Living in North West London

Jobs in North West London | Pictures of North West London

Despite substantial urbanisation of the district throughout the twentieth
century, many of the former villages and towns that once existing in their own
right before becoming absorbed by the expanding London area, have retained some
of their original charm and identity.

And what remains today is a diverse part of London – diverse in that it can
easily be middle class yet equally affluent. Either one, the fact is that North
West London has some of the most sought after residential addresses and a
vibrant – if eclectic – culture whose appeal spans all socio-economic groups and
is a reason why this part of the capital is experiencing one of the fastest
growth rates in London.

Getting around North West London
If you happen to have a car then this is one of the few districts in
London where car travel is commonplace but, with a population of 1.8 million
people and two-thirds of residents commuting to work by car rather than public
transport throughout the NW district, don't expect the roads to be
congestion-free because they're not.

Getting around the area can be slow at times and unfortunately the bus doesn't
offer much relief. Car parking is limited to a number of Pay & Display on the
roadside and a number of smaller car parks, but these can both be costly.

Thankfully, the NW post code area falls outside the Central London Congestion
Charging Zone so that will save you some money but, depending on where you need
to go, the Underground may be your best bet for commuting to work, with the
district served by the Piccadilly, Central, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines.

Eating, drinking and shopping in North West London
What North West London lacks in attractions when compared to the rest
of the capital, it more than makes up for when it comes to shopping. The NW area
boasts one of the finest shopping districts in Greater London that attracts a
cosmopolitan crowd from musicians and actors to your typical American tourist
and your average Joe: Camden .

Camden Market is famed for its bustling markets that sell pretty much everything
and anything from clothes to vintage vinyl records (remember those?). Whilst the
Stables Market, just off Chalk Farm, has over 450 retail, food and leisure shops
which are soon to be added to upon completion of its current developments. The
Stables has been voted the Second Largest Tourist Attraction in London by Elle
Magazine and attracts some 35 million visitors each year.

It is in these two areas that you'll find the best choice of places to eat and
drink. Camden has an array of international cuisines that range from Caribbean
to Oriental with a few gastropubs and traditional alehouses thrown into the mix.
And the iconic Electric Ballroom is also based here which has a long tradition
of hosting some of most well-known performers for the last forty years including
Jim Reeves, The Clash, and more recently The Killers. Whilst further West,
Hampstead Heath, Kilburn and Willesden are also noteworthy places to go for a
night out and are home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes.

Elsewhere. the Brent Cross Centre NW4 is a major shopping centre with a wide
choice of familiar high street names, including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, H &
M and Next. Whilst the O2 Centre on Finchley Road NW3 is an entertainment hub
rather than a shopping centre. There are a few shops including a Waterstones and
Habitat which sit alongside a number of eateries and bars such as Yo Sushi!,
Weatherspoons, Nandos, Walkabout and Starbucks. And there is also a multi-screen
Vue cinema and health centre.

But if you are simply looking for a way to while away a few hours, Hampstead
Heath is one of the three main parks in the capital (along with Hyde Park and
Regent's Park) and is a good place to escape from the buzz of the city, as is
Primrose Hill – with its panoramic view of Central London. Hamspstead Heath is
also home to Kenwood House which has an impressive collection of paintings by
several European masters.

Alternatively, the RAF Museum in Hendon is a must for any war buffs, and the
Freud and Keat's Museum's are also worth a visit. Whereas the British Library's
main attraction for non-bibliophiles is the Magna Carta, which is on public
display. Or if you fancy getting up close and personal with the likes of Nicole
Kidman or David Beckham, Madame Tussauds can make it happen, albeit their wax
dead ringers. This is a place that's particularly appealing to those people with
children as is the Planetarium next door and London Zoo - one of the biggest in
Europe .

Anyone who knows their sport will realize that the spiritual home of cricket
lies in North West London or, more precisely, Lord's Cricket Ground on
Wellington Road in St. John's Wood. But if you also like to keep fit, there are
a number of public leisure centres complete with gyms and swimming pools along
with a significant number of private health and fitness clubs in the area.