Cheat Sheet For Living In West London

Living in West London:

London has historically (and, at times, rather contentiously) been divided into different zones according to the London Plan. According to the latest revision in 2011, London is make up of 5 different zones – Central, North, South, East and West.

West London is a more suburban area of the capital, when compared with the built up and industrial East London. It is both ethnically and culturally diverse, which leads to a rather extraordinary blending of cultures, as displayed by the many different festivals and carnivals celebrated each year in the area.

Boroughs:

Brent– Brent is extremely ethnically diverse with the highest percentage of any ethnicity being 18. It is the home of the enormous Wembley Stadium where the England Football team play their home matches.

Ealing– Ealing is a largely suburban borough, earning a reputation in the early 20th century as ‘queen of the suburbs’. Famous bands ‘The Who’ and ‘The Rolling Stones’ both formed their complete bands in Ealing.

Hammersmith & Fulham– One of the more expensive boroughs in London. It is the current home of both the BBC Television Centre and the enormous Westfields Shopping Center.

Harrow – Harrow is a largely suburban town. It is best known for it’s strong ties to education, with the famous Harrow School being situated there, as well as a large University of Westminster Campus.

Hillingdon– Hillingdon is the second largest London Borough by area. It is home to Brunel University as well as the largest airport in the UK – London Heathrow.

Hounslow – Hounslow is an economic hub within London. It is known for it’s vital involvement in electronics and communications for London Heathrow Airport. It has excellent transport links to the town centre.

Richmond Upon Thames – Is a suburban borough. It is home to Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and Twickenham rugby stadium – where the England Rugby Team play their home matches.

Typical Demographic: Living in West London is typically based around it’s suburban community, making it perfect for young families and older families, particularly in the leafy suburbs of Richmond Upon Thames and Ealing. There are some areas more focussed on young professionals in certain areas of Fulham and Hammersmith (particularly Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush and White City).

House Prices: House prices in West London vary from area to area. Fulham & Hammersmith is likely to be the most expensive with house prices in 2012/13 reaching an average of £570,000. Hillingdon and Hounslow are significantly cheaper than with, with average house prices of between £265,000 and £280,000.

When living in West London, house prices will typically be on message with the average London house prices. In 2013, an average West London price of £364,000 compared with a London average of £366,000. Most people choose this area for the quieter suburban atmosphere, rather than the house prices.

Culture: West London is most famed for it’s West End, the theatrical centre of London. With over 35 theatres all crammed into this small area, if you are looking for culture – look no further than a night at the theatre in the west end.

It also has a great musical culture, with the Hammersmith Apollo and the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, frequent London stops for touring bands from all over the world.

West London is also home to the Notting Hill Carnival, and annual carnival and the second largest in the world, it can attract upwards of 1 million people. It has a distinctly afro-caribbean flavour and includes a 3 mile long parade!

Things to do:

Go and visit London Zoo– there are over 760n species of animal in the zoo – many of them are endangered.

Watch the Boat Race – The boat race is an annual rowing race between two of England’s oldest and most academic universities – Oxford and Cambridge. It takes place on the ‘tideway’ on the thames – it starts just before Craven Cottage (Fulham Football Ground) passes the Harrods Furniture depository and ends up at Mortlake. You get great views from Hammersmith Bridge, but be careful – over 250,000 people turn up to watch each year!

Go and watch some football – 3 top football clubs (Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham) are all based in West London – going to see them play is always a good day out!

Places to see:

Ealing Studios – Creating films since 1902, Ealing Studios was the set for the now famous, zombie-slasher comedy, ‘Shaun of the Dead’.

Hampton Court Palace – This beautiful Tudor/Renaissance era riverside palace is perfect for a sunny summer afternoon. You can even arrive there by boat!

Kensington Palace – The current home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a must see if you have an interest in the British Royal family!

Portobello Road – Portobello Road is home to many antiques shops and art galleries but on a Saturday it bursts into life as hundreds of street stalls cover the road. For a true taste of West London – Portobello Road is the place to be!