Ealing has long been known as the Queen of the Suburbs, and for good reason. Located in West London, the borough offers a rare balance of green space, excellent transport links, strong schools, and diverse neighbourhoods, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the capital.
Unlike many London boroughs that feel dominated by one central hub, Ealing is made up of several distinct towns and neighbourhoods, each with its own character. From leafy family-friendly streets to vibrant, well-connected urban centres, Ealing offers something for almost every lifestyle.
This in-depth guide explores the best areas to live in Ealing, covering housing, transport, safety, schools, amenities, and who each area is best suited for. Whether you are a first-time buyer, renter, family, or professional relocating to London, this article will help you decide where in Ealing you might feel most at home.
Why Ealing Is One Of London’s Most Popular Boroughs
Before breaking down individual areas, it is worth understanding why Ealing consistently ranks highly as a place to live.
Excellent Transport Links
Ealing benefits from some of the best transport connectivity in West London:
- Central line access
- District line access
- Elizabeth line services
- National Rail services
- Easy access to the A40 and M4
Commute times into central London, the City, and Canary Wharf are highly competitive, especially since the introduction of the Elizabeth line.
Abundance Of Green Space
Ealing is one of London’s greenest boroughs, home to:
- Ealing Common
- Walpole Park
- Gunnersbury Park
- Brent River Park
- Numerous local parks and playing fields
This makes it particularly attractive to families and anyone seeking a better work-life balance.
Strong Schools And Family Appeal
Ealing has a reputation for:
- Well-performing state schools
- Highly regarded faith schools
- Independent school options nearby
Combined with safe residential streets, this makes Ealing a top choice for families.
Diverse Housing Stock
From grand period homes to modern apartments, Ealing offers:
- Victorian and Edwardian houses
- Suburban semis with gardens
- New-build flats around transport hubs
This variety means buyers and renters can find options across a wide range of budgets.
Ealing Broadway
Best for: Professionals, commuters, convenience, renters
Ealing Broadway is the borough’s main commercial and transport hub and one of the most desirable places to live for people who prioritise connectivity.
Transport And Connectivity
Ealing Broadway Station offers:
- Elizabeth line services
- Central line Underground services
- District line Underground services
- National Rail connections
This makes it one of the best-connected stations in West London, with fast access to central London, Heathrow, and Canary Wharf.
Housing And Lifestyle
Housing options include:
- Modern apartment blocks
- Converted period buildings
- Traditional streets within walking distance
The area benefits from:
- A large shopping centre
- Restaurants, cafés, and bars
- Gyms, cinemas, and everyday amenities
Things To Consider
- Higher property prices than outer parts of the borough
- Busy during peak commuting hours
Ealing Broadway is ideal for professionals who want urban convenience without sacrificing green space.
Ealing Common
Best for: Families, long-term buyers, green space lovers
Ealing Common is one of the borough’s most prestigious and attractive residential areas.
Character And Housing
The area is known for:
- Wide, tree-lined streets
- Period houses and large family homes
- Quiet, well-maintained neighbourhoods
Properties here often command higher prices, reflecting the area’s desirability.
Green Space
Ealing Common itself is a large open green space, ideal for:
- Walking and jogging
- Family activities
- Outdoor sports
Transport
Residents benefit from:
- Ealing Common Underground Station
- Access to the District and Piccadilly lines
Things To Consider
- Premium property prices
- Limited nightlife and retail compared to Ealing Broadway
Ealing Common is perfect for families seeking space, greenery, and a calm environment.
Acton
Best for: Young professionals, renters, value seekers
Acton has undergone significant transformation in recent years and is now one of Ealing’s fastest-evolving areas.
Regeneration And Appeal
Acton has benefited from:
- New apartment developments
- Improved transport infrastructure
- A growing café and restaurant scene
Transport Links
Acton is exceptionally well connected, with:
- Central line stations
- Overground services
- Elizabeth line stations nearby
This makes it particularly attractive to commuters.
Housing Options
Housing in Acton includes:
- New-build flats
- Converted industrial buildings
- Traditional terraced houses
Things To Consider
- Some parts are still changing
- Busier and more urban than Ealing Common
Acton suits those looking for better value and excellent transport links.
