The London lifestyle magazine Time Out has published some suggestions for areas its writers consider are up-and-coming in terms of what they offer for existing and new residents.

Bow

Bow, which was named after the Bow Bridge across the River Lee in 1110, has some excellent Victorian homes, particularly in the Tredegar conservation area. As this is the East End of London, there are a variety of pubs, some of which have extensive menus, and a popular market on Roman Road three days a week.

For leisure activities, Mile End Park has a leisure centre and climbing wall while Victoria Park is large enough for walks and to play host to music festivals. Regent’s Canal and Bow Wharf also have open areas. Formerly a Dr Barnardo’s school, The Ragged School Museum focuses on East End history and Victorian education.

Walthamstow

Although some parts of Walthamstow are industrial, it has a genuine village centre with old cottages around the churchyard of St Mary’s and, despite its distance from the City, is on the Victoria Line.

Apart from its daily street market on the High Street and a farmers’ market on Sundays, quality shops are absent from the area, however, it is family-friendly and Epping Forest is nearby with its acres of open space. For arts lovers, the William Morris Gallery is the only public gallery dedicated to this Victorian champion of design.

Clapton

Clapton is part of the borough of Hackney which has had local authority investment in recent years and it is likely to benefit from the 2012 Olympics legacy. Clapton Square is one of the conservation areas of the borough and there are many Georgian and Victorian villas which are being updated.

Plenty of entertainment is on offer within easy reach, including the Hackney Empire, and with its multi-cultural population mix, drinking venues and eating out can suit all tastes. Shopping at Broadway Market is a weekly treat for many epicures. Being close to the River Lee and Hackney Marshes, green areas are easily accessible for sports and leisure.

Harringay

Harringay is an area within the borough of Haringey and has some trendy, expensive homes close to deprived estates with Green Lanes, which has the main shops, marking an unofficial boundary between the two. In particular, Crouch End and neighbouring wards have risen in popularity.

Finsbury Park has plenty of greenery for sports and the cinema in nearby Wood Green is known to be one of the best venues to enjoy Bollywood films. As with similar areas of north and east London, the resident ethnic diversity makes for a lively variety of restaurants, bars and food shops.

Deptford

A vibrant artistic and creative community is one of the attractions of historic Deptford where council housing mixes with expensive modern developments close to the Thames.

A number of old pubs reflect the interesting maritime connections of the original community.

Deptford High Street and adjoining roads host a popular market while the Albany Theatre has a varied and often community-focused range of entertainment. Ferranti Park is one of a number of green areas, including Evelyn Park commemorating Sir John Evelyn, and, for families, the Creekside Centre specialises in environmental education.

Buying a London home with Healys solicitors

Wherever you are thinking of buying a London home, the services of an experienced residential conveyancing solicitor are invaluable.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, upgrading the family home or down-sizing for retirement, professional legal advice will ease the administration of buying and selling and it may save you from making an expensive mistake.

For more information and advice on costs of Healys’ conveyancing services, you can request a call-back via the website or email enquiries@healys.old-website.shout-loud.co.uk