Balham is a popular district in south London, England. It’s located in the London Borough of Wandsworth and has an estimated population of around 15,000 people.
There are plenty of reasons why Balham is a great place to live. From great restaurants and bars to excellent shopping and transport links, there really is something for everyone in SW12 and SW17.
In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about Balham so that you can decide if it’s the right place for you!
Is Balham posh?
While Balham does have some more affluent areas, there are also plenty of affordable options available. As with anywhere in London, expect rental and house prices to be much higher than in other areas of the UK.
It is often claimed that Balham is ‘posh’. People’s opinions on this can differ. You might be surprised at how cost-effective Balham is as a location. In fact, Balham has the second lowest council tax in London, thanks to Wandsworth Council.
Is Balham safe?
Balham is a very safe area of London. In fact, Balham and the wider Wandsworth area are considered to be the safest areas of South London.
Lots of families move into Balham due to the presence of schools, great transport links and the overall safe atmosphere within the area. Also, lots of people from around the world who move to London alone settle in Balham.
However, as with anywhere in London, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take suitable precautions when travelling at night.
Is Balham in Zone 2?
No – Balham is located in Zone 3.
Balham is situated on the Northern Line, located in between the Clapham South and Tooting Bec underground stations.
Is Balham a nice area?
Once again, this will depend on who you ask. But the general consensus amongst Balham residents is yes, Balham is a nice area to live.
There are lots of restaurants, bars, nearby commons and green spaces, supermarkets, takeaway spots and transport links in Balham.
The area has a fantastic community feel. Everyone looks out for each other. It’s not uncommon to quickly become friendly with your local shopkeeper or restaurant owner and benefit from a great relationship for years to come.
Is Balham a town?
Not strictly. Balham is a neighbourhood, or area, primarily located in the Borough of Wandsworth. Some of the outer areas of Balham technically lie in the Borough of Lambeth.
Is Balham in ULEZ?
No, Balham is not currently in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
ULEZ is a defined area in Central London where certain vehicles are required to meet tighter exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge. The zone was introduced in April 2019 and Balham is not currently included.
Is Balham in the Congestion Charge zone?
No, Balham is not currently in the Congestion Charge zone.
The congestion charge zone is an area in Central London where drivers of certain vehicles are required to pay a daily charge in order to drive within the zone. The zone was introduced in February 2003 and Balham is not currently included.
Is Balham in the LEZ zone?
Yes, Balham is currently located within the LEZ zone.
The LEZ is a zone set up to discourage the heaviest of polluting diesel vehicles from being in use within certain areas of London. Balham is currently located within this zone.
We’re keeping this article updated with all of the most common questions about Balham! Leave a comment if there’s a question you’d like to see answered.