Article Link: http://www.expatexchange.com/lib.cfm?articleID=2911
Kensington and Chelsea - Brompton, Chelsea, Earl's Court, Holland Park, Kensington, North Kensington, Notting Hill, South Kensington, West Brompton
Part of Inner London
London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
"I was not a fan of the Notting Hill/Bayswater area. My husband liked it a lot more - he liked that it was busy and that there were tons and tons of shops and restaurants and stuff. I really like Hyde Park, and would probably enjoy visiting the area for shopping or dinner or something, but I'm really not interested in living there. I did, however, have the best cappuccino and scone of my LIFE."
Comment 2:
"As someone who has after 10 years recently swapped London for foreign climes, I would recommend Chelsea, Marylebone Village, or Notting Hill (NOT Notting Hill Gate, but the area nearby) to give you the sort of feel you're looking for, these are are fairly central. Editor's Note: the individual that received this reply indicated a desire for "great brownstones, cobblestone/tree lined streets, lots of restaurants, shops, parks and bars. Quaint areas with character." The reply continues below:
Comment 3:
"These will be expensive so if the prices are too high then try the Northcote Road area (known as "Between the Commons") in SW London, which has a good family ambience, lovely shops and good transport links (it's between Clapham Junction and Clapham South stations but technically in Battersea). Fulham may also offer some value but isn't as village-y in feel. The Abbeville Road area in Clapham South may also suit although it's fairly small in scope. These are all south of the central city area.
Comment 4:
"North of the central city area, you may like Crouch Hill, Hampstead Village or Primrose Hill."
Comment 5:
In response to someone who could not decide whether to live in Notting Hill or Chelsea:
Our opinion is that both are rather non-descript American Ghettos. Get hip and move to East London. Or, go native and get out of zone 1 altogether.
Comment 6:
"As a New Yorker, used to all the conveniences, either Chelsea or Notting Hill would be good choices. What you gain in hipness or edginess in the East End, you lose in services and conveniences. You certainly won't find anything like Zabars or Citarellas. As you are only going to be here for 2 years, living in central London so you can easily take advantage of restaurants, culture, theater etc. is a smart choice. Chelsea sort of reminds me of Connecticut. The high street has a Westport or New Canaan feel to it. Something important to consider is that it that it is not well served by the tube. Notting Hill I think is a little more diverse and has more tube line choices."
First Published: Jan 17, 2009