Living in Acton
If you’re looking for an up and coming area in London with great connections, affordable housing and plenty of green space then Acton might just be what you’re looking for.
Why consider moving to Acton?
Gunnersbury Park, set over 185 acres, is right on your doorstep, as is Acton Park with its beautiful wildflower meadow, so there’s plenty of space to move and take in the fresh air away from central London. This combined with easy motorway access and an incredible seven railway stations makes Acton a huge hit with commuters and young families looking for that balance of open space and city living. There's also plenty of shopping options in Acton and it’s great for night owls too with a wide variety of bars and restaurants open until late. With central London just a short tube ride away this area offers the perfect lifestyle balance.
Discover the history of Acton
Acton, with a history that dates back as far as the Doomsday Book, was named after the old English word for ‘Oak Farm’. Its green spaces have been attracting settlers to the area ever since. In the 17th and 18th centuries Acton was a hot spot for the gentry, who would come here to escape to their summer residences.
Acton Park and Acton Central
Nowadays the population here is booming with many of its historic Victorian factories and workhouses turned into Acton new-builds and apartments, which has seen the area turn into a vibrant community to live, with great transport links, plenty of green spaces and lots to do.
What's the lifestyle like?
With its convenient transport links and calming green spaces, Acton is a great place for professionals and young families who find that Acton properties for sale offer more for their money than in more central areas. One of the first things newcomers to the area will notice is its vibrancy, with its multitude of cultures and bustling food and retail scene.
Acton has a lively high street, which includes the Oaks Shopping Centre, with a number of popular brands like Boots and Holland & Barrett sitting alongside smaller independent stores and cafes. And when it comes to the weekly shop, Acton has plenty of choice, with a number of supermarkets all within walking distance.
For family fun, Royale Leisure Park offers ten-pin bowling and a large Odeon cinema alongside chain restaurants like Five Guys and Nandos. Or alternatively you could head to one of Acton's large parks where you’ll find football pitches, tennis courts, play parks and plenty of space for picnics or games.
Acton Market in the town centre dates back to mediaeval times and runs Wednesday-Saturday every week (with a winter break in December and early January). Popular with locals and attracting visitors from further afield, the historic market is great for food, locally made gifts and produce as well as being home to Acton’s ‘reduce and recycle hub’, a lottery funded project helping local residents reduce waste and reuse or recycle unwanted items.
Food & drink
The food and drink scene in Acton is a thriving one, with a melting pot of world cuisines available including British, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Greek and Lebanese. Amongst those you’ll also find a number of great nightlife spots, pubs and bars.
Green spaces to explore in Acton
Acton’s variety of green space is undoubtedly one of the main draws for people looking to settle in the area. With a multitude of parks right on the doorstep, Acton residents are spoilt for choice.
Gunnersbury Park is possibly the biggest draw, with walking trails, a boating lake, regular community events, educational workshops, and a multitude of football pitches. It’s also home to a weekly Park Run every Saturday. Acton Park has a play park, tennis and basketball courts and friendly café. There’s also Acton Common, Mill Hill gardens, Southfields Recreation Ground and Springfield Gardens to choose from. For cycling enthusiasts there are a number of cycle lane options in and out of Acton, with a new 3.5k cycling route now open between Acton and Wood Lane.
What's public transport like in the local area?
With seven railway stations, easy motorway and airport access and regular bus services, Acton is somewhat of a commuter hub. London Paddington is just seven minutes away and the introduction of the Elizabeth line now offers quick and easy access to destinations across London. Residents can reach Bond Street in under 10 minutes and Canary Wharf in 20 minutes. If you’re looking to head for sunnier climes then Heathrow is just a 20-minute connection away.
Travel from North Acton to Liverpool Street station in less than 30 minutes via the Central line.
Moving to Acton
There has been a large-scale regeneration in Acton in recent years, which is continuing as the popularity of the area grows. Acton Shared Ownership schemes are available alongside new-builds and older properties meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find the ideal Acton house for sale to meet your needs.
