Hackney is fast becoming one of London’s most desirable areas. Discover the top reasons to move to Hackney, from its vibrant community to excellent transport links, diverse housing options, and rich cultural heritage. Find out why so many are making Hackney their new home, attracted by its unique blend of urban energy and community spirit. With thriving local businesses, ample green spaces, and a strong sense of community, Hackney offers an unparalleled quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- Hackney is a vibrant and culturally diverse borough with a strong community spirit, hosting events that bring together residents from various backgrounds.
- The area boasts excellent public transport connectivity, thriving local markets like Ridley Road Market, and ample green spaces such as Victoria Park and London Fields, enhancing residents’ quality of life.
- Hackney offers a diverse range of housing options and is more affordable compared to central London, making it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a community-focused environment.
Vibrant Community and Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity stands out as a major strength of Hackney. The borough is home to well-established communities, including:
- Caribbean
- Turkish
- Kurdish
- Vietnamese
- Orthodox Jewish
About 47% of the population comes from Black and Global Majority groups. This melting pot of cultures creates a vibrant atmosphere where different traditions, languages, and cuisines coexist harmoniously, contributing to a unique national identity.
The borough’s dedication to community development shines through its active support for diverse community events and initiatives. For instance, Victoria Park hosts ‘In the Neighbourhood,’ offering free activities like outdoor cinema, live music, and street food, which are sourced from local organisations in Hackney and Tower Hamlets. Events like the coronation of King Charles III bring residents together, showcasing the area’s great community spirit.
Given the around 89 languages spoken and the plethora of faith-centred activities and groups, the Hackney community is not only diverse but also highly integrated. It’s a place where residents from different backgrounds find common ground, making Hackney a great community to be a part of.
Thriving Local Businesses and Markets
Ridley Road Market stands as a prime example of the thriving local businesses and markets that make Hackney a commercial hub. The market has received significant investments from Hackney Council and the Mayor of London, totalling £1.5 million. These investments include free new stalls, handheld card machines, and WiFi for traders, helping them compete in today’s changing high streets.
Ridley Road Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a cornerstone of the community. The proposed updates to market fees ensure that trading costs remain low for most traders, making it a sustainable venture for local businesses. Despite the changes, the market will continue to operate without being privatised or closed down, preserving its role as a vital community hub.
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The vibrant market environment bolsters local traders and enriches the overall market ambience. It’s a place where local services and businesses thrive, providing residents with a variety of goods and services while fostering a good community spirit.
Excellent Public Transport Connectivity
The excellent public transport connectivity in Hackney enhances its appeal as a residential area. With multiple Overground stations, including Hackney Central and Hackney Downs, residents can easily access central London. The Hackney Downs station offers frequent services to London Liverpool Street, making commuting a breeze.
The well-developed public transport network includes numerous bus routes running from early morning until late night, ensuring that residents can get around conveniently. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring other parts of the city, Hackney’s public transport options make it easy and accessible.
Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities
With its impressive array of green spaces and outdoor activities, Hackney serves as a haven for both nature enthusiasts and families. With 58 parks and green spaces totalling 282 hectares, there’s plenty of room to explore and unwind. Victoria Park, for example, offers sports facilities like tennis courts and football pitches, making it a popular spot for both casual and serious athletes.
London Fields, located in east London, is another gem, featuring an outdoor heated swimming pool known as the London Fields Lido, as well as outdoor yoga classes that contribute to the community’s fitness and well-being. Embracing the London life, for families, Clissold Park is ideal, with its animal enclosures, aviary, ponds, and butterfly dome providing endless entertainment for children.
The diverse environments of parks like Butterfield Green in Stoke Newington, with its stream, wooded areas, and meadows, offer a perfect escape within the city. These green spaces not only provide recreational opportunities but also enhance the quality of life for Hackney residents, fostering a strong community spirit.
Education and Schools
Prominent in any thriving community, education stands out as a field where Hackney truly excels. The borough is home to 54 secondary schools serving around 40,514 students for the 2023/24 school year. These schools include 39 state high schools and 11 private high schools, offering a range of educational options for families.
Notable schools in Hackney include:
- Stormont House School, with its outstanding student-teacher ratio of 6:1
- City Academy, Hackney, which is highly-rated
- Clapton Girls’ Academy, known for its high academic performance
- Mossbourne Community Academy, also recognized for its high academic performance
These schools ensure that students in Hackney receive quality education, making it an attractive place for families seeking excellent education options.
Diverse Housing Options
To accommodate varying needs and budgets, Hackney provides a diverse range of housing options. From social housing to private renting and home ownership, there’s something for everyone. The average monthly rent in Hackney was £2,346 in June 2024, which is higher than the London average rent of £2,098. However, the variety of housing options ensures that residents can find something that fits their needs.
… Hackney provides emergency housing options and housing advice services that offer support on tenancy rights, accommodation, and homelessness.
For those in need, Hackney provides emergency housing options and housing advice services that offer support on tenancy rights, accommodation, and homelessness. This comprehensive approach to housing makes Hackney a welcoming place for residents from all walks of life.
