After Shakespeare’s Hamlet asked ‘To Be or Not To Be’, the next big question in 2026 is, “To live in London SW1 or choose the suburbs?”
While for most people it is a subjective decision, for the majority, the suburbs might seem like the right choice given the state of affairs in the City of London and the skyrocketing cost of living. However, before you dismiss city living, we’ll explore the many benefits of residing in the SW1 areas, such as Pimlico, Westminster, St. James’s, and the area around Victoria station, Vauxhall Bridge and parts of Chelsea.
Many people are now becoming more open to the perks of living in the capital. There’s something here for everyone. While business professionals are choosing to live in rented luxury studio apartments in London, those with families are looking for larger two-bedroom homes.
Let’s explore the benefits of living in London SW1 as a professional.
Table of Contents
1. Centralised Location
Do you work in London’s Central Business District? Whether you are a finance professional with your office situated in Canary Wharf, a techie working out of King’s Cross or South Bank, or maybe you work in the government sector, or are part of the West End entertainment industry, staying in the city will be convenient.
You can take the underground or bus to reach your office, without spending hours in transit. Even driving to work will take you less than an hour, even in peak traffic conditions. The same cannot be said for those travelling from the suburbs.
No matter when work gets over, or for those working the late-night shift, commuting is never a concern when your home is within a 10-mile radius.
2. Convenient Transport Network
One of the biggest advantages of living in London SW1 is the ease of connectivity. Multiple underground lines, such as Victoria, Jubilee, and Circle, make it easy to travel, and overground options include buses, taxis, and even cycle paths.
Being centrally located allows you to even walk to your place of work. This will not only help you save money but also get in those steps without visiting the gym.
Not just your place of work, but entertainment options like restaurants, parks and theatres are all located nearby. This makes it easy to maintain a social life despite a hectic work schedule, as you can remove the hassle and time associated with travelling.
3. A Luxurious Neighbourhood To Live In
Central London blends historical landmarks and modern amenities, making it the perfect neighbourhood for new-age professionals. You can choose to live in luxurious modern rentals, offering advanced amenities and concierge services or refurbished Art Deco and Victorian apartments.
Lush parks like St. James, Kensington Gardens, and Grosvenor playground, among others, are all within walking distance. This makes it ideal for fitness enthusiasts who prefer morning runs or families with children.
High-end shopping centres, high street boutiques in Bond Street and Oxford Street and restaurants serving global cuisine are also optimally located. This allows you to expand your sartorial choices and explore your taste buds without commuting to and fro.
4. Educational Institutions
Professionals with families or young children often live around good, reputed schools. If you have school-going children living in the London SW1 areas and are sceptical about the quality of education available here, then fear not.
You will find a host of excellent academic institutions, from primary schools to secondary and colleges, situated close to your residence. Some top schools in the area include Pimlico Primary and St. Gabriel’s CofE Primary School, Pimlico Academy and Westminster School. For higher education, the University of Westminster and the London School of Economics are some great options.
For professionals who want to upskill while on the job, LSE offers some great courses, and residing centrally will allow you to access them with minimal hassle.
5. Cultural Melting Pot
London is the cultural capital of the UK, and as a professional, you can meet with people from all over the world here. This improves your global exposure and understanding of international laws and cultures. Whether you are an entrepreneur or someone vying for leadership positions, your experiences can play a key role in shaping your future prospects.
This area is home to world-famous museums, galleries and cultural institutions. The farmer’s market in Pimlico, volunteering at charities and shopping at artisanal boutiques, everything is possible while residing in the London SW1 neighbourhoods.
In Conclusion…
Most people think of the high cost of living, traffic and congestion, higher noise levels and limited space when considering living in the city. While true, they are a part of the bigger picture. Living in the City of London has many benefits that we’ve explored today, and in certain cases, they outweigh the negatives.
If you are a new professional or someone looking to push their boundaries, moving to the big city might be a cathartic experience, a chance to hustle and start things from scratch. You might enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle, or you may prefer the more idyllic living experience of the suburbs, but if you haven’t tried it for yourself, you might forever live in a dilemma of “What would life be like if I had moved to London?”
So, rent that apartment and find out whether you prefer city life or not!
