Moving to Hammersmith: Area Guide
Once known as a major industrial centre, Hammersmith has rebranded itself as a distinctly residential area.
Tenants Contents Insurance from just £3.12
- ✓ Covered up to £30,000
- ✓ Flexible monthly policies
- ✓ No hidden fees
Only a 15 minute journey from central London, the W6 postcode is becoming increasingly desirable as the years go by thanks to recent regeneration.
Known for its riverside walks, cosy pubs and excellent state and private schools, Hammersmith boasts many advantages both for families and young professionals wanting to settle outside the city centre. In the summer months, residents can enjoy stunning riverside views and grab a bite to eat al fresco.
If you’re thinking of moving to Hammersmith, here’s everything you need to know about this peaceful West London area.
Where is Hammersmith?
Hammersmith is a major district of West London, bordering Fulham, Chiswick, Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington. Its W6 postcode is in easy reach of the city centre, so it’s ideal for commuters. Its southern edge meets the River Thames.
A brief history of Hammersmith
Hammersmith first surfaced on the map as a Saxon fishing village; its name first recorded all the way back in 1294. It was seen as a retreat from the bustle of central London throughout the Middle Ages.
Much of its architectural heritage was lost during the 20th century as the area became more urbanised and industrial, but some older buildings survived closer to the riverside. Gentrification has recently updated areas such as Brackenbury Village.
An in-depth look at Hammersmith
Who lives in Hammersmith?
Buyers in Hammersmith are often families upsizing to a house, lured in by the great state and private schools in the area, or first-time buyers working in the City or buying with parental help. Renters in the neighbourhood are often young professionals employed by the various multinational companies located in Hammersmith.
Types of property in Hammersmith
Hammersmith is home to a variety of property types, from Georgian houses and period cottages in the Lower and Upper Mall area to streets of Victorian houses in Brackenbury Village. It’s a popular rental area; you can find anything from a studio flat to a 6-bedroom home.
In terms of rent, you can expect to pay around £2,000 per month for a one-bedroom home. Two-bedroom flats bring in around £3,300 and larger properties enter the market from £3,500 per month.
Transport links
The area has good transport links; Hammersmith Underground station is on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Piccadilly Lines. Local tubes Ravenscourt Park and Stamford Brook are also on the District Line, and all stations are Zone 2. The district also has 17 bus routes.
Restaurants and Shops
Hammersmith isn’t a centre for nightlife, but it has some great restaurants. The newly opened Pergola, perched atop the Olympia London exhibition centre, is known for its excellent food, as is the famous River Café, and Hammersmith is home to some cosy gastropubs such as The Hand & Flower and the Andover Arms. For those who like to brunch, Brackenbury Village also boasts cute cafés such as Pekoe Mellow Tea House.
Each Thursday and Friday, food markets are held in Lyric Square with a range of stalls and mouth-watering street food.
In terms of shops, the Broadway shopping centre on Hammersmith Broadway has a huge spread of chain stores, with others dotted along King Street. There are less independent shops, but for those that like more alternative styles, the London Vintage Fashion, Textiles and Accessories fair is held at Hammersmith Town Hall.
Socialising in Hammersmith
Hammersmith is home to two iconic venues; the Eventim Apollo and the Lyric Hammersmith. The Apollo is known for its live music, but also hosts a whole range of comedians and entertainers. The Lyric is one of London’s most respected theatres – and its acclaimed restaurant has a roof garden.
Close to the river, there’s also Riverside Studios, an arts, performance and live events space with a cinema. If you fancy a bit of green space, head to Ravenscourt Park, which has a paddling pool and kids beach in summer.
With the area getting more popular by the year, and new bars and restaurants arriving one after the other, now is the perfect time to move to Hammersmith.
