Moving to Hackney
Located in inner London, Hackney is perhaps one of the best-known boroughs. The metropolitan borough of Hackney is named after the area of Hackney, which forms the lead town of the borough. And whilst Hackney town itself is nestled into inner London; the borough is far wider reaching.
Hackney metropolitan borough spans from east London to the south and east of the borough, while the northern part of the borough lands firmly in North London. The borough, as it is today, was formed in 1965 and combines the smaller boroughs of Stoke Newington and Shoreditch.
The borough is a lively, cosmopolitan area of London, known for its music, arts and culture scene, as well as a wide range of cuisine. The amenities here are influenced by the diverse population, who have created one of the most bustling areas. The borough is neighboured by Islington, Harringay, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and the City of London.
Hackney history
From ancient parish to inner city borough, Hackney has undergone quite the transformation.
From the Tudor age, the area became home to the rich and famous – the area became a retreat for nobility and the buildings and amenities began to reflect this. There are even some buildings remaining, such as Sutton House which stands to this day but was built in 1535.
Hackney’s most famous export and landmark is the Hackney carriage. But few know that the now infamous taxi cabs were preceded by horse and carts which were used to connect Hackney to other parts of the city from the 17th century.
Having suffered extensive damage during the second world war, the area underwent a period of rejuvenation. Many of the old warehouses and Victorian and Georgian properties were renovated.
Hackney: highlights and culture
It might be in central London, but Hackney is a haven for those seeking more outdoor space. In fact, it’s inner London’s greenest borough. Hackney is home to over 64 green spaces and parks, including the Hackney Marshes which was home to some of the 2012 Olympic events. The outdoor culture in the borough is a deciding factor for many considering a move to Hackney.
And it’s got an excellent cycle culture too – being consistently ranked as one of London’s best bike boroughs.
Since the 19th century, Hackney has been famed as the biggest home to the Jewish population in London. There is also a large Turkish and Kurdish population here. Thanks to the ethnically diverse residents, Hackney is a melting pot of different shops, cuisines and amenities provided by people from all over the world.
Things to do in Hackney
Culinary fanatic? This is the borough for you.
No matter what kind of food you’re into, or looking to explore, Hackney is defined by its expansive and eclectic culinary scene.
Here’s our favourite (mostly foodie) things to do:
• BoxPark – here you’ll find some of the coolest residents enjoying delicious food from one of the pop-up restaurants, alongside independent retailers and DJs.
• Brick Lane – a must visit, this famous street is home to some of London’s very best curries as well as the infamous Brick Lane salt beef bagels.
• Old Truman Brewery – home to some of the best foodie events, check it out for the London Coffee Festival and Foodies Festival in particular.
Where to live in Hackney
As the area has become more and more popular, the house prices here have risen sharply. Hackney is becoming a popular destination with young professionals who enjoy the lifestyle and spectacular outdoor space.
Housing here is a mix of old and new: from refurbished townhouses and old industrial mills, to brand new modern apartment blocks.
If you are looking to move here, the average house price is just above London average at £600,000. Which means that prices in both the for sale and rental markets are reasonably competitive, especially considering the very close proximity to the city.
The most desirable areas are Hoxton and Shoreditch, so house prices here will be higher. For those looking on a tighter budget, try Clapton or Homerton for more competitive house and rental prices. For expert help finding your dream Hackney borough home, let our Home Search team help.
Family life and education in Hackney
Thanks to a focus and commitment to inner city school improvement, Hackney has benefitted from a renewed focus on school achievement and teaching levels. It’s now achieving above average grades at GCSE across the board.
The best primary schools include:
• Orchard Primary School
• Queensbridge Primary School
• Parkwood primary School
The best secondary schools include:
• Cardinal Pole RC School
• Yesodet Hatorah Senior Girls School
• Beis Chunuch Lebonos Girls School
If you need help finding the perfect school for your family in Hackney, or across London, we have a team of experts who make it a breeze. Get in touch with our School Search Service today to find out more.
Travel information
Hackney, thanks to its proximity to the city, has excellent transport links.
There is only one London underground station: Manor House, which is situated along the Piccadilly line, and is situated to the very north of the borough. However, the borough does have 3 London Overground lines running through the borough, with many stops throughout.
There are also excellent bus links throughout, many of which run 24 hours a day. From much of the Hackney borough, you can reach the city or London Liverpool Street station in under 20 minutes. You can even walk there if you want!
How can Santa Fe Relocation help your move to Hackney?
Our home move consultants offer a uniquely personalised service, with one point of contact for all your needs. This means that you can rest assured that every part of your move is being taken care of, leaving you to enjoy a seamless home move. At Santa Fe, we make it easy.
