Is Hackney a Nice Place to Live? Complete 2025 Area Guide

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Wondering if Hackney is a nice place to live?

Deciding where to live in London can be daunting, especially if you’ve only visited in the past. The area you choose to settle completely shapes your day-to-day life, from your commute to your weekends. I spent ages weighing up the pros and cons of different neighbourhoods and wondered myself if Hackney was actually a nice place to live. In the end, I moved there for a mix of reasons and honestly, ended up completely loving it.

So if you’re considering moving to Hackney and want to know if it’s a nice place to live, what the best areas are, and whether it could be right for you, this guide breaks down the pros and cons based on my experience living in Stoke Newington and London Fields.

What is Hackney Like Overall?

The short answer is yes, Hackney is a nice place to live! It’s full of life, a little rough around the edges and in recent years has seen massive amounts of gentrification. The traditional East End roots are still there, but many parts of the borough have become home to a new crowd of young professionals and creatives, drawn in by lower rents. Like with many once-affordable areas, that mix has ended up creating something pretty special.

I found Hackney an incredibly fun and lively place to live. There was always something to do, from pop-up events to live music and an amazing food scene. I loved the tree-lined streets, big parks and beautiful Victorian terraces. It suited me in my twenties to a T, and even now in my thirties, I could definitely see myself moving back if the opportunity came up.

Defining Nice Places to Live in London

This guide is based on a mix of data and my personal experience of living in Hackney. I’ve taken into account factors like affordability, things to do, safety and travel connections, as well as the overall vibe of the area. Defining a nice place to live isn’t just about the numbers. You have to consider how it feels day to day, according to locals!

The Pros of Living in Hackney

There are plenty of reasons why Hackney has become such a popular place to live in London. The area has a bit of everything – great food, green spaces, culture, and a real sense of community. So, let’s take a look at some of the biggest pros of living in Hackney and what makes it such a great part of the city to call home.

Lifestyle and Culture

One of the best things about living in Hackney is just how full of life it feels. Weekends are always busy – there’s always a market to wander around, a pop-up to check out, or a festival happening somewhere nearby. You can go from vintage shopping on Broadway Market in the morning to a rooftop bar or pub gig by the evening, all without leaving the borough.

On the lifestyle side, Hackney is big on wellness. There are yoga studios, reformer Pilates spots, and independent gyms everywhere, along with cosy cafés that double up as remote workspaces during the week. You end up getting swept up in the rhythm of life here. It’s sociable, creative, and trendy, with a mix of cultures that gives every area of Hackney it’s own personality.

Great examples of lifestyle and culture in Hackney include: All Points East festival in Victoria Park, Broadway Market, Ridley Road Market, Hackney Wick Community Sauna and Hackney City Farm. For wellness, Hot Pod Yoga is a favourite of mine along with Studio Antomy in London Fields. There’s also the V&A Museum of Childhood and Museum of the Home.

Outdoor and Green Spaces

One of the best things about living in Hackney is how much green space you have right on your doorstep. I love Victoria Park, there’s a great market there on Sundays, and a full loop is about 5k, so it’s the perfect place to go for a run. You can combine a long walk here with a stretch of the canal too. I used to avoid walking the canal at night on my own though, it isn’t the safest.

Over in Stoke Newington, Clissold Park is another local favourite. It’s smaller but really lovely, with a little café and plenty of space to sit out in the sun. But for me, the real gem is Hackney Marshes. I spent so much time there over lockdown; it’s wild, huge, and full of life. There’s something special about walking along the River Lee on a sunny day, and I even swam in it once (not that I’d really recommend!).

Other great outdoor and green spaces in Hackney include: Hackney Downs and London Fields for larger outside space. Shoreditch and Haggerston Park are also lovely but a little smaller. The canal that runs through Hackney is called Regents Canal and it’s lined with so many great bars and restaurants.

Food, Drink and Nightlife

One of the biggest things I miss about living in Hackney is the food. Every area has somewhere amazing to eat, from incredible bakeries to unbeatably cool cafés and cafe culture. The variety of restaurants is wild too, with everything from whole streets dedicated to Vietnamese food to some of the city’s most popular spots.

