Location
Brixton lies four miles to the south of central London, and is part of the London borough of Lambeth. Until fairly recently it was thought of as a rather run-down area, but nowadays its busy cosmopolitan feel and lively culture has increased its popularity as a residential area, particularly among young urban professionals.
History
A Roman settlement has been excavated on Brixton Hill, but until the nineteenth century Brixton was mainly agricultural land with a few small hamlets. All that changed when it became accessible from central London via the newly-built railway line. It developed as a middle-class suburb, with the construction of streets lined with large Victorian villas. In the twentieth century, many of these large houses were converted for multiple occupation, and Brixton began its next phase, as a cheap area to live.
Community
Migrants began arriving in Brixton in numbers after the Second World War, when Caribbeans of the Windrush generation settled here. More recently people from the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia have made it their home; and it is popular as a temporary home for young people from Australasia.
Property
Compared to other districts within easy reach of central London, Brixton is still relatively affordable, but rents and property prices have risen substantially in recent years, and continue to rise steadily. Much of the available property is still in converted Victorian houses. Brixton has traditionally been favoured as a convenient place to live by West End performers, which helps to explain its lively atmosphere.
Transport
Getting around by public transport is easy in this part of London. The underground station is only four stops away from Victoria mainline station, and there are overground rail connections to Gatwick Airport and many other destinations in Southern England. There are good bus services, including night buses, to other parts of London.
Shopping
You can find all the usual chains and outlets in Brixton, and also one of the few remaining London independent department stores, Morley's on Brixton Road. But the best part of shopping in Brixton is undoubtedly the market. Open every day, it's not aimed at tourists like Camden, or foodies like Borough; it's a real working market with keenly priced fruit, vegetables, fish and meat from all over the world, as well as clothing and household goods.
Entertainment
Brixton's lively night life attracts visitors from all over London and southern England. There is live music at various pubs and clubs, and the Brixton Academy, with its varied and inclusive music programme, has a well-deserved national reputation. There are many arts-based industries in the area, and the variety of entertainment available reflects the creative talent of the population.
Food
Brixton is a good place to eat out. At night the Covered Market hosts Brixton Village, a collection of over twenty international eating places with an informal and cosmopolitan feel. Around the central area there is a huge choice of cuisine, with sit-down and take-away restaurants featuring food from all round the world.
Brixton lies four miles to the south of central London, and is part of the London borough of Lambeth. Until fairly recently it was thought of as a rather run-down area, but nowadays its busy cosmopolitan feel and lively culture has increased its popularity as a residential area, particularly among young urban professionals.
History
A Roman settlement has been excavated on Brixton Hill, but until the nineteenth century Brixton was mainly agricultural land with a few small hamlets. All that changed when it became accessible from central London via the newly-built railway line. It developed as a middle-class suburb, with the construction of streets lined with large Victorian villas. In the twentieth century, many of these large houses were converted for multiple occupation, and Brixton began its next phase, as a cheap area to live.
Community
Migrants began arriving in Brixton in numbers after the Second World War, when Caribbeans of the Windrush generation settled here. More recently people from the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia have made it their home; and it is popular as a temporary home for young people from Australasia.
Property
Compared to other districts within easy reach of central London, Brixton is still relatively affordable, but rents and property prices have risen substantially in recent years, and continue to rise steadily. Much of the available property is still in converted Victorian houses. Brixton has traditionally been favoured as a convenient place to live by West End performers, which helps to explain its lively atmosphere.
Transport
Getting around by public transport is easy in this part of London. The underground station is only four stops away from Victoria mainline station, and there are overground rail connections to Gatwick Airport and many other destinations in Southern England. There are good bus services, including night buses, to other parts of London.
Shopping
You can find all the usual chains and outlets in Brixton, and also one of the few remaining London independent department stores, Morley's on Brixton Road. But the best part of shopping in Brixton is undoubtedly the market. Open every day, it's not aimed at tourists like Camden, or foodies like Borough; it's a real working market with keenly priced fruit, vegetables, fish and meat from all over the world, as well as clothing and household goods.
Entertainment
Brixton's lively night life attracts visitors from all over London and southern England. There is live music at various pubs and clubs, and the Brixton Academy, with its varied and inclusive music programme, has a well-deserved national reputation. There are many arts-based industries in the area, and the variety of entertainment available reflects the creative talent of the population.
Food
Brixton is a good place to eat out. At night the Covered Market hosts Brixton Village, a collection of over twenty international eating places with an informal and cosmopolitan feel. Around the central area there is a huge choice of cuisine, with sit-down and take-away restaurants featuring food from all round the world.
About the Author:
Considering a move to South London? Are you searching for rental properties in Brixton? Get the inside scoop on the background about Brixton, and learn more on House Bulletin blog.
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