Islington is a borough of many faces. Its mish-mash of neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality, from the urban bars and pubs of Angel to the chintzy antique stores of Camden Passage. Its properties have many guises, too – there are in-the-thick-of-it luxury apartments, and period townhouses sitting shoulder to shoulder on sleepy backstreets. Read on to discover more about the Islington area, as well as, quotes from residents living in some of the best places in Islington.
HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area
Islington is less than 10 minutes from the capital’s centre, so it’s perfect for those who want to be close to the action, but still enjoy the peace and quiet associated with London’s outskirts. This is an area of wooded bicycle trails and sweeping parkland – Highbury Fields and Gillespie Park, in particular, come highly recommende.
The area’s serviced by multiple tube and train stations. From Angel, residents can get to Bank in just five minutes, and London Bridge in seven. Similarly, the Victoria line from Highbury & Islington can whisk commuters to Oxford Circus in seven minutes. While the Overground connects to Clapham Junction, Shoreditch and Stratford.
“Fantastic transport links in one of London’s most prestigious suburbs.” – A property professional on The Pad, N7
For top-notch dining, Islington occupants can stay put. These parts are packed with restaurants serving around-the-world cuisines. Try Upper Street for both cutesy independent eateries and well-known chain varieties, dishing up Italian, Japanese, Turkish and Mexican specialities. Clerkenwell’s Exmouth Market is brilliant for regional plates and fusion fare. And if you’re cooking at home? Trawl Islington Farmers’ Market for quality slabs of meat and fish, fresh herbs and veg and gorgeous cakes and pastries. Plus, stop by Grange Nursery for seasonal blooms for the table.
When a little retail therapy is on the cards, Islington comes up trumps. Its namesake high street is best for book shops, delis and clothes boutiques, while big brands can be found in the Angel and Nag’s Head shopping malls.
“Just a couple of blocks away from Canonbury Cross is Upper Street, a myriad of independent bars and pubs as well as high street stores and boutiques.” – A property professional on Canonbury Cross, N1
The borough’s big on culture, as well. Try the Almeida for world-class theatre, and the Pleasance for little-known comedy acts tipped for big things. There’s also the Islington Arts Factory – a community centre for inspiring classes like reggae aerobics, pottery and tai chi. The centre’s celebrated for its exhibitions, which showcase local artists’ sculptures, paintings and photography.
“Waterside strolls, lazy weekend brunches, cocktails and vintage shopping – it’s all on the doorstep.” – A property professional on Hoxton Press, N1
“A mish-mash of family-friendly cafés and glamorous restaurants.” – A property professional on Xchange Point, N7
Archway is a great place to live, especially if you’re new to the city! Right downstairs you have at LEAST 4-6 grocery stores within a 1-2 minute walk, plenty of cafes and restaurants, and access to the Northern line and a plethora of buses to get wherever you need to go! Sometimes the plaze can be a little noisy and rowdy on occasion, but the windows on the building shut out all the noise.
Vantage Point has been the PERFECT place to live, as a newcomer to the country. With many amenties and furnishings included, I was able to settle into normal life fairly quickly without much hassle. Members of the staff, like Felix, are so kind and welcoming and are eager to get any issues you may have resolved quickly. Additionally, the building has INSANE views and plenty of events to give you opportunities to meet your neighbors and mingle. I honestly struggle to think of anything to complain about, but if there’s ONE thing the trash chute is always blocked, but I suspect this could be a problem in many buildings like this one.
Be prepared to get creative with your plan for storage and wait for the elevator to the basement to take the trash out. But you really will love living here!
After submitting any maintenance request in the online portal, I usually get service within 1-2 days. And for any other needs, the residents team is quite responsive via email.
It would be great to have normal parking as at the moment there is only disable parking. Also some of the entrance doors are not working which makes it not safe. the design of the building is good, cleaning is good. It could be better but it is good
The Property needs review as the entrance door in my building has been broken for months and not repaired. Now the main building door does not require a fob to get in which is not safe at all. anymore can go in or if you are being followed, anyone can go in with you.
I cannot think of anything . I like the area and the way the building is made
The main door and the middle has not been working for months especially the middle security door and it is not safe. This needs to be repaired
Convenience of location is superb. 10-15min walk to Coal Drops Yard or Upper Street, both of which are bustling with shops, restaurants, etc. Good TFL links with overground and Picadilly. Super quiet cul-de-sac environment. The odd anti-social altercations can be heard from certain neighbours, but few and far between incidents.
Spacious flats, secure bike parking, safe fob access. It does get very very hot in the flats in the summer however. Maintenance on site is good, David is a great familiar face and keeps things top notch in communal spaces. Great landscaping with dense trees for privacy.
Too hot in the summer.
The type of appliance that it is, the washer dryer cannot be paused in the drying cycle. It’s safety feature will trip the heat element and you will need to call maintenance to come in an fix it.
Spot lights fuse easily.
Maintenance issues are dealt with well and swiftly depending on urgency.
Good:
Location, location, location!
Everything you need is just downstairs – lots of supermarkets and shops of all kind. No need to travel for your shopping.
Bad:
Located on the main junction and also near the Whittington hospital, so lots of dust and noise, especially from ambulances, is coming into the flat.
Good:
1. Reception manned 24/7 and nice helpful staff.
2. Lovely public areas which has just been redecorated.
Bad:
1. Pricy:
Since management changed, they keep bumping up the rent rediculously. Feels totally unfair.
2. Maximum of 2 bedroom flats only.
I’m the oldest tenant in the building, already living here for about 8 years.
No regrets, apart from the disappointment of the way they bump up the prices.
Maintenance is good. All of our requests have been attended.
Don’t worry we won’t share your details with anyone, for more information read our Terms of Use, Privacy and Cookie policy
Be the first to hear about available properties at your favourite developments.
Stay informed about the top rated developments in your favourite areas.
Rating and new review updates on developments you're interested in.
Find out about new developments in your areas of interest.
