Moving to… Greenwich
Famed for its rich history and for giving the name to Greenwich Meridian line, this area of south-east London is well-loved by young professionals and families alike. Let’s explore what it’s like to live there, from transport links to hidden gems off the beaten track.
History of Greenwich
London is known as one of the best cities to live, but what about Greenwich specifically? The borough hasn’t earned its ‘royal’ status for nothing. Greenwich was the birthplace of many royal Tudors, including Elizabeth I, bursting with history almost anywhere you look.
It’s noted for its maritime history in particular, home to the restored Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper, now a tourist attraction. Other points of historic interest include the National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Naval College.
Here, you’ll also find Greenwich Park, part of a World Heritage site and one of the largest single green spaces in south east London, boasting iconic views, including those of Canary Wharf and the London skyline. It’s home to attractions such as the Queen’s house, Royal Observatory, stunning gardens – and even hosted some Olympic events back in 2012. Prime Meridian is known as the most scenic point in the whole park.
Where is Greenwich?
Greenwich is a district of south east London, just 20 minutes or 8 miles from Central London. It spans 47.34 km², lying along the River Thames from Deptford to Thamesmead, bounded by the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Lewisham. Walthamstow lies in the north and Watford in the northwest.
Average house prices
As of 2020, the average house price in Greenwich stood at £679,536. This is more than double the UK average of £249,633. Of course, different types of home go for different prices:
| Property Type | Average Sale Price (2020) |
| Flat | £519,445 |
| Terraced | £895,365 |
| Semi-detached | £1,149,385 |
Last year, the vast majority of properties sold were flats, largely because Greenwich is hugely popular with young professionals.
However, it’s by no means one of the cheaper places to buy in London. Depending on their circumstances, first-time buyers may struggle to get on the ladder here, as saving for a deposit will be harder when compared with areas further north in the UK.
Average rental prices
For those looking to rent in Greenwich, the average rent price is £401 per week. It ranges from £261 – £681 per week, depending on the number of bedrooms.
| Number of Bedrooms | Average Rent (pcw) |
| Studio | £261 |
| 1 | £329 |
| 2 | £399 |
| 3 | £537 |
| 4 | £565 |
Cost of living in Greenwich
The numbers have been crunched, let’s take a look at the average price of common expenses*:
- Broadband = £32 a month
- Food = £150 a month (£35 per person per week)
- Bus fare = £1.50
- Bus-only travel = £4.50 max
- Adult day travel card zones 1-6 = £18.10
- Adult day travel card zones 1-6 (off-peak) = £12.60
- Standard restaurant meal = £15
*These are averages and all are accurate as of February 2021. To be used as a rough guide only
What to do in Greenwich
What’s life in Greenwich really like?
Transport
Residents don’t have to worry about getting around; Greenwich is very well connected. There’s a vast amount of buses and you rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for one.
There’s also the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) which operates in much the same way as the tube, connecting you to places like Bank, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets. If it’s the tube you’re looking for, North Greenwich underground station offers the Jubilee line.
Bars and restaurants
Head to Greenwich market for a plethora of street food stalls and stands from all across the globe. Here, there’s something for everyone; from fresh falafel wraps to fragrant Thai curries. Weather-permitting, walk five minutes to Greenwich park and turn your lunch-on-the-go into a picnic.
If the sit-down dining experience is what you’re after, there are some lovely gastro pubs and restaurants overlooking the river, where the views are as good as the food.
It’s safe to say residents also lucked out when it comes to bars too, with many great spots, ideal if you want a night away from the flurry and crowds of Central London. Belushis and Mama Fuego are two examples, known for their buzzing atmosphere and great cocktails.
Art & Culture
Greenwich Peninsula is home to the NOW Gallery, which features a range of sculptures, murals and exhibitions. This is only a hop, skip and jump from the world-famous O2, where many concerts and other events take place.
The area certainly has arty roots. Damien Hurst grew up on Greenwich Peninsula, and it’s said this partly inspired his ‘Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable’ collection. Many art students head to Greenwich, as it’s home to Ravensbourne University and Greenwich University.
Hidden Gems
While Greenwich is popular with tourists, there are many places off the beaten track.
- Walk under the Thames via the Greenwich foot tunnel – from the Cutty Sark to the Isle of Dogs
- Visit London’s only planetarium at the Royal Observatory
- See a herd of red and fallow deer in Greenwich Park
- Head to Clocktower Market (great for bagging a bargain)
- Visit the Royal Arsenal riverside farmer’s market
- Explore the unusual Fan Museum
- Stroll through Oxleas Wood
What’s not to like?
Particularly on weekends, Greenwich is a busy place, with crowds lining the streets and filling the parks. Luckily, if you live there, you won’t need to fight for a parking space, which is good as you’d be hard-pushed to find one. Also, while it’s well-connected, there isn’t a tube station. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, this might not be the place.
Who lives there?
In 2018, Greenwich had 286,186 residents, making up 3.21% of London’s population. It’s the 15th largest borough in the capital.
It’s popular with families, emigrators, tourists and young professionals alike.
Typical broadband speed
Greenwich sees an average of 24.95 Mbps, which is 16.36% below the UK average of 29.83 Mbps.
Crime rate
From January 2019 to December 2020, there were a total of 54,587 crimes in Greenwich making the crime rate (per 1000 people) 191. This was an 11% decrease year on year, but still considered high.
Thinking of moving to Greenwich?
Before laying down new roots in this historic area of south east London, make sure you do your research. A property report can gather all the information you need, from local schools to nearby planning applications. Get yours below.
Last Updated: November 1st, 2024
