Living in Brixton
Just three miles from Central London, but with a bohemian, multicultural scene all of its own, Brixton is a popular place to live for singles, young professionals and families alike.
History of the area
Brixton is one of the most vibrant, ethnically diverse and distinctive districts of South London. It has a proud Caribbean heritage, having been the area in London the first West Indian immigrants to the UK made their homes in the 1950s. This still infuses much of the food, fashion and nightlife of Brixton.
While the area experienced significant racial tensions in the 1980s and 1990s, it has become more desirable over the last few decades. From bustling markets to independent bars, restaurants and cafés, living in Brixton is certainly exciting but it is also a place for people to put down roots, with a wealth of highly rated schools and green space adding to the quality of life.
The property market
House prices in Brixton are significantly lower than the London average, so is a very popular area for first time buyers thinking of living in Brixton. Renters are also drawn to the competitive rents and buzzing social scene.
New build homes
There are an increasing number of new build homes in Brixton. Look out for the apartments in the Brixton Square and Oval Quarter developments, and The Edge, right in the centre near the underground and National Rail stations.
First time buyers
First time buyers will find more opportunities in Brixton than in other areas so close to Central London. Reasonably priced ex-council properties often pop up for sale on some of the large housing estates in the district.
Renting in the area
Rents are lower than the London average, and there is plenty of rental stock, from apartments to studios to terraces, but properties go quickly and it is a very competitive rental market.
Schools and education
Brixton has a number of schools rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Some well regarded primary schools include St Jude’s Church of England school in Regent Road and Sudbourne Primary in Mandrell Road. Evelyn Grace Academy on Shakespeare Road was designed by the noted British architect Zaha Hadid and is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
Transport links
Brixton is well served with transport connections. Brixton is the terminus of the southbound Victoria Line. Journey times on the underground are around 15 minutes to Central London, and there are plenty of buses that run long into and through the night. You can also get into London Victoria in seven minutes on the overground from Brixton station.
Lifestyle and leisure
Places to eat and drink
Young Londoners make a beeline for Brixton’s bars, restaurants and music venues. The best places to grab a bite to eat and drink include the Caribbean restaurant Negril, the Craft Beer Co, the Satay Bar and San Marino, which has queues outside the door most days! For sensational street food head to Brixton Village between Coldharbour Lane and Atlantic Road.
Where to shop
‘We gonna rock down to Electric Avenue …’ So named because it was the first market in the UK to be lit by electric, Electric Avenue hosts a market six days a week. Here you will find everything from vintage clothes to fresh fruit and veg. The streets around Brixton Hill and Coldharbour Lane are home to all manner of boutiques and independent shops, along with all the usual chains.
Things to do
Brixtonites can catch a movie at the famous old Ritzy picture house, or a gig over the road at the Electric Brixton. Pop Brixton houses all kinds of food and drink start-ups in its multicoloured shipping containers, while you have a dizzying array of pubs, clubs and restaurants on Brixton Hill to choose from. During the day, wander through Brockwell Park for great views of London or the other local green spaces of Myatt’s Field Park and Ruskin Park.
Brixton wears its African and Caribbean heritage proudly, so if you are interested in learning more about black British history, visit the Black Cultural Archives in Windrush Square. There’s also a Starman waiting to meet you near the tube station – the David Bowie mural is just across the road. One of our greatest ever musicians and songwriters was born in Brixton and this is a real shrine to his legend.
Felicity J Lord can help you buy, sell or rent in Brixton
If you like what you hear about Brixton, we can help you buy, sell or rent in the Brixton area. Get in touch with the friendly team at our Brixton branch and they will be happy to help.
