If you're looking for a knockout area to rent or buy your next property, you should check out Bethnal Green.
One of London's most heavily-bombed areas during the Second World War and widely-regarded as the home of British boxing, Bethnal Green is made of tough stuff.
The area bounced back from the blitz with a social housing rebuilding project - and now it's popularity is soaring again, this time with families and young professionals who flock to the area to rent and buy.
Living in Bethnal Green
Three miles north of Charing Cross and in the Borough of Tower Hamlets, Bethnal Green is quintessentially East End.
It hasn't forgotten it's roots, either, with the Stairway to Heaven memorial for those who lost their lives on a single Second World War day sitting proudly at the junction between Cambridge Heath Road and Bethnal Green Road.
Property for sale, Bethnal Green
As well as Bethnal Green's social housing stock, the area is known for its superb Victorian properties, as well as new developments of flats and studios that are snapped up by eager young buyers and property investors.
Buyers can expect to pay in the region of £700,000 for a classic Bethnal Green period terrace, with modern and period conversion apartments available for around £500,000.
Average property price in Bethnal Green: £460,094.
Flats to rent, Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green has become increasingly popular with young professionals and tech workers based around the Old Street area in recent years.
Students, too, pick up rentals in the area to be close to Queen Mary University of London and the University of East London.
Renters should expect to pay around £1,600 for a one-bedroom flat in Bethnal Green, while two-bedroom examples are available for between £2,000 and £2,500 per month.
Schools in Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green isn't all about those young professional tech types, either.
Families have been drawn to the area more and more in recent years thanks to its lively culture and great transport links.
And when it comes to schools, Bethnal Green is blessed with some excellent ones.
Globe Primary School, Mowlem Primary and Thomas Buxton Primary are all rated 'Outstanding', with many other primaries carrying Ofsted's 'Good' rating.
And the area is also superb when it comes to secondary schools.
Morpeth, Swanlea, Mulberry Academy and Mulberry School for Girls are all rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
Bethnal Green transport links
Bethnal Green is already well served by Underground and Overground services.
But the area will be boosted further when Crossrail launches, with the Elizabeth Line passing through Whitechapel.
Currently, though, Bethnal Green tube station is on the Central Line, with services into Tottenham Court Road, Bank and Lancaster Gate.
Whitechapel station offers Underground services on the District Line, while Shoreditch High Street has Overground trains into Dalston Junction.
Shopping in Bethnal Green
If you're looking for something slightly different from your standard high street brands, Bethnal Green is the place for you.
Head to Bethnal Green Road for the best of the area's independent shops, stocking everything from hip trainers, vintage clothing and rare vinyl records.
If you do crave the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, Underground trains run into Oxford Circus from Bethnal Green on the Central Line in 20 minutes.
Eating out in Bethnal Green
No East End area is complete without the huge array of cuisines that come with this multi-cultural part of London.
Bethnal Green is among the best and where better to start than with traditional East End pie and mash.
G Kelly on Bethnal Green Road has been serving East Londoners the classic dish since 1915, so is a must for anyone living in the area.
For pub classics, try The Star of Bethnal Green or The Old George, while no East Ender can stay away from the area’s superb Indian cuisine for long.
For one of the best traditional curries around, try Maida on Bethnal Green Road.
Things to do in Bethnal Green
As an area of London steeped in history, there's plenty to explore and discover about Bethnal Green.
One of the most famous museums in London, the V&A Museum of Childhood is the world's largest museum dedicated to everything 'childhood'.
For sport lovers, York Hall is the home of British boxing on Old Ford Road.
All of British boxing's greats have graced its ring, including Lennox Lewis, Carl Froch, Ricky Hatton, James DeGale, Nigel Benn and Joe Calzaghe.
Bethnal Green isn't lacking in open space, either, with some stunning walks available along Regents Canal to Victoria Park, which is one of London's most visited parks.
Art lovers are also well catered for in Bethnal Green, with the Genesis art cinema on Mile End Road and Rich Mix on Bethnal Green Road.
Things to do with the kids
Of course, the V&A Museum of Childhood is a fantastic visit for both parents and children, but Bethnal Green is also packed with plenty more entertainment options for the little ones.
The Hackney City Farm nearby is a superb option for a sunny day, with a huge array of animals for the children to see.
Alternatively, the London Fields Lido in Hackney is great for a swim – and as the outdoor pool is heated, you can jump in whatever the time of year.
Estate agents in Bethnal Green
Ellis & Co has been serving the Bethnal Green property market for more than a decade, with branch owner Andy James and his team offering renowned customer service.
Whether you're looking to buy or rent, contact the team through the website or pop into the branch on Bethnal Green Road - we're sure to have plenty of properties to interest you.
