Houses in Hammersmith & Fulham

Moving to West London

West London is an area that is known for its gorgeous areas as well as its high prices. In fact, they range from pricey to unaffordable, so that should give you a good idea of what to expect. However, it remains one of the best areas in London to raise children, as well as one of the safest. In this guide, we help you to determine whether or not West London is the right move for you, as well as taking a look at what it has to offer as an area. You never know, your next home could be here.

 

Preparing to Move

There is a lot to do when you are preparing to move house, and it is far from an easy task. You have legal paperwork to sort through for both properties, finding a moving company, getting boxes together, and making sure that you have left nothing behind. This is just some of the stuff you have to do, and it takes a lot of patience and effort to get it done correctly. You have to be prepared, and you need to know what is involved.

Before you even take steps to move, however, you need to find a new place to live. You have to research the area carefully, understanding every aspect in full detail. Things like the good and bad areas, entertainment, suitability for families, and other such aspects need to be taken into account. Research is the key to success in all areas of life, and you need to make sure you know what you are getting before you even make a choice to buy.

 

Where to Go in West London?

West London is an economically thriving area, filled with fabulous homes and people. It is home to a beautifully diverse mix of people, 25% of whom were born outside of the EU. After the 2012 Olympics were announced, regeneration plans for the fringes of West London were put underway, bringing these zones in line with the rest of the area.  It’s a stunning mix of history and open green spaces and some of the very best areas to live in.

If you are looking at West London, here is all the information you need:

If money is absolutely no problem, a great place to look at is Mayfair. A classically stunning area right near the centre of the capital, it is a place that everyone knows for its fine houses and high prices. But places like Bayswater or Hammersmith are also a good bet for those with less cash to splash.

Although some parts of West London are highly exclusive that isn’t true of all areas in the west of the capital so do your research before you make your choice.

moving to west london - hammersmith bridge

Property Prices in West London

Some houses on the market in West London have asking prices not far short of £17 million but there are plenty of choices for less than that, thank goodness.

Taking a look at property prices as a whole for the area of West London, however, we found that the current average is £975,000. If we break this figure down further it’s clear that, unsurprisingly, house and flat prices differ quite a bit but perhaps less than in other parts of London.

 

Travelling in West London

Interestingly, two-thirds of the population of West London use a car instead of public transport, which makes it a rather unique case. However, this does not mean that West London is free from congestion, and you are likely to find yourself stuck in traffic on the way to work. If you live in areas that are subject to a congestion charge, you are entitled to a 90% discount if you are a resident in the affected areas.

Public transport is available, with buses being a good one to go for if you still want to use the road but don’t have a car. The underground is also an option, and while there is good coverage, it is not as extensive as other parts of London and is mainly used for commuting to central London as opposed to areas in the west of the city.

 

Meeting People in West London

Moving to West London is an adventure, and every adventure needs a band of friends who stick through everything together. The city is the perfect place to find people like this, and you might be surprised by how friendly the locals are. Of course, it can take a little time to meet like-minded people.

Heathrow airport West of London

Places to Work in West London

West London is one of the best places for making a living in the city. It has a thriving workforce and a good average salary that will leave you feeling tempted to move into the area (if only you could afford the property). It does have an unemployment rate of around 7%, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you will be out of work. Always take a look for open positions (and try to get a job) before you move.

West of London is Heathrow Airport, which is home to an amazing 76,000 jobs. It’s an incredible amount, and there are so many different roles there that you will likely be spoiled for choice. It’s a relatively short commute distance, and it offers a great work experience.

Office work is also quite prominent in West London, and if you are looking to be employed at the head offices of major companies, you might just be in luck. West London is home to the HQ of big brands like Disney, FOX TV UK, L’Oréal, and Betfair to name a few. It is a good opportunity to get in with the big names and advance your career.

 

kensington high street west london

Places to Go in West London

Within the W postcode, there are so many places that you can go, and loads of things that you are sure to enjoy. The West of London does tend to be one of the more expensive areas, but we promise that there are wonderful places to go for anyone on just about any budget. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to go in West London.

Mayfair is renowned for its superb shopping and jewellery (which it is especially famous for). A day of shopping in Mayfair might leave your wallet a little lighter, but it will have given you the retail therapy that you need and deserve. Plus, it’s home to some big names like Ted Baker and Karen Millen. And you could always just try window shopping – that’s still fun even if you have nothing much to spend.

You could also try out Notting Hill for something a little quirky and unusual. It’s the home of all things unusual, but in all the right ways. Think of High Grant’s little bookshop in the film of the same name, and you have Notting Hill in a nutshell. The Notting Hill Carnival also takes place each year and is led by members of the Caribbean community, with up to 1.5 million people taking part. It’s the largest street festival in the world.

Portobello Road’s famous outdoor market is also sure to attract you. Just about everyone has heard of it, and you need to take the opportunity to actually go out and visit it. This quaint little market is sure to have you leaving with some one-of-a-kind items. Plus, it really is an experience and a half.

If you are looking for somewhere to eat, then Westbourne Park and Notting Hill are the perfect locations for dining. It has everything from big names like Pizza Express and Ask, to smaller and more local places that are sure to give you a feel for the area. It prides itself on its eateries, and you will not be disappointed.

You can also experience some delicious dining on the edge of Hyde Park while you are in West London. There is a range of choices when it comes to the international cuisine, and you are right on the doorstep of the prestigious Knightsbridge if you are looking for a little shopping to keep you occupied.

Kensington Palace and the Commonwealth Experience Museum are great for those who want to experience a little history and also gain some more knowledge when it comes to the local area. They are spectacular places to visit, and you really won’t want to miss out on them.

Stamford Bridge is the place to go for nightlife. Home to a number of clubs and bars, you can party your way through the night without a care in the world. There are some pretty spectacular places here, as well as some fantastic and creative drinks to go with it. You honestly won’t want to miss out on this experience.

Wembley Arena is a great choice for musical entertainment, as they have everyone and anyone playing there. Whether you are into Little Mix or Slipknot, you can guarantee they are going to have your tastes on show. Tickets tend to be priced quite well, and you can expect a great crowd for every show – not to mention a breath-taking arena for the audience.

 

Things for Families in West London

West London is very family friendly, and it is one of the best places to raise kids – as well as entertain them. It is good to keep their minds and bodies active, so we have put together some of the best family activities in the area for you. Some of these might just make for your next day out together.

KidZania is an amazing amusement attraction for kids of all ages, and it is something that is sure to not only stimulate their senses and their minds. It gives them social interaction, an enjoyable play experience, and even the chance to make new friends. Plus, there is a place for parents to chill out for a few hours while the kids play.

Chelsea Football Club Museum is perfect for kids who are big fans of sports, and they are sure to enjoy the guided tours that take place each day. It’s a wonderful experience, and fans of the club are sure to be left feeling amazed and educated once the tour is over. Even if you don’t take the tour, it still makes for a wonderful day out.

 

To Conclude

Hopefully, this guide to life in West London has been helpful for you when it comes to deciding whether or not this is the kind of place you would like to live. Known for being one of the finest and most beautiful areas in London, not to mention among the most expensive, you are sure to find yourself swept away by the lifestyle and the people. There is so much to see and do, but it’s also an amazing place to raise a family.

What did you think of this guide? Is there anything that you would have added? We love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a message in the comments below.