Brockley holds a special place in my heart. Whilst parts of London could be criticised for all beginning to look the same, the neighborhood has managed to maintain its unique character. Venture into the occasional back alley, squint just right, and suddenly, it's 1978 – a time when Goldsmiths' sociology students, bohemians buzzed around the local streets. Sometimes you visit a place and it just gives you a warm feeling. How many times have you been on holiday or to a new place and said 'I could live here!'. Brockley is one of those places. A rare nirvana amidst the madness of London, Brockley will draw you in, and may even keep you there for years to come, as this definitely would be a place to 'settle down'.