Living in Hackney

Hackney is fast becoming one of London's most sought-after areas to live, with a bustling and vibrant creative community, lively markets and independent shops.

Why consider moving to Hackney?

Hackney is one of London's most in demand areas for a reason. From independent shops and eateries to high-end restaurants, beautiful parks and an abundance of art; Hackney has often been labelled the beating heart of London’s creative community.

Aerial image of Woodberry Down looking across Hackney

In recent years Hackney has undergone a huge regeneration, becoming a mecca for innovation, creativity and alternative and independent art, food and shops. Its location allows easy access to the City but it still manages to maintain its own independent identity. It’s a lively, vibrant place, with an evolution driven by the large population of creative thinkers who call Hackney home.

Discover the history of Hackney

Hackney’s past is one of rural communities and market gardens, with the royalty of the Medieval age, including Henry VIII, seeing it as an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle. Henry’s dissolution of the monasteries from 1536 freed up a lot of land in Hackney, paving the way for rich courtiers and nobles to start calling this green space close to the city home.

In recent years, Hackney has developed into one of the most creative parts of London. And it’s home to one of London’s most famous old theatre’s - the Hackney Empire. Hackney was also a key location for the London 2012 Olympics, with part of Hackney Marshes incorporated into the Olympic Park, which remains a great place to visit today.

What's the lifestyle like?

As well as the famous Hackney Empire, you'll find East London’s biggest cinema screen at Hackney Picturehouse, showing everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to smaller independent films.

It’s a multicultural melting pot, which is reflected in the wide selection of cafes, shops and restaurants serving and selling fare from across the globe. The creative community here also makes Hackney a lively place to live and that's reflected in its vibrant nightlife.

When it comes to retail therapy, Hackney’s close connection to the City means you really do have the best of both worlds, with Oxford Street only a 30-minute tube ride away and LIverpool Street under 20 minutes.

In Hackney itself there’s everything from designer shops to vintage clothing stores. Big brands rub shoulders with some quirky independent stores meaning there’s something here for everyone.

Food & drink

You’ll find high-end Michelin star restaurants alongside smaller family run eateries.

Hackney is a hotspot for markets, with Victoria Park and Broadway Market amongst those that draw people to the area with their wide selection of artisan foods, crafts and clothing for sale. Whether you're looking for a luxurious dining experience, street food or a craft beer by the water; Hackney has you covered.

Crate Brewery

This spacious canal side brewery is set in an old print factory, and maintains a large slice of urban charm. With an abundance of outdoor seating in a stunning location right on the water, you can enjoy a selection of fresh craft beers whilst you tuck into their stone baked pizzas.

Naturalist

Focusing on high quality food and top-notch service, this waterside pub offers unmatched views of the wetlands, served with traditional seasonal pub grub and warm hospitality in the heart of Woodberry Down.

Cornerstone

Opened by chef Tom Brown in 2018, this Michelin star restaurant is one for those who value quality food and decent portions over pretence. If you're a fan of seafood, opt for the chef's selection.

Green spaces to explore in Hackney

With 58 parks and green spaces totalling close to 700 acres, Hackney has so much outdoor space to explore. These spaces are made up partly by the largest concentration of football pitches in Europe at Hackney Marshes and the beautiful and historic settings of Springfield Park and Clissold Park.

There really is a surprising amount of green space in Hackney with Hackney Wick, Victoria Park and London Fields ever popular with locals and visitors to the area.

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London Fields is a great spot for a picnic with friends or family and has been attracting people since the 13th century. It’s also home to Hackney's famous lido, a 50m Olympic size, heated outdoor swimming pool. It’s open throughout the year and has a large café as well as a large sunbathing area - perfect for escaping hot summer days in the city.

What's public transport like in the local area?

Hackney’s zone 2 location makes it an ideal place for people wanting all the benefits of city living right on their doorstep.

There’s an abundance of tube and bus links in Hackney and you can be in Oxford Street and Canary Wharf in under 30 minutes. And for those times you want to travel further afield, London City airport is a 30-minute train ride away or Stansted is reachable in 35 minutes by car.

Moving to Hackney

Hackney is a vibrant and welcoming place to live, with a diverse mix of cultures reflected in the art, eateries and shops found throughout the area. Its vibrant nightlife and social scene and proximity to the city make it popular with young professionals, and with several outstanding Ofsted rated schools, parts of the area are also popular with young families. When it comes to finding Hackney properties for sale, there’s plenty of choice. If you’re looking to put your own stamp on a place and want a home with low maintenance, you’ll find a wide selection of Hackney new-builds. And if you’re first-time buyer or struggling to get onto the property ladder, there are flexible finance options available too.