East Dulwich has been named one of the best neighbourhoods to live in London, and for good reason.
Property consultancy Simply London listed East Dulwich in their top five neighbourhoods to live in after looking at factors, such as house prices, jobs, schools, commute, culture, community spirit, and crime rates.
Simply London described East Dulwich as a place where “urban meets Middle England” despite being firmly within the London Borough of Southwark.
With its independent high street, top-tier schools and leafy green spaces, East Dulwich is regularly featured on lists of London’s most desirable areas to live.
So here are five reasons why East Dulwich deserves its spot among London’s best neighbourhoods.
A true village feel in the city
East Dulwich feels more like a small town than a London suburb in the best way possible.
The neighbourhood is filled with tree-lined streets, pastel-coloured Victorian houses and a strong community spirit give the area a village-like atmosphere.
The area has been praised by The Times for its friendly locals, and it’s not uncommon to know your neighbours or bump into familiar faces on Lordship Lane.
Events like the Goose Green Fair and the Dulwich Festival foster that community vibe, making it easy to feel at home here.
Lordship Lane and North Cross Road
The area’s high street, Lordship Lane, is packed with independent shops, cafés and gastropubs.
You’ve got everything from sourdough bakeries and plant shops to yoga studios and wine bars.
Hop Burns & Black is a favourite for craft beer lovers, while Franklins is a go-to for seasonal British food.
Just around the corner, North Cross Road Market pops up at weekends with street food, antiques and local art, which is perfect for a Saturday stroll.
Brilliant for families
East Dulwich is hugely popular with families, and it’s easy to see why.
There’s a wide choice of top-rated primary schools like Dulwich Hamlet and Goodrich Community School, plus access to prestigious independents like Alleyn’s and James Allen’s Girls’ School.
Playgrounds, child-friendly cafés, creative clubs and a well-used library make it great for young kids.
The crime rate in East Dulwich stands at 93.9 crimes per thousand residents, which is nearly half the London average.
Green spaces on your doorstep
Despite being so close to central London, East Dulwich has a wealth of open spaces.
Goose Green and Dulwich Park are right on your doorstep, offering tennis courts, cafés and plenty of space to run around.
You’re also within walking distance of Peckham Rye Park, which features ornamental gardens, a woodland trail and even a Japanese garden.
Whether you’re jogging, picnicking or just out with the dog, there’s always somewhere nearby.
Oru Space: Coworking meets community
Oru Space on Lordship Lane brings something completely different to East Dulwich.
Like its Sutton counterpart, the Oru Space brings a blend of coworking, wellbeing and local culture all under one roof.
During the day, it’s a bright and calming shared workspace with hot desks, meeting rooms and fixed offices, which is great for freelancers, creatives and remote workers.
Members also get access to yoga, meditation, Pilates, and regular wellness events, making it one of the few spaces in London that puts mental and physical health at the heart of working life.
The Oru Space is also home to the award-winning Trinco restaurant, which offers Sri Lankan-inspired meals.