Rich History and Heritage
The rich history and heritage of Hackney come to life through its transformation from Roman farmlands into a bustling urban area. Initially, Hackney supplied food to Londinium, the ancient Roman city. The area experienced significant changes during industrialization, shifting from rural landscapes to urban development.
Events like World War II and the arrival of the Windrush generation also left a lasting impact on Hackney. The Hackney Archives serve as a treasure trove of information, allowing residents and visitors to explore the borough’s extensive history. This rich historical tapestry adds depth and character to Hackney, making it a fascinating place to live.
Strong Sense of Community
Proud of its strong community spirit nurtured through local events and initiatives, Hackney upholds a strong sense of community. The Community Chest Grant has been active for ten years, supporting grassroots organisations in hosting local events that bring together residents from diverse backgrounds. Events like the Big Lunch during the Jubilee exemplify the importance of neighbourliness and community bonds.
The Council’s efforts to engage with traders and residents in designing public space improvements, such as those at Ridley Road Market, further strengthen this sense of community. Hackney is indeed a place where community spirit thrives, making it a great community to be a part of.
Access to Local Services and Amenities
Living in Hackney comes with the significant perk of easy access to essential local services and amenities. Residents can receive help and advice on various issues, including immigration, asylum, and refugee status. The borough also offers excellent healthcare, libraries, and recreational facilities, ensuring that residents have everything they need within reach.
The availability of these services contributes to a high quality of life and fosters a good community spirit. Whether you need healthcare support or a place to relax and unwind, Hackney’s local services cater to all your needs.
Growing Employment Opportunities
Especially in the tech startup scene, Hackney is emerging as a hub brimming with employment opportunities. Companies like Veed and The Mothership have seen rapid growth, with The Mothership’s headcount increasing by 160% between 2022 and 2023. This boom in tech startups is attracting professionals in marketing services and software development, making Hackney an exciting place to work.
Employment advice services are available to assist residents with job searches and understanding employment rights. With a growing job market and support services in place, Hackney offers ample opportunities for career growth.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
The range of support services and community initiatives in Hackney include:
- Services for mental health issues
- Anxiety support
- Addiction support
- Exercise and well-being programs
These services highlight Hackney’s commitment to health and well-being and help residents stay fit and healthy.
The Health and Wellbeing Board in Hackney works to address local health needs by integrating services and promoting collaboration among various agencies. This holistic approach ensures that residents enjoy improved health and overall well-being, making Hackney a great place to live.
Unique Food and Dining Scene
Reflecting the diversity of its community, the food and dining scene in Hackney is incredibly varied. From Mambow’s sensational Malaysian cuisine to Lagom’s Brit/Scandi-inspired dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Shankeys offers a unique Indian-Irish fusion dining experience, adding to the area’s culinary diversity.
Innovative dining experiences like the weekly changing menu at Pidgin and the unique pasta dishes at Pophams Bakery showcase Hackney’s creative approach to food. The vibrant restaurants and cafes, such as Sune and Café Cecilia, further enhance the dining scene, making Hackney a food lover’s paradise.
Lower Cost Compared to Central London
Residing in Hackney comes with the financial benefit of lower costs relative to central London. The average house price in Hackney was £608,000 in May 2024, which is relatively more affordable than central London’s average of £604,000. Despite the rise in housing prices, Hackney’s prices remain below the London average.
The average rental price in Hackney is 21.6% lower than the average rent in London, making it an appealing choice for those seeking proximity to the city without the high costs. With a variety of rental options available, Hackney offers a cost-effective alternative to central London living.
Family-Friendly Environment
With its quality education, diverse housing options, and comprehensive local services, Hackney creates a family-friendly environment that caters to the needs of families, including those with a first child. The borough’s beautiful parks, such as Victoria Park and London Fields, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family picnics. The range of highly-rated schools ensures that children receive quality education.
Hackney is an ideal place for families because of its:
- Mix of housing options, from council estates to private renting, catering to different needs and budgets of Hackney’s population
- Excellent local services, including healthcare and libraries, ensuring access to necessary amenities close to home
- Supportive community and focus on wellbeing
Hackney offers a nurturing and inclusive environment where families can thrive, making it a perfect place to raise children and build lasting memories.
Summary
In summary, moving to Hackney offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, thriving local businesses, excellent transport links, and a rich history. The area’s green spaces, quality education, and family-friendly environment make it a perfect place to call home. With lower living costs compared to central London and a strong sense of community, Hackney truly stands out as a great place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hackney a good community to live in?
Hackney’s diverse communities, numerous community events, and strong community spirit make it a great community to live in. It’s a vibrant and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.
How are the local businesses and markets in Hackney?
Local businesses and markets in Hackney are thriving, with significant investments in places like Ridley Road Market to help traders compete and succeed.
What are the transport options available in Hackney?
Hackney has great public transport options, including multiple Overground stations and many bus routes for easy access to central London.
Are there good schools in Hackney?
Yes, there are good schools in Hackney, including highly-rated state and private high schools, providing quality education for children.
Is Hackney a family-friendly place to live?
Yes, Hackney is a great place for families because of its quality education, housing options, parks, and local services. You’ll find everything you need for a family-friendly community.