West Ealing
Best for: First-time buyers, families, regeneration potential
West Ealing is one of the borough’s most interesting areas due to ongoing regeneration.
Transport Improvements
The arrival of the Elizabeth line at West Ealing has significantly improved:
- Commute times
- Demand for housing
- Long-term growth prospects
Housing And Community
The area offers:
- Victorian and Edwardian housing
- Smaller apartment blocks
- Family-friendly streets
West Ealing has a strong local community feel, supported by independent shops and markets.
Things To Consider
- Ongoing construction in some areas
- Fewer nightlife options than Ealing Broadway
West Ealing is ideal for buyers looking for value with long-term upside.
Hanwell
Best for: Families, green living, affordability
Hanwell is one of Ealing’s most underrated areas and offers excellent value for money.
Lifestyle And Environment
Hanwell benefits from:
- Brent River Park
- Canal paths and open spaces
- A quieter, suburban feel
Transport
Hanwell Station provides:
- Elizabeth line services
- Fast connections into central London
Housing
Housing stock includes:
- Terraced and semi-detached homes
- Period properties with gardens
- More affordable prices than central Ealing areas
Things To Consider
- Less nightlife and retail
- More residential than urban
Hanwell is perfect for those seeking peace, greenery, and good transport at a lower cost.
Greenford
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, families, drivers
Greenford sits towards the north-west of the borough and offers a different lifestyle to central Ealing.
Transport And Roads
Greenford benefits from:
- Central line access
- National Rail services
- Easy access to the A40
This makes it popular with drivers and commuters.
Housing And Affordability
Greenford offers:
- Suburban housing
- Good-sized family homes
- Lower average prices compared to Ealing Broadway
Things To Consider
- More car-dependent
- Fewer cultural amenities
Greenford suits families and buyers prioritising space and affordability.
Schools And Education In Ealing
Ealing has one of the strongest education reputations in London.
Primary And Secondary Schools
The borough is known for:
- High-performing state schools
- Popular faith schools
- Consistently strong Ofsted ratings
Areas such as Ealing Common, Hanwell, and parts of Acton are particularly popular with families due to school access.
Higher Education And Colleges
Ealing is also home to:
- Further education colleges
- Easy access to universities across London
Safety And Quality Of Life
Overall, Ealing is considered a relatively safe borough by London standards.
- Residential areas like Ealing Common and Hanwell are particularly calm
- Busier areas such as Acton and Ealing Broadway can feel livelier but remain well-policed
- Safety often varies by street rather than postcode
Community initiatives, green spaces, and family-focused neighbourhoods contribute to a strong quality of life.
Cost Of Living In Ealing
While not cheap, Ealing offers better value than many inner London boroughs.
- Property prices vary significantly by area
- Rental demand remains strong due to transport links
- Everyday amenities are well distributed across the borough
West Ealing, Hanwell, and Greenford tend to offer the most affordability, while Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway command premiums.
Transport And Commuting Overview
Ealing’s transport network is one of its biggest strengths:
- Central line
- District line
- Piccadilly line access nearby
- Elizabeth line services
- National Rail connections
This allows residents to work across London while enjoying a suburban lifestyle.
Who Ealing Is Best For
Ealing is ideal for:
- Families seeking green space and good schools
- Professionals commuting to central London
- First-time buyers looking in regeneration areas
- Long-term residents planning to settle
It may be less suitable for those seeking a high-energy nightlife scene every night, but excels in livability and balance.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Ealing depend on your priorities:
- Ealing Broadway for transport and convenience
- Ealing Common for green space and prestige
- Acton for value and connectivity
- West Ealing for regeneration potential
- Hanwell for peace and affordability
- Greenford for space and suburban living
Ealing remains one of London’s most well-rounded boroughs, offering long-term appeal for a wide range of residents.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Information about areas, property, safety, transport, and amenities may change over time and can vary by location.
Nothing in this post should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or property advice. Readers should carry out their own research before making any decisions.
London 33 accepts no liability for reliance on the information provided.