Is Central London a nice place to live?

[rumpoodle]

My dd and her girlfriend are looking at buying a one or two bed flat in central London. Dd was left a deposit by a grandparent, and both have high paying jobs.

I’m trying to suggest, that if I were her, I would get somewhere in Hampstead or some where leafier.

Does Central London still have a nice ‘ vibe ‘
to it?

I lived in Victoria once and hated it

Wimbledon and Stoke newington aren’t (obvs) central London. I also don’t think Islington is as it’s far out from me but aware many in N1 say they are central.

@DarlingFell

Lots of people mentioning places that aren’t in Central London!

That's because the OP is suggesting something leafier to them, such as Hampstead. It's part of the discussion. There is no right or wrong answer to this, and I suspect the DD already has a strong idea of which area Ehe wants to live in, rather than just "central London", which I assume is only counted as Zone One by many on this thread, but personally I'd count it as Zone one and Two.

If I had the money, I'd buy a place in Seven Dials, or in the Barbican.

I occasionally have to stay in the West End for work-related purposes, and I am always grumpy about it, and then it's a delight. There's nothing like being in the crowds, having a good time, and realising its only a seven-minute walk back to your own (or in my case, someone else's) sofa when you've had enough.

Bloomsbury
Clerkenwell/Barbican
Wapping/St Katharine’s docks

Yes

Paddington
Victoria

No

Where in central? The location makes a big difference

If they could walk to work it's absolutely worth doing - that can make a huge financial and psychological difference

Depends what the budget is and which area

Notting hill is great! I love living here.

Another vote for Pimlico. DH rented a place in Dolphin Sq for a few years. The square has a lovely sports club and pool in the middle (open to non residents, who I think can also use the tennis courts and croquet lawn on the river).

It is a quick taxi ride from the West End at night and Victoria line is quiet (as one of the first stops). There are also Thames Clippers from the Tate or across the river at St George's Wharf. DH was able to cycle into the City without breaking a sweat when there was a tube strike.

No idea what has happened to house prices there recently.

Oh, on re-reading, the Dd and girlfriend want central London.

On the experience of ‘once’ living in Victoria the OP wants them to choose somewhere ‘leafier’ than central London. Like Hampstead.