Wondering where are the best places to live in East London?
East London is known for its creative spirit, exciting culture, and diverse neighbourhoods — perfect for young families, professionals, and first-time buyers alike. With great museums, green spaces, and vibrant restaurants, East London offers a fantastic lifestyle at a more affordable price than Central London.
Here’s our guide to the best places to live in East London right now.
Shoreditch: Creative Vibes and City Connections
When asking where are the best places to live in East London, Shoreditch is always high on the list.
Located just two-and-a-half miles north of the City of London, Shoreditch is famous for its trendy cafés, boutique shopping, and the bustling Brick Lane market.
Families are increasingly drawn to the area’s excellent primary and secondary schools, many of which are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Plus, Shoreditch Park offers fantastic sports facilities and a children’s playground.
Find property in Shoreditch now
Bethnal Green: Culture, Green Spaces, and Affordability
Bethnal Green is another top choice when thinking about where are the best places to live in East London.
Located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, Bethnal Green boasts superb transport links and an unbeatable sense of community. It’s known for its nightlife, cultural diversity, and attractions like the UK’s first cat café.
Families will appreciate the many ‘Outstanding’ schools and leafy retreats like Weavers Fields and Bethnal Green Gardens.
Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much a mortgage could cost you on your next property.
Please be aware, your results are only an estimate and should not be considered as a mortgage quote.
Walthamstow: Bohemian Life and Outdoor Spaces
If you’re searching where are the best places to live in East London for families and professionals, Walthamstow offers a relaxed urban lifestyle with a creative edge.
Set in the borough of Waltham Forest, Walthamstow is packed with parks — including the beautiful Epping Forest — and hosts Europe’s longest outdoor market.
With Victorian and Edwardian homes, great schools, and excellent Tube and Overground links, it’s easy to see why families love Walthamstow.
Find property in Walthamstow now
Stratford: Regeneration, Shopping, and Green Living
Another standout when asking where are the best places to live in East London is Stratford.
Home to the 2012 London Olympics, Stratford has seen huge regeneration over the last decade. It now offers a mix of affordable homes, excellent transport links, and fantastic shopping at Westfield Stratford City — the largest shopping centre in Europe.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park provides plenty of green space for families and fitness lovers alike.
Find property in Stratford now
Hackney: Trendy, Vibrant, and Family Friendly
Hackney is a top contender if you’re wondering where are the best places to live in East London today.
This trendy neighbourhood has been completely transformed, now offering some of the capital’s most exciting nightlife, dining, and arts scenes. Hackney Empire, one of London’s oldest theatres, is right in the heart of it.
There’s also a strong family-friendly side, with outstanding schools and plenty of green space, including the iconic Victoria Park.
How OneDome Can Help You Move to East London
After discovering where are the best places to live in East London, OneDome makes it easy to find and buy your dream home.
OneDome is the UK’s first platform connecting every step of the homebuying journey in one place — from searching for a property to arranging your mortgage and completing your conveyancing online.
With OneDome, you can:
- Browse thousands of homes across East London
- Compare estate agents if you need to sell your current property
- Find the best mortgage deals from 90+ lenders
- Complete all the legal steps of buying a property online, with real-time progress tracking.
OneDome: Everything you need to complete your move.
Looking to sell?
Enter your property’s postcode to compare reviews, fees, and performance of estate agents: