Why move to Balham?
The busy high street’s mix of shops, cafes and restaurants, from national chains to independents, means there’s something for everyone. Balham is a real melting pot and a fantastic place to live.
Popular attractions and events include the annual food festival as well as the newly regenerated Hildreth Street, a pretty pedestrianised street with a regular market, the perfect place to buy your fruit, vegetables and flowers, and a large variety of independent restaurants.
There are many superb restaurants in Balham, ranging from upscale gastropubs like The Cyclist and The Avalon, to Nepalese and Lebanese establishments offering world cuisine, including national favourites like Pho and Franco Manca. Independent coffee shops line the streets along Bedford Hill, such as Milk, and Balham High Road, like family-favourite Bertie & Boo. Clapham and Brixton offer excellent nightlife, but in Balham there’s also live music at Hagen & Hyde and The Exhibit cinema.
Architecture and property
A wide range of property is available in Balham, from small period conversion flats, perfect for a first-time buyer, to large double-fronted, Victorian family homes in the sought-after and affluent Heaver Estate. There are terraced period houses situated in the popular Nightingale Triangle and stylish and contemporary apartments in one of the new-build developments dotted around the Balham area. Balham is also home to Du Cane Court, Europe’s largest block of flats and apartments built for private residents.
Green space
Outdoor space is not hard to come by in Balham, which is close to a number of common areas. Battersea Park is on the doorstep and has an impressive children’s play area. Clapham and Wandsworth have large commons, while Tooting Bec Common offers a wide range of sporting activities such as tennis courts, cricket pitches, and a lido, which is the UKs largest freshwater swimming pool.
Schools
South-west London isn’t known as ‘Nappy Valley’ for nothing, and Balham is no exception with its wide choice of nurseries and playschools. Primary school options include Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated Henry Cavendish, Telferscot and Holy Ghost RC. For secondary school, Chestnut Grove and La Retraite are popular. There’s also the highly regarded Hornsby House and Finton House independent schools.
Supermarkets, shops and amenities
Supermarkets include a Sainsbury’s and a Waitrose. There are a variety of shops and services along the Balham High Road, including banks, opticians, pharmacists, restaurants and cafes, takeaways and hair salons. Balham Leisure Centre has a gym, swimming pool and sports hall.
Transport
Balham has superb transport links into the City, the West End and out to the Home Counties, while the motorway network provides easy access to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