When it comes to nightlife, every part of Hackney has its own vibe. You can go for sophisticated drinks in Shoreditch, grab a relaxed pint at your local (I loved living near the Chesham Arms!), or check out the Working Men’s Club in Hackney Central for live music. There’s also plenty on offer that doesn’t involve drinking, like board game cafés, comedy clubs, and independent cinemas.

Great examples of Hackney’s food and nightlife scene include: E5 Bakehouse, Pophams, and Dusty Knuckle for amazing bakeries. Café Cecilia, Silo in Hackney Wick, and the cult favourite Pocket in London Fields for food. Then there’s Night Tales, The Sebright Arms, and Oslo in Hackney for live music, plus the Rio Cinema and Hackney Empire.

The Community

This one’s a little hard to explain unless you’ve actually lived in Hackney, but a few examples of the community spirit I’ve experienced should give you an idea of just how strong it is. I lived on a road that held an annual street party. Everyone got involved – students, young professionals, families, and even a few semi-famous faces. There was a raffle to raise money for local charities, a stage with live music, so much food, and just good energy all around.

In another part of Hackney, I had a neighbour who, without fail, would pump up my bike tyres for me. I know, I should have bought my own pump, but I never got around to it. They even helped me out once on Christmas Day during lockdown. I made them baked treats in return!

When you live in Hackney, you really get to know your neighbours. You know the street drama, there’s probably a WhatsApp group, and people genuinely look out for each other. It’s a lovely thing to be part of, especially in a city as big and often impersonal as London.

Reasons Hackney Isn’t a Nice Place to Live

Of course, every area in London has its downsides, and Hackney is no exception. While it’s an amazing place in many ways, it does come with a few challenges, which I’ll get into below. None of these things should necessarily put you off living in Hackney, though. They’re just worth keeping in mind when deciding if it’s the right place for you.

Crime Levels

Unfortunately, Hackney is among the ten most dangerous boroughs in London, with around 94 crimes per 1,000 people in 2025. The most common offences are violence and antisocial behaviour. If you want more detail, you can check out CrimeRate for a full breakdown of crime statistics for the borough and my post on the 12 safest places to live in London.

I lived in Hackney for four years and never had any issues, nor did any of my friends or housemates during that time. It goes without saying, but using common sense goes a long way in keeping you safe, and you can definitely live in Hackney without any problems. For reference, Islington actually has a higher crime rate than Hackney!

Travel Connections

Depending on where you’re based in Hackney, transport links and connections to central London can vary massively. For example, if you’re in Shoreditch, you’re well-connected with both the Overground and Underground nearby. If you end up somewhere like Stoke Newington, a really popular residential area, you’ll only have access to the Overground. The same goes for Hackney Central and Clapton, which are both great places to live.

That said, the Overground is reliable and connects easily to other key parts of London, so getting around is rarely a major issue once you’re used to it.

The Cost of Living

Of course, the cost of living in London generally has skyrocketed, and Hackney is no exception. Rents and house prices have been increasing year on year, with 2024 seeing a jump of around 12%, surpassing the London average. A two-bed flat can now set you back around £3,000 a month, so it’s definitely not the affordable, up-and-coming area it once was.

House prices are also on the rise, and according to the Salary Expert, the cost of living in Hackney is around 64% higher than the national average. That figure factors in housing, transport, and food — so while Hackney offers an incredible lifestyle, it certainly comes at a price.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s so much that comes into play when deciding where to live, so I’ve answered some of Google’s most commonly asked questions below, along with a few I think are particularly relevant if you’re trying to figure out whether Hackney is a nice place to live.

Is Hackney expensive?

Yes and no. The cost of living in Hackney has definitely gone up but then again, so has everywhere in London. Rents rose by around 12% in 2024, yet it’s still possible to find more affordable options if you’re willing to share or look a little further from central areas. For example, my most recent rent was £650 per month including bills in a six-person flat share.

