Best Areas to Live in London as a High Net Worth Individual

London has no shortage of desirable neighbourhoods, yet identifying the right fit can take some consideration. Perhaps you crave the seclusion and security of Hampstead or St John’s Wood’s gated homes, or the central location of Mayfair? 

In this article, we introduce you to some of the best areas to live in London, outlining their signature properties, local entertainment and transport connections.  

What Are the Most Prestigious Areas in London? 

Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Belgravia and Mayfair have long been considered among the most prestigious areas in London, along with village-like Hampstead. Yet the property market is always evolving. For example, in South London, Battersea has entered a new phase of high-rise luxury living. 

The Best Areas to Live in London for Expats 

The Qatari royal family own a significant amount of property around Curzon Street and Park Lane, and the Saudi Arabian Embassy also draws expats to the City of Westminster’s Mayfair. North London’s American schools also prove a consistent draw to the American expat community (explore the best schools for Americans in London).  

In West London, Kensington and Knightsbridge are considered among the best areas for French expats. This longstanding community is centred around Cromwell Road’s respected Lycée Français Charles De Gaulle, French Consulate and Institut Francais.  

While you may have to navigate the challenges of the changing non-dom policy under Labour, buying property in London is still easy to do with the right guidance.

Best Areas to Live in Central London 

1. Mayfair 

Located close to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and developed by the Grosvenor family in the 18^th Century, centrally-located Mayfair has long been an exclusive residential area. Queen Elizabeth II was born at 17 Bruton Street, while John Adams lived there and founded the American Embassy nearby. 

Mayfair offers elegant Georgian terraces and new developments alike. Leafy Hyde Park, the Royal Academy of Arts, and Christie’s, Bonhams and Sotheby’s are a stroll away, as is Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly. Bars and restaurants are plentiful, and celebrated hotels such as The Connaught, Brown’s and The Dorchester are local institutions.

The West End’s Theatreland, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden are all in easy reach. Students will find Mayfair well-located for KCL’s Strand Campus, UCL Main Campus and Senate House Library. 

2. Knightsbridge 

Prestigious Knightsbridge offers red-brick mansions, contemporary apartments and gated detached houses to its community of international ultra-high-net-worth individuals. This exclusive area is ideally situated between South Kensington, elegant Chelsea, and Belgravia’s Georgian townhouses and sympathetic apartment conversions. 

Harrods and Harvey Nichols exemplify the area’s luxury retail destinations. Petrus by Gordon Ramsay and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park are just a sample of the area’s Michelin-starred restaurants, joined by the newly-starred Amaya, as featured in TimeOut.  

3. South Kensington 

Many consider Kensington’s white stucco townhouses among the best places to live in West London. Its shops, restaurants and world class museums and venues set the tone – The Royal Albert Hall, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the V&A are all here. Notting Hill’s eclectic painted terraced houses and markets are just a short distance away. 

South Kensington Station’s Circle, District and Piccadilly Line services offer direct connections to Heathrow Airport and across central London. Kensington is also one of the best places for students to live, with Imperial College in walking distance and other University of London colleges in easy reach. 

Battersea  

Currently undergoing regeneration, Battersea and neighbouring Nine Elms are the neighbourhoods of the Embassy Gardens and the Gehry Partners’ Battersea Power Station project. Battersea offers apartment living opportunities in the former industrial building and modern luxury high rises that surround it, with shopping, dining and entertainment options on the lower levels.  

New Zone 1 Northern Line services make Battersea one of the best areas to live in South London. Alternatively, nearby Sloane Square, Victoria and Vauxhall offer Circle, District and Victoria Line connections.  

4. Hampstead 

From Hampstead’s quintessential English village surroundings, walk to Hampstead Heath for panoramic views of the London skyline. Alternatively, take the 20 minute Tube journey to the City of London’s Bank Station, or 10 minute ride to King’s Cross and St Pancras International train stations for UK and continental transport links. It’s easy to see why Hampstead is considered one of the best areas in London for young professionals.  

Hampstead is also just a short distance from American international schools and the English and French-speaking Collège Français Bilingue de Londres in Kentish Town. 

5. St. John’s Wood  

West of Regent’s Park, St John’s Wood is a leafy, walkable neighbourhood with a village feel and Jubilee Line Tube service that make it one the best places to live in North London. St John’s Wood is home to Lord’s Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios. The Beatles never truly left – Paul McCartney has owned a property in St John’s Wood since the 1960s. Its gated homes offer security and space a gym, pool or spa, while its sought-after period mansion blocks offering luxury apartment living.  

The London property market has something to offer all tastes, from the long-established luxury of Knightsbridge to the opportunities of newly rejuvenated Battersea and the many luxury new build properties there. Contact Eaton Premier today, we will be glad to assist your search for a London property.