East Dulwich has once again been named one of the best places to live in London, with its village feel, shops, independent businesses, and celebrity connections helping it secure a place in the top five.
Lifestyle website Simply London ranked the south-east London neighbourhood fifth in its list of the capital’s best places to live in 2026.
The area was also included in last year’s top five, ranking second, with its mix of "urban energy" and "cosy village atmosphere" continuing to attract families and professionals.
The website praised East Dulwich’s unique position between the trendy streets of Peckham and the more traditional surroundings of Dulwich Village, which it described as a slice of "Middle England" in south London.
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It highlighted the area’s famous "Nappy Valley" reputation, a nickname linked to its middle-class café culture, family-friendly streets and independent high street centred around Lordship Lane.
The popular road is home to a range of independent restaurants, cafés, wine bars and pubs, including The Victory, Kartuli, Yama Momo, Spinach, Yard Sale Pizza, Dynamic Vines, and Oru East Dulwich.
Nearby North Cross Road Market, which runs every Saturday, adds to the area’s village feel, with traders selling fresh produce, artisan coffee, handmade jewellery and vintage clothing.
The area has also attracted its fair share of famous names over the years.
Actor Tom Cruise reportedly bought a home in East Dulwich in 1999 while married to Nicole Kidman, while comedian Jo Brand, actors Iain Glen and James Nesbitt, and comedian Lee Mack have all been linked to the area.
Horror film legend Boris Karloff was born nearby on Forest Hill Road, while the late A-Z map creator Phyllis Pearsall was also born in East Dulwich.
For those looking to move in, the popularity comes with a price.
Simply London listed the average rental price at £2,595 per month, while property prices vary from around £650,000 for period conversions and garden flats to more than £2 million for larger family homes.
The neighbourhood is served by East Dulwich railway station, which provides links to London Bridge, and has continued to be recognised as one of south-east London’s most desirable places to live.
The other south London areas that made Simply London’s list were West Greenwich, which came in at number four, and Richmond-upon-Thames, which came in at number one.
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