Moving to Southwark?

Moving to Southwark

This lively, cultural and family friendly area of the capital is a great mix of long-established communities and up-and-coming new neighbourhoods. No longer just a tourist destination, residents of Southwark enjoy close proximity to some of the country’s most visited attractions and a great sense of community.

Southwark is a unique and diverse borough within the very heart of the city, home to lively city nightlife as well as family orientated communities with a suburban feel. Despite its location in the very heart of the city, the area enjoys a large number of green spaces. Southwark is actually home to over 130 parks and green spaces, all of which are enjoyed by residents of the area.

Southwark: a brief history

Southwark has been in existence as a settlement for well over 1000 years. During roman times, the area was home to the lowest bridging point along the Thames river, making it a key crossing point. And for a long time, it was the only place with a bridge crossing the River Thames.

In the 14th century, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre cemented the area in history, as well as entrenching its reputation as an entertainment district.

Part of the original hub of the capital, Southwark has seen London through some of its most controversial history, as well as the changes in fortune and desirability of the areas surrounding it.

 

Southwark: the highlights and culture

Southwark is a desired residential area by so many thanks, in part, to the great diversity amongst its neighbourhoods. It really does offer something for everyone.

It’s home to a number of the most popular tourist attractions in London, bringing in swathes of tourists daily. But despite this, much of the borough has a real community feel. This huge tourist population, as well as proximity to the city, mean that the area benefits from pockets of exciting night life as well as a high quality of amenities.

The area’s great history, as well as periods of growth and regeneration have all contributed to the architectural wonder. Southwark is home to everything from middle ages property to the ultra-modern architecture of the 21st century.

The residents of the borough are mostly young: young professionals and young families. And Southwark’s communities’ benefit from their multicultural residents, coming to the area from all over the world.

If you’d like a personalised tour of the neighbourhoods within the borough of Southwark that best meet your needs, our Area orientation service is for you. We know how important it is to find an area that suits you when moving, so we put our local experts’ knowledge to best use during a tailored introduction to the area.

 

Things to do in Southwark

Here are some of our favourite things to do in the area:
• Spend all day snacking your way around a food market. From the famous stalls of Borough Market, to the exciting treats in Maltby Street Market, follow in history’s footsteps by eating your way around the delicacies here. There have been markets in the area for over 1000, so they must be doing something right!
• Enjoy a cocktail or dinner at the top of the Shard – the infamous design houses a number of excellent bars and restaurants which also boast incredible views of the city. There’s even a gym, spa and hotel inside.
• Enjoy delicious pasta at Padella. A sure favourite with city workers and locals alike, this Italian restaurant serves up some of the best and freshest pasta dishes in the UK. It’s intimate and affordable, so be prepared to wait for a table.
• Grab coffee at Monmouth Coffee Company. This caffeinated behemoth is the home to a very impressive selection of the very best beans. Go along and find your perfect blend, have your beans perfectly ground for enjoying at home, and grab a cup of freshly brewed to go.

 

Where to live in Southwark

Modern Southwark is home to a wide variety of property types thanks to its long and varied history. For those wanting modern city living, you will find converted houses and luxe apartments amongst bustling nightlife. If you’re looking for space or a family home, the south of the borough is home to detached houses and a community feel.

The borough routinely ranks amongst the 10 most expensive boroughs in London, but this is to be expected thanks to its excellent location and amenities. For help finding your perfect home in Southwark, get in touch. Our Home finding experts have the local knowledge to find something for you that ticks all your boxes.

 

Family life and education in Southwark

The area has long had strong family centric communities thanks to the excellent number of highly ranking schools. There’s a great selection of primary, secondary, and further education institutions across the borough. And for those pursuing higher education, Southwark is home to Camberwell College of the Arts, the London College of Communication and London Southbank University.

Some of the most popular, high achieving primary schools:
• Riverside Primary School
• St Paul’s CofE Primary School
• St Johns RC Primary School

Some of the most popular, high achieving secondary schools:
• The Charter School
• Sacred Heart RC Secondary School
• Dulwich College
• James Allen’s Girls School

For help finding and applying to the right school, get in touch. Our School search experts are here to help. At Santa Fe Relocation, we make every part of moving home easy for you.

 

Travel information

Thanks to a great selection and variety of public transport, Southwark offers excellent transport links around London. The northern edge of the borough benefits from tube stations along the Jubilee and Northern Line, with quick direct links to Canary Wharf and West London.

The rest of the borough has numerous national rail and Overground stations, from which you can easily and quickly reach London Bridge and other parts of the capital. The numerous rail links are supplemented by a great bus system.

 

How can we help with your move to Southwark?

With over 120 years’ experience moving people all over the world, and a dedicated UK Office in London, we have the knowledge and expertise to make your move easy.

Whether you know when you’re moving to Southwark or are looking for more information about a move to London, get in touch. Our dedicated move specialists are here to take care of every part of your move.