Moving to London - Spitalfields v Clapham

[quincejellee]

Going to be moving to London for work, both working in the City.

We have looked at different areas and had Spitalfields and Clapham recommended to us.

Spitalfields - looks nice but quite urban, could walk to work, loads of shops and restaurants, smaller modern apartment, small balcony likely.

Clapham - feels very 'London' but a little bit twee, loads of friends live there, lovely outdoor spaces, bigger apartment and private garden possible, Northern line commute to work.

My head says Spitalfields would be fun for a couple of years in late 20s but heart says Clapham is a nicer place to live/relax.

Exactly what you’ve said. Go out after work in Spitalfields and relax at weekend in Clapham. Depends if you want to walk to work etc

Trains/tubes getting out of Clapham in the morning are a nightmare! I would look at London Fields or surrounding areas at least then you are based in East London.
If South West London is your preferred choice maybe look around Earlsfield? Commute
would be Waterloo, then Waterloo and city line then bus or walk to Spitalfields/London Liverpool Street area.

Clapham junction, Clapham Common, Clapham north, Clapham South? They all offer slightly different vibes and it’s easier to get on to the tube if you’re closer to Clapham South. Balham has the advantage of having trains as well as the northern line. Clapham Common (the green space, not the tube) is brilliant in warmer weather, and great if you like to run.

Having lived in both (and various other places in London), your assessment is spot on. Spitalfields is great for a few years whilst finding your feet, so, if you can afford it, I would vote there!

We lived in Spitalfields for 11 years. Easy 15 min walk to work, great bars and restaurants, weekends and evenings spent browsing the market, plus decent chain shops, Dennis Severs house, nice yoga studio, Brick Lane and Truman Brewery. We had our 2 dcs there and had nice trips to the city farm, family workshops at the Whitechapel, Barbican and Rich Mix. Great transport connections via Overground, tube and buses. The East London vibe suited us for much longer than a couple of years, though we eventually moved further north London for the private schools.