You can also keep costs down by shopping at local supermarkets and markets, but overall, life in Hackney isn’t cheap, especially if you’re eating out or socialising regularly.

Is Hackney good for families?

It really depends on what kind of lifestyle you’re after. Hackney has loads of parks, good schools, and family-friendly spots like Hackney City Farm and Clissold Park, so it definitely can work well for young families who like being part of a lively, community-driven area.

That said, it’s not the quietest part of London and housing can be pricey for the space you get. If you don’t mind city living and want your kids to grow up somewhere with a bit of energy and culture, Hackney’s a great choice.

What is Hackney like at night?

Hackney is lively at night with plenty of bars, restaurants, and music venues. Some parts, like London Fields and Shoreditch, stay busy, while more residential pockets such as Stoke Newington or Clapton are much quieter. It generally feels safe, but like anywhere in London, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas when walking home.

Which part of Hackney is the nicest?

This really depends on what you’re looking for – each part of Hackney has its own personality and appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the areas I think are the nicest and what makes them stand out:

Best areas to live in Hackney overall:

• London Fields – Great for park and café lovers and anyone who enjoys a Sunday spent at Broadway Market. You’re close to the canal, Victoria Park, and within easy reach of Bethnal Green Underground station.
• Dalston – Known for its buzzing nightlife, diverse food scene, and creative energy. It’s perfect for young people who want to be in the middle of it all, though it’s definitely not the quietest part of Hackney.
• Hackney Wick – Ideal for creatives and anyone drawn to warehouse living, riverside walks, and cool food spots. It’s still (relatively) affordable, and while it attracts a younger crowd, more families are starting to move in as new flats pop up.
• Clapton – Has a quieter, community feel that suits both families and young professionals. Trendy cafés, independent shops, and its proximity to the Marshes make it a lovely balance of calm and convenience.
• Stoke Newington – A firm favourite for families, with great schools, independent shops, cosy pubs, and an upscale but friendly feel. It’s yummy mummy central in the best way.
• Victoria Park Village – A beautiful, boujie little pocket north of Victoria Park with stunning Victorian houses and a proper village vibe. It’s peaceful, leafy, and great for families.
• Hackney Central – The heart of the borough, offering a mix of community spirit and nightlife. Well-connected by two Overground lines, it’s a lively and convenient base.

Which part of Hackney is best for young professionals?

I’d personally go for London Fields. You’ve got easy access to the Central line via Bethnal Green station, which makes getting into the City or central London super straightforward. The area has a great vibe with loads of restaurants, bars, and things to do, from Broadway Market and Netil Market to Victoria Park just down the road. It’s also pretty central within Hackney, so you’re well connected to everywhere else.

My second pick would be Shoreditch or Hoxton, which are even closer to central London and have a really buzzy, creative atmosphere. They’re packed with cool places to eat, drink, and work remotely, so if you don’t mind the busier pace, they’re ideal for young professionals.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Hackney

There’s a lot to love about Hackney, but it’s worth thinking about a few practical things before making the move. Your commute is a big one. Depending on where you’re based, transport links vary quite a bit, so check how easy it’ll be to get to work or uni.

Budget is another key factor. Hackney’s prices have shot up in recent years, so it’s worth being realistic about what you can afford, especially if you’re buying. And if you’ve got a family, looking into local schools will definitely be part of the decision-making process.

If you’re renting, the good news is you can try it out and get a feel for the area before committing long-term. But if you’re planning to buy, it’s worth doing your homework and exploring a few different areas within Hackney first. A weekend visit full of fun things Hackney has to offer should help you decide.

Key Takeaways on Whether Hackney is a Nice Place to Live

As you can probably tell, I’m firmly on the side of yes – Hackney is a nice place to live. It’s vibrant, full of energy, and has something for everyone, whether you’re into food, music, markets, or just people-watching with a coffee in hand.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The cost of living has gone up, and some areas feel busier (and pricier) than others. But what you get in return is a neighbourhood packed with creativity, community, and culture and that’s pretty hard to beat.