Our Top 10 Reasons Why Balham Is One of the Best Places to Rent in South West London
Balham, located in the heart of south west London, has gained a reputation as one of the most sought-after areas for renters. With its leafy streets, vibrant food and drink scene, and excellent transport links, Balham strikes a perfect balance between city living and suburban charm. Whether you’re a professional looking for easy commutes, a foodie searching for great spots to eat and drink, or someone who values outdoor spaces, Balham has a lot to offer. Here are the top 10 reasons why Balham is one of the best places to rent a flat.
1. Exceptional Transport Links
Balham is a commuter's dream. Balham Station sits on the Northern Line, offering direct connections to key central London hubs like the City, Waterloo, and London Bridge in under 20 minutes. In addition, Balham Station is on the National Rail, providing quick access to Victoria, Clapham Junction and destinations further south like Croydon or Gatwick Airport.
With these excellent transport links, whether you work in the City, Canary Wharf, or further afield, commuting from Balham is straightforward and convenient. Several bus routes also serve the area, connecting you to neighbouring districts like Tooting, Clapham, and Brixton.
2. Lively Cafe Culture
Balham has a thriving cafe scene, perfect for lazy brunches, catching up with friends, or even remote working. One of the top spots is Brickwood, renowned for its creative brunch dishes and great coffee. Brioche Coffee is another new cozy favourite, offering a laid-back vibe with delicious breakfast options.
For coffee lovers, Camden Coffee House offers expertly brewed artisanal coffee in a snug, welcoming space. Whether you're grabbing a quick cappuccino or settling in for an afternoon of work, Balham’s independent cafes will not disappoint.
3. Bustling Food Scene
Food lovers will be thrilled with the dining options Balham has to offer. The area is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. With the recent arrival of Soho House’s “Little House Balham”, brings an intimate members space for eating, drinking and socialising. The Exhibit is a standout, combining great food with quirky cinema screenings and art events. For Italian food lovers, Franco Manca serves up some of the best sourdough pizzas in London and a firm favourite in our office for team lunches.
If you're in the mood for Indian cuisine, Indian Room is a local favourite known for its rich flavours and cozy atmosphere. Balham’s food scene is ever-evolving, with new and exciting restaurants popping up regularly, making it a true hotspot for gastronomes.
4. Vibrant Nightlife and Bars
Balham offers a lively nightlife scene, with an excellent range of pubs and bars to choose from. The Bedford, a well-loved pub and live music venue, is one of the area’s most iconic spots. It hosts comedy nights, live music performances, and even club nights, making it a hub of local entertainment.
For those who love craft beer, Clapton Craft is a fantastic craft beer shop and bar where you can discover new brews from around the world. If cocktails are more your style, Lost & Found offers a cozy atmosphere with an impressive drinks menu, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
5. Great Green Spaces
Balham has plenty of green spaces, making it an attractive area for outdoor enthusiasts. Tooting Bec Common, a large park with scenic walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas, is just a short walk away. It’s perfect for morning jogs, weekend picnics, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
One of the highlights of Tooting Bec Common is the Lido, one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Europe. On warm days, it’s a fantastic spot to cool off and relax. Nearby Wandsworth Common is also easily accessible, providing yet more options for outdoor activities and relaxation. While relaxing on the common you can get take away drinks from The Althorp or pop into our office on Bellevue Road!
6. Thriving Community Spirit
Balham is known for its welcoming and tight-knit community. Despite being in London, it has a village-like feel where locals greet each other by name. The area hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of togetherness.
Balham's famous Balham Food Festival celebrates the area's incredible food scene, bringing together local restaurants, food stalls, and residents for a weekend of delicious eats. This strong community vibe is one of the reasons so many people are drawn to the area.
7. Family-Friendly Area
Balham is popular with families, thanks to its abundance of parks, reputable schools, and family-friendly amenities. Local primary schools like Ravenstone Primary and Henry Cavendish Primary School are well-rated, and there are plenty of nurseries and childcare options available.
Additionally, Balham’s mix of green spaces and activities like children’s play areas, family-focused cafes like Bertie and Boo, Swim Studio London, and clubs makes it an ideal place for young families to settle down. The area offers a safe, welcoming environment for children to grow up in.
8. Diverse Shopping Options
Balham High Road is the heart of the area, offering a mix of independent shops and well-known high street brands. You'll find everything you need, from supermarkets like Waitrose and Sainsbury's to independent shops like Blackbird Bakery, which sells delicious cakes and fresh bread along with FARA where you can pick up a bargain.
If you're in the mood for a spot of vintage shopping, Ritherdon Road offers several boutique stores selling everything from homeware to fashion. For more extensive shopping options, Tooting Broadway Market and Southside Shopping Centre in nearby Wandsworth are just a short journey away.
9. Affordable (by London Standards)
While Balham has grown in popularity over the years, it remains relatively affordable compared to nearby areas like Clapham or Wandsworth. The area offers a range of properties, from charming period conversions to modern apartments, catering to both young professionals and families.
The availability of good-quality flats at reasonable prices makes Balham an attractive option for renters who want to be close to central London without paying the premium rates of more central locations. Whether you’re after a cozy studio or a spacious family home, Balham offers a diverse range of housing options.
10. Close Proximity to Other Trendy Areas
One of the key benefits of living in Balham is its proximity to other popular South London neighbourhoods. Clapham, known for its vibrant nightlife and lively Common, is just a short bus or tube ride away. Brixton, with its multicultural food scene and legendary music venues, is equally close, offering plenty of options for weekend adventures.
If you fancy a quieter day out, Wimbledon and Richmond Park are just a quick drive or train ride away, offering beautiful open spaces and quaint town centres to explore. Balham’s central location within south west London makes it the perfect base for exploring the best that the capital has to offer.
Why we love it!
Balham is one of those rare parts of London that offers the best of both worlds—an exciting urban lifestyle with the charm of a suburban community. Whether you’re drawn in by the excellent transport links, the vibrant food and drink scene, or the abundance of green spaces, Balham has something to offer everyone. Its combination of affordability, community spirit, and proximity to central London makes it one of the best places to rent a flat in the capital.
