Canary Wharf: Fast Becoming one of the Most Sought after Places to Live in London
It wasn’t long ago that Canary Wharf was synonymous with slick City boys and being completely devoid of people at the weekends.
Not anymore
In recent years, Canary Wharf has boosted its residential offering with iconic buildings such as One Park Drive. And the area now attracts young families as well as professionals thanks to its fantastic transport links, schools and leisure facilities, including numerous bustling cafés, bars and restaurants.
Excellent transport links
Located in Zone 2 in the E14 post code, Canary Wharf is a major transport hub with the Tube, DLR and Thames boat networks all close by.
Canary Wharf station is on the Jubilee line with Westminster station and the Houses of Parliament just 11 minutes away. The Elizabeth line (due to open in 2022) will connect Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street station in just six minutes, while Paddington will be just 17 minutes away.
The area is also served by the DLR with trains to Bank, Tower Gateway and Stratford. With London City Airport just 20 minutes away on the DLR giving access to 50 destinations worldwide.
There are also regular Uber Boats from Canary Wharf Pier serving London Bridge, Chelsea Harbour, Embankment and Greenwich (although you can travel as far upriver as Putney or east to Woolwich Arsenal).
Drivers can head into town via the Embankment, and to south London through the Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels.
Plenty to do
There are plenty of green spaces, restaurants, bars, designer shops and cinemas in the area, and the outdoor Canary Wharf ice rink is not to be missed during the winter months. Nor is the magical Winter Lights Festival.
Jubilee Park is a tree-filled open space with cascading water features, cherry trees and redwoods and is the perfect weekend spot to walk or relax. Or walk along the Thames Path all the way to central London. Or stroll in the opposite direction to Greenwich then take the Greenwich foot tunnel under the Thames.
If retail therapy is your thing, Canary Wharf is now a shopper’s paradise, with more than more 120 stores across five shopping malls including Crossrail Place, which also has a stunning enclosed roof garden with exotic plants and trees. From designer stores to high street shops, there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re a foodie you’re in for a treat. As well as having the biggest Waitrose in the country, Canary Wharf has an abundance of restaurants and eateries from high end to street food, with many of them serving up panoramic views from their rooftop terraces, as well as great food and cocktails. Popular restaurants include Roka, The Ivy, and Havez.
For a spot of culture and just a short walk from Canary Wharf, the Museum of London Docklands explores the history of the River Thames and its industrial Victorian past. Or if it's the latest blockbuster you’re after, Cineworld in West India Quay and the Everyman in Crossrail Place are popular.
Good education
Excellent educational facilities make areas desirable to families. Canary Wharf and the surrounding area has four schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted as well as numerous schools at primary and secondary level having a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. For young people in further education, Queen Mary University in Mile End is easy to get to, as is the University of Greenwich on the other side of the river. Thanks to excellent transport links, numerous top universities are easily reached from Canary Wharf.
A safe neighbourhood to live
Canary Wharf has a much lower crime rate compared to other areas of London and is considered one of the safest places to live in the city by police and residents. From students and young people living alone, to couples and families with young children, Canary Wharf is a safe and welcoming London district.
Property availability
The Newfoundland skyscraper in Middle Dock is the tallest private rental building in the UK. 8 Water Street and 10 George Street are also available for renters. While three towers are available for private homeowners including One Park Drive, 10 Park Drive and 20 Water Street. Apartments at Eight Harbour Square, a mid-rise, industrial warehouse-style building with 11 storeys, is due go on sale autumn 2021.
