I’ve lived in nine London boroughs — they all had charm, but only one felt like home
I’ve lived in nine London boroughs — they all had charm, but only one felt like home
For nearly two decades, I’ve embraced a nomadic lifestyle in London, constantly shifting between boroughs to absorb their distinct vibes. This resulted in me setting up residency in nine of the city’s 32 districts over the years.
The early chapters of my journey
My twenties were defined by a sequence of moves: starting in New Cross Gate, Lewisham, then heading to Bethnal Green in Tower Hamlets, before settling in Elephant and Castle within Southwark. At that stage, the area still featured roundabouts shaped like underpasses, and a former shopping centre anchored the community.
During this phase, I was balancing studies with the transition into my first career, often commuting across the city. The experience was dynamic, capturing the essence of London’s ever-changing landscape.
A house share in Ealing
Following that phase came a three-year stint in a shared house in Ealing. Later, Lambeth and Waltham Forest briefly served as temporary homes, especially during times of personal upheaval, like a significant breakup.
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The dream flat in Hackney
Eventually, I landed in a cozy rental flat near Victoria Park in Hackney. Before moving there, I’d explored Clapton, Stoke Newington, and Newham’s Canning Town, each leaving its mark. My final London home was in Kentish Town, close to Hampstead Heath, artisanal bakeries, and welcoming pubs.
While Kentish Town was a cherished stop on my London journey, it never quite became my favorite. That distinction belongs to Hackney — the borough that truly felt like home.
A golden era of slow living
Before the pandemic, I occupied a tiny one-bedroom flat on Victoria Park Road. It had an open-plan kitchen and lounge, a modest two-person table, expansive sash windows, and a bathless bathroom. The small bedroom offered views of foxes and the moon, a rare treat in the city.
Victoria Park, which I consider the capital’s finest green space, was just a short stroll away. I’d often walk or run there daily, soaking in its beauty. The neighborhood boasted a few independent shops, cafes, and stores, though it had yet to be branded as ‘The Village’ and Gail’s had not yet moved in. Many friends lived nearby, including my downstairs neighbors, with whom I shared meals and outings.
Memories of Adana kebabs from a now-closed shop, drinks at The Empress and The Hemmingway, and Chambers’ sun-soaked lunches lingered vividly. My commute required only a single bus ride, and on occasion, I’d sprint home from work, navigating the canal in summer or roads in winter.
Peaceful pandemic days
During the pandemic, the city’s usual bustle faded, allowing me to explore areas like Old Street, Shoreditch, Mile End, and Hackney with minimal crowds. This shift highlighted how much I appreciated London’s essence without the demands of daily rush hour.
Those months were spent in a leisurely pace, wandering streets, cooking meals, and embracing the slower rhythm. Hackney’s streets, such as Groombridge Road, became even more special, with their grand wisteria-covered homes and the serenity of Well Street Common’s wild rosemary.
Walking beneath Victoria Park’s cherry blossom canopy, I felt a deeper connection to nature, even in a city without gardens. This experience solidified how vital it was to my sense of belonging.
Least favourite boroughs
Some areas left less of an impression, particularly those lacking efficient transport or sprawling parks. Living between railway tracks meant constant train noise disrupted sleep, while commutes involving delayed overground trains and multiple tube rides were exhausting.