Hampstead: Enjoy a luxury lifestyle in Hampstead

Background

Hampstead, in the London borough of Camden, is known in the capital for its artistic, musical and literary roots, which could make it the perfect place to live for people who wish to fill their lives with culture and experience everything the area has to offer.

Boasting plenty of outdoor space to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the hilly park of Hampstead Heath could be the perfect place for residents to relax at the weekends or go for an early morning jog, while the area is also full of striking, luxury properties.

And in addition to all this, people living in Hampstead have the benefit of being situated practically in the heart of the city, close to Camden itself - the perfect place for browsing the markets and large selection of vintage clothing stores - Muswell Hill, Maida Vale and Paddington.

Film fans may even find that they are already familiar with parts of Hampstead, with 1986 film Labyrinth - starring David Bowie - and scenes from 1981's An American Werewolf In London both being shot on Hampstead Heath, while the area also featured in Notting Hill and Four Weddings And A Funeral.

With all this to offer, Britons who move to Hampstead may find they never wish to leave.

Property

In light of all it has to offer, it is perhaps unsurprising that property in Hampstead and the borough of Camden comes at a high price.

According to Land Registry figures, the average price of a property in September 2009 stood at £463,109, which, despite being a drop from the £515,749 recorded in the same month of 2008 - a fall of 10.2 per cent - could still be too pricey for many people.

Indeed, a detached house in Camden will see people forking out an average of £1,331,576, while a semi-detached property is still close to the million pound mark at £985,741.

Britons looking for a smaller home could still find themselves splashing out an average of £747,292 for a terraced house, while a flat or maisonette will set them back a typical £410,671.

With this in mind, it could be said that property to rent in Hampstead is far more affordable than buying a home in the area.

One-bedroom flats to rent in Hampstead cost a typical £344 to rent a month, while a studio costs £223 a month, a two-bedroom flat £500, and three-bedrooms cost £800 per month.

Transport

Due to its location in the centre of London, Hampstead has plenty of good transport links, including the nearby hubs of Paddington, Marylebone and Kings Cross.

In Hampstead itself, Britons should find commuting to their jobs in the city straightforward, boasting a major bus station with links to the West End, Victoria and Pimlico, along with Hampstead, Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage Tube Stations.

The nearest overground train station is also situated in Hampstead at Hampstead Heath.

However, due to its location, residents may even find that they can easily walk to their places of work in London.

Amenities

Residents looking for their fix of culture may be pleased to hear that on Saturday evenings they can often take in an open air concert at Kenwood House, while Hampstead Heath regularly plays host to book and poetry readings, along with fun fairs.

Museums in the area which people may find to be of interest include Fenton House - which features a kitchen garden - the Freud Museum - where people can learn more about the world-famous psychologist - and Keats House, where the romantic poet John Keats once resided.

There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in Hampstead, no matter what the budget, including Toast, Hidden Treasures, The Tiffin Tin and Bake A Boo.

And My Hampstead also reveals that there are plenty of good quality bars, with concerts also regularly taking place in the area.

Indeed, despite its enviable location close to the centre of London, people who find property to rent in Hampstead may soon find that they never want to venture outside the borough due to everything it has to offer.

Published 26th November, 2009

© 2009 Estates IT Limited