Hackney has become one of London’s most talked-about boroughs over the past two decades. Once dismissed as rough around the edges, it is now widely seen as creative, diverse, culturally rich, and highly desirable. From canal-side living and independent cafés to grand Victorian terraces and world-class green spaces, Hackney offers a lifestyle that few other London boroughs can match.
This in-depth guide explores the best areas to live in Hackney, breaking down neighbourhood character, housing, transport, safety, schools, green space, and who each area is best suited for. Whether you are renting, buying, relocating, or simply researching, this article will help you understand where Hackney truly shines.
Why Hackney Is One Of London’s Most Desirable Boroughs
Hackney sits in Inner East London, bordering areas such as Islington, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest. Its appeal lies in a unique combination of urban energy and village-like neighbourhoods.
Culture And Creativity
Hackney is known for:
- A thriving arts and music scene
- Independent cafés, bakeries, and restaurants
- Street markets and pop-up spaces
- Strong links to fashion, design, and tech industries
It attracts creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who value authenticity over polish.
Transport And Connectivity
Transport has improved significantly over the years, with:
- London Overground lines across the borough
- Access to Underground lines at the edges
- Cycle-friendly routes and canal paths
- Quick links to the City, Shoreditch, and Canary Wharf
Despite its edgy reputation, Hackney is exceptionally well connected.
Green Space
Hackney benefits from some of London’s best parks, including Victoria Park, Hackney Downs, and London Fields. This balance of green space and city living is a major draw.
Hackney Central
Best for: Professionals, creatives, renters, convenience
Hackney Central is the heart of the borough and offers a lively, urban lifestyle.
Housing And Lifestyle
The area features:
- Modern apartment developments
- Converted warehouses
- Period housing on surrounding streets
Hackney Central is packed with cafés, bars, gyms, and cultural venues, making it ideal for people who want everything within walking distance.
Transport
- Hackney Central Overground station
- Easy connections to Stratford, Highbury, and Shoreditch
Things To Consider
- Busy at peak times
- Limited large family homes
Hackney Central suits those who want energy, convenience, and culture on their doorstep.
London Fields
Best for: Young professionals, creatives, lifestyle renters
London Fields is one of Hackney’s most recognisable neighbourhoods and is centred around its namesake park.
Why London Fields Is So Popular
- London Fields park for outdoor living
- Trendy cafés, bakeries, and pubs
- Weekend markets and events
- Strong community vibe
The area has a distinctly youthful feel and is particularly popular with renters.
Transport
- London Fields Overground station
- Short journey to Liverpool Street
Things To Consider
- Can be noisy during summer weekends
- Higher rents than other parts of Hackney
London Fields is ideal if you want social energy and green space combined.
Dalston
Best for: Renters, nightlife lovers, first-time buyers
Dalston is one of Hackney’s most dynamic areas and has undergone rapid transformation.
Urban Energy
Dalston offers:
- A vibrant nightlife scene
- International food spots
- Music venues and bars
- A strong creative identity
It attracts people who want a fast-paced, urban lifestyle.
Transport
- Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction stations
- Overground connections across London
Things To Consider
- Busy streets and nightlife noise
- Less traditional family housing
Dalston is best for those who enjoy culture, nightlife, and diversity.
Hackney Wick
Best for: Creatives, professionals, waterside living
Hackney Wick has transformed from an industrial zone into one of London’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
Character And Housing
- Converted warehouses
- Modern canalside apartments
- Creative studios and workspaces
The area has a raw, industrial aesthetic that appeals to creatives and professionals alike.
Lifestyle
- Canals and walking paths
- Independent bars and cafés
- Proximity to the Olympic Park
Transport
- Hackney Wick Overground station
- Fast access to Stratford
Things To Consider
- Still developing in parts
- Fewer traditional amenities than older neighbourhoods
Hackney Wick is ideal for those who want modern living with character.
Stoke Newington
Best for: Families, professionals, long-term residents
Stoke Newington offers a calmer, more village-like atmosphere compared to much of Hackney.
Residential Appeal
- Beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes
- Tree-lined streets
- Strong community feel
Church Street
Stoke Newington Church Street is one of North East London’s most loved high streets, lined with:
- Independent shops
- Cafés and restaurants
- Local markets
Transport
- Stoke Newington and Rectory Road stations
- Bus routes into central London
Things To Consider
- Higher property prices
- Less Underground access
Stoke Newington is one of the best areas in Hackney for families.
Clapton
Best for: Families, buyers, value seekers
Clapton offers a mix of affordability and lifestyle appeal.
Housing
- Victorian terraces
- Purpose-built flats
- Larger homes compared to central Hackney
Green Space
- Close to Springfield Park
- Easy access to the River Lea
Transport
- Clapton Overground station
- Good bus connections
Things To Consider
- Some streets vary in quality
- Less nightlife than Dalston or London Fields
Clapton suits those who want space, greenery, and relative value.
Homerton
Best for: First-time buyers, renters, local living
Homerton is one of Hackney’s more understated neighbourhoods.
Why Consider Homerton
- More affordable housing
- Strong transport links
- Proximity to Victoria Park and Hackney Marshes
Community Feel
Homerton has retained a strong local identity, with long-standing residents alongside newer arrivals.
Things To Consider
- Fewer destination venues
- Less polished than some areas
Homerton is ideal for those prioritising value and practicality.
De Beauvoir Town
Best for: Professionals, families, architecture lovers
De Beauvoir Town sits on the western edge of Hackney and feels noticeably more refined.
Character
- Elegant Georgian terraces
- Quiet streets
- Strong conservation areas
Lifestyle
- Independent cafés and pubs
- Close to Islington and Dalston
Transport
- Dalston Junction nearby
- Good bus connections
De Beauvoir Town is perfect for those who want Hackney creativity with a calmer feel.
Safety And Quality Of Life In Hackney
Hackney’s reputation has improved dramatically over the years. While safety varies by street, many areas now feel well-policed and community-focused.
Generally:
- Stoke Newington and De Beauvoir Town are seen as quieter
- Dalston and Hackney Central are busier and more urban
- Green spaces improve overall quality of life
Like anywhere in London, researching specific streets is essential.
Schools And Education
Hackney offers:
- A mix of primary and secondary schools
- Strong academies and faith schools
- Easy access to further education
Areas such as Stoke Newington and Clapton are particularly popular with families due to school availability and space.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Living
One of Hackney’s biggest strengths is green space:
- Victoria Park
- London Fields
- Hackney Downs
- Hackney Marshes
These spaces play a huge role in Hackney’s appeal, especially for families and outdoor-focused residents.
Transport And Commuting
Hackney is extremely commuter-friendly:
- Overground lines connect to most of London
- Short journeys to Liverpool Street and the City
- Excellent cycling infrastructure
For many professionals, Hackney offers the perfect balance between commute time and lifestyle.
Who Hackney Is Best For
Hackney is well suited to:
- Creatives and freelancers
- Young professionals
- Families wanting community living
- Renters seeking culture and green space
- Buyers looking for long-term value
It may be less appealing to those seeking ultra-luxury living or a quiet suburban lifestyle across the entire borough.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Hackney depend entirely on your priorities.
- Hackney Central for convenience and culture
- London Fields for lifestyle and green space
- Dalston for nightlife and energy
- Hackney Wick for modern, creative living
- Stoke Newington for families and long-term stability
- Clapton for space and value
- Homerton for affordability
- De Beauvoir Town for elegance and calm
Hackney’s strength lies in its diversity. Few London boroughs offer such a wide range of lifestyles within such a compact area.
As the borough continues to evolve, Hackney remains one of London’s most exciting and desirable places to live.
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.