London Zone 3: The perfect place to call home?

Living in London’s travel Zones 1 and 2 may mean you are surrounded by many of the London’s key attractions and technically closer to most places in terms of physical distance, there are many areas outside of these central travel zones which offer excellent communication making travel times similar to the inner zones, one of those is London Zone 3.

If you’d like to live somewhere that feels a little more suburban whilst not compromising on the connections to central London property in Zone 3 might be ideal. We consider the best locations to buy a home in London’s travel Zone 3.

Highgate, N6

Highgate centre is referred to as a ‘village’ and for good reason, it is very pretty, has retained much of the historic character, is filled with boutique shops and independent stores and has many popular, charming public houses.

Homes around Highgate village are largely Georgian, with large Victorian and Edwardian properties and some modern homes too. Many of the houses are detached and boast large gardens.

Schools in and around Highgate are second to none; several of the state-run schools are highly rated and there are excellent independents too, schools include Highgate and Channing.

Highgate also benefits from having Hampstead Heath right on the doorstep along with other green spaces.

In terms of transport, Highgate is located on the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line, it takes roughly 15 minutes to reach the West End and around 20 minutes to reach The City.

Ealing, W5

Ealing is in London Zone 3 and has seen much regeneration in recent years and has become a very desirable place to live.

For families, the access to excellent schools combined with the short commute times into central London and the leafy surrounds make it a primary location when looking for a more suburban place to live.

Ealing also appeals to young professionals, especially with the new developments such as Dickens Yard, Perceval House and Filmworks providing modern apartments within easy reach of the station.

There are many large Victorian and Edwardian double-fronted houses, along with some thirties properties and more modern homes.

Ealing Broadway is located on both the Central and District lines, and Ealing Common is on the Piccadilly and District lines. The Elizabeth Line will run through Ealing Broadway when it opens significantly reducing travel times into central London.

Forest Hill, SE23

Forest Hill is a leafy suburb in south east London, as its name indicates the area is a series of steep hills; some of London’s highest points.

The area boasts many independent shops including a popular butcher, several gastro pubs, delis, gyms and cafes among the various local amenities.

There are many excellent schools in the area including several highly rated state run establishments. The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a well-known local attraction holding regular farmers markets along with other events throughout the year.

Forest Hill station in London Zone 3 offers services on both London Overground and Southern Rail allowing residents to reach Canary Wharf in just over 20 minutes and Victoria Station in around half an hour.

Wimbledon, SW19

Wimbledon is known worldwide for its annual tennis tournament, away from the sporting event this area is one of the most desirable suburbs in London.

Covering a vast area, Wimbledon has an array of property types, from period homes on tree-lined avenues and apartments within modern blocks to large detached houses set within their own grounds, often changing hands entirely off market.

Wimbledon Village is the most sought after location within the wider Wimbledon area.

The area is especially green with Wimbledon common offering residents access to over 1200 acres of space for walking, cycling, riding and playing golf – there are three courses within the common.

Families are drawn to Wimbledon for the excellent schooling options including private schools such as King’s College and Wimbledon High School.

Wimbledon station offers the District line, National Rail services and the Tramlink. Trains to Waterloo from Wimbledon take under 20 minutes.

Balham, SW12

Balham is a popular place to live with both families and professionals, property here is largely made up of Victorian and Edwardian property.

Whilst the majority of properties considered to be in Balham are within the SW12 postcode some of the properties in the popular area of the Heaver Estate are in fact within the SW17 postcode and are located near Tooting Common.

Families are attracted to Balham for the excellent schools in the area, both state and independently run.

Most of Balham falls within Wandsworth where council tax is lower than most other local authorities.

Balham train station is located on both the Northern Line and mainline which offers a service into Victoria via Clapham Junction in about 15 minutes.

Finding a property in London

We’ve included several of our top places to live in London’s travel zone 3 in this article, there are many more areas to consider if you’re looking to live just a little further from central London.

Our professional property finders can help you find the ideal location to match your lifestyle and property requirements, for a no obligation discussion about our services please contact us.