There are plenty of reasons why Balham is one of the best places to live in London.
From its vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants to its community feel and great transport links, Balham pretty much has it all!
Here are 6 reasons why Balham is so popular with us Londoners.
1. A huge range of restaurants & eateries
Despite Balham being relatively small in comparison to Shoreditch or Clapham, there is a huge range of restaurants to choose from:
- Red Duck – a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant
- Pasha Mangal – a fantastic Turkish eatery
- Megan’s on the Hill – posh kebabs and great mezze
- Smoke Daddies – smoked meats and stacked burgers
- 1910 – vibrant Mexican bar and restaurant
Whatever your taste, there’s a restaurant or a takeaway in Balham that will suit your preference.
2. The community spirit
Balham has a really strong community spirit. Everyone looks out for each other.
Whether you’re picking up flowers and fresh fruit on Hildreth Street or grabbing post-work drinks at the Bedford, you’ll quickly get to know the locals. For the most part, the locals are friendly and approachable.
There’s always something going on in Balham!
3. Fish & Chips
So you’ve come to London to look for some good fish and chips. If you’ve chosen Balham, you’re in the right place! There are great chippies around every corner:
- Seventeen Fish & Chips
- Ocean Fish Bar
- Seascape Fish Bar
- Parade Fish Bar London
I have personally conducted in-depth research into these fish and chip shops. They’re all absolutely fantastic. Trust me.
4. Pubs and Bars aplenty
Balham is home to a ton of pubs and bars, so there’s definitely something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for live music or just want to relax with a pint, Balham has you covered:
- The Cyclist – classy gastropub with good drinks
- The Bedford – great atmosphere & live music
- The Regent – huge selection of beers
- The Devonshire – high ceilings and great cocktails
If you’re not into alcohol, there are a huge range of non-alcoholic and soft beverages stocked at every pub and bar in Balham. You really don’t have to drink alcohol to have a great time in Balham.
5. Green spaces & commons
Balham is super close to 3 different commons, which is perfect if you want to get out and enjoy the fresh air. It’s also perfect for walking the dog and enjoying late summer evenings with a BBQ.
- Wandsworth Common
- Clapham Common
- Tooting Common
All of the above are lovely parks with a bustling community atmosphere – but there’s plenty of isolated green space if you need a break from the city. In fact, it’s hard to believe that you’re in London when visiting them!
6. Great transport links
Balham is incredibly well-connected to the rest of London, with several transport links right on your doorstep. Balham is conveniently located in Zone Three.
The Northern Line tube runs through Balham’s central underground station, and overground rail stops at Balham station. It’s really easy to get into the city centre or out to the suburbs if you need to.
There are also plenty of buses running through Balham that can take you wherever you need to go in London.
Final thoughts
So there you have it – Balham really is one of the best places to live in London.
If you’re looking for a lively neighbourhood with plenty of amenities and green spaces, then Balham should be your number one choice.
And don’t forget, it’s also super close to Central London so you can enjoy all that the city has to offer too.