Hillingdon is one of London’s largest and most diverse boroughs, offering a unique blend of suburban calm, strong transport links, green space, and long-term affordability. Located in West London, it appeals to families, professionals, commuters, and retirees who want space, connectivity, and a community feel without the intensity of inner London living.
This in-depth guide explores the best areas to live in Hillingdon, breaking down neighbourhoods by lifestyle, housing, transport, safety, schools, and value for money. Whether you are considering buying, renting, or relocating within London, this article gives you a realistic, practical view of what Hillingdon has to offer.
Why Hillingdon Is A Popular Place To Live
Hillingdon consistently attracts people looking for a balanced London lifestyle. It is home to Heathrow Airport, several Underground lines, Elizabeth line stations, and some of the capital’s most spacious residential areas.
Key Reasons People Choose Hillingdon
- Larger homes compared to inner London
- Extensive green spaces and parks
- Strong transport links across West London
- Good schools and family-friendly neighbourhoods
- A mix of traditional villages and modern town centres
Unlike trend-driven boroughs, Hillingdon appeals to those prioritising long-term livability over short-term hype.
Transport Links And Connectivity
One of Hillingdon’s strongest advantages is its transport infrastructure.
Underground And Rail Services
The borough is served by:
- Metropolitan line
- Piccadilly line
- Central line (nearby access)
- Elizabeth line (West Drayton and Hayes & Harlington)
- National Rail services
This makes commuting to central London, Heathrow, and the Thames Valley relatively straightforward.
Road Access
Hillingdon benefits from proximity to:
- M25
- M4
- A40
- A312
For drivers, this is one of the most accessible boroughs in London.
Uxbridge
Best for: Professionals, students, commuters, renters
Uxbridge is the commercial and administrative heart of Hillingdon.
Why Uxbridge Is Popular
Uxbridge offers:
- Metropolitan and Piccadilly line Underground services
- A large shopping centre
- Restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues
- Brunel University campus
It has a more urban feel than many parts of the borough, attracting young professionals and students.
Housing Options
- Modern apartment blocks
- Converted period properties
- Residential streets slightly further from the centre
Things To Consider
- Busy during peak hours
- Less green than surrounding villages
Uxbridge is ideal if you want convenience, nightlife, and transport access.
Ruislip
Best for: Families, long-term homeowners, green space lovers
Ruislip is one of the most desirable areas in Hillingdon and consistently ranks highly for quality of life.
Village Feel And Green Space
Ruislip offers:
- Village-style high street
- Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve
- Parks, lakes, and open spaces
It feels more like a commuter town than a London suburb.
Transport
- Metropolitan and Piccadilly line services
- Reliable connections into central London
Housing
- Semi-detached family homes
- Detached houses in quieter streets
- Limited flats compared to Uxbridge
Things To Consider
- Higher property prices than other parts of Hillingdon
- Competitive school catchment areas
Ruislip suits families seeking space, safety, and greenery.
Ickenham
Best for: Families, professionals, peaceful living
Ickenham is often considered one of the most affluent and peaceful areas in the borough.
Why Ickenham Stands Out
- Quiet residential streets
- Attractive village centre
- Strong community feel
- Highly regarded schools
Transport
- Metropolitan and Piccadilly line stations
- Easy access to Uxbridge amenities
Housing
- Larger homes
- Detached and semi-detached properties
- Higher entry prices than neighbouring areas
Ickenham is ideal for buyers who prioritise long-term stability and family living.
Hayes
Best for: First-time buyers, renters, regeneration potential
Hayes has undergone significant regeneration and continues to evolve.
Regeneration And Growth
Hayes benefits from:
- Elizabeth line services
- New housing developments
- Improved transport connectivity
- Growing local amenities
Commute times into central London have reduced dramatically, increasing demand.
Housing
- Affordable flats and terraced houses
- New-build developments
- Good rental opportunities
Things To Consider
- Some areas still transitioning
- Less green space than Ruislip or Ickenham
Hayes offers excellent value for money and strong future potential.
West Drayton
Best for: Commuters, professionals, investors
West Drayton has become increasingly attractive since the arrival of the Elizabeth line.
Transport Advantage
- Fast links to central London
- Direct routes to Heathrow
- Strong appeal to airport workers and commuters
Housing
- Mix of older houses and modern apartments
- New developments near the station
- Competitive pricing compared to inner London
West Drayton suits those who want speed and connectivity.
Northwood
Best for: High-end buyers, families, quiet living
Northwood is one of the most affluent parts of Hillingdon.
Lifestyle And Housing
- Large detached homes
- Leafy streets
- Premium feel
Transport
- Metropolitan line services
- Quieter stations and less congestion
Things To Consider
- Higher house prices
- Less suitable for budget buyers
Northwood appeals to those seeking space, privacy, and prestige.
Safety And Community
Hillingdon is generally considered a safe borough, particularly in areas like:
- Ruislip
- Ickenham
- Northwood
Busier centres such as Uxbridge and Hayes experience more activity but benefit from regeneration and improved policing.
As with any borough, safety varies by street rather than postcode.
Schools And Education
Hillingdon is popular with families due to:
- Well-performing primary schools
- Strong secondary schools
- Proximity to further education and universities
School catchment areas significantly influence property demand in Ruislip, Ickenham, and Northwood.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Life
One of Hillingdon’s standout features is its abundance of green space:
- Ruislip Woods
- Colne Valley Regional Park
- Local parks and playing fields
This makes the borough ideal for outdoor lifestyles.
Cost Of Living In Hillingdon
While not the cheapest London borough, Hillingdon offers:
- Better value per square foot
- Lower housing costs than inner West London
- Competitive rents in Hayes and West Drayton
It provides a strong balance between cost, space, and quality of life.
Who Hillingdon Is Best For
Hillingdon suits:
- Families needing space and schools
- Commuters working in central London or Heathrow
- First-time buyers seeking value
- Long-term homeowners
- Professionals wanting suburban living
It may be less suitable for those seeking vibrant nightlife or ultra-urban living.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Hillingdon depend on your lifestyle goals.
- Uxbridge for convenience and transport
- Ruislip for families and green space
- Ickenham for peace and stability
- Hayes for affordability and growth
- West Drayton for fast commuting
- Northwood for premium living
Hillingdon remains one of London’s most underrated boroughs, offering space, connectivity, and long-term livability.
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.