As a London-loving publication, we’re pretty smitten with the whole city, but every so often the question is asked: where is the best place to live in the city?
One such outlet that does some digging into the topic each year is The Sunday Times, who release its findings on where the best area of London is every year, as well as posing the question about the whole of the UK.
The best area of London to live in for 2024
This year, London’s winner is the lovely Clerkenwell, which sits in nice proximity to both Farringdon and the centre of Islington and is not so bad on the eye. It’s also home to Luca, the sumptuous Italian restaurant which earned a Michelin Star in the 2023 guide.
Speaking about Clerkenwell, The Sunday Times judges said: “Clerkenwell embodies all that’s best about life in London, from a rich past of riot and ribaldry to its current status at the heart of the capital’s culinary and creative scenes. Culture is covered by the Barbican and Sadler’s Wells, there are cosy pubs, cool cafes, lively bars and some of the city’s best restaurants in a warren of streets and alleys full of fascinating history.”
Of course, one positive to living in Clerkenwell that has been overlooked by the Times (and can’t be ignored by me) is the proximity to Arsenal Football Club. Listen out on matchdays and you might just be able to make out the cries of North London Forever before kick-off at the Emirates Stadium. And I think that’s beautiful.
The rest of the top spots in London
Clerkenwell wasn’t the only area of London given props to in the study of the best places to live. In no particular order after the number one spot, the other top places to live are as follows:
- Crouch End – another spot close to the Arsenal, so no surprises here.
- Forest Hill – a southeast London thoroughfare with beautiful views over the city.
- Highams Park – a leafy London area in nice proximity to Epping Forest.
- Little Venice – the name itself probably explains why its made the list.
- London Fields – one of the ultimate green space to relax in over summer and surrounded by brilliant eating and drinking spots.
- Wimbledon Village – another green area that’s satisfyingly close to Richmond Park.
The best place to live in the UK for 2024
Where’s the best spot to up sticks and move to this year? Well, that would be over in Scotland, with the beautiful North Berwick taking the title this time around. It’s not hard to see why, either. With a stunning coastline, beautiful high street and shacks to buy lobster for your lunch, it’s safe to say the seaside spot just a short train ride from Edinburgh is a worthy winner. Though if you really were thinking about ditching London for it, don’t be disheartened when somewhere else gets named the best place in the UK in the same study this time next year! It’s all the name of the game.
You can read the full in The Sunday Times here, and delve into all the best places to live in the UK.