Battersea Nine Elms versus Southfields SW19 Post Reply

[Vienna]

Hi I am new here - we are looking at areas and have heard that Battersea is nice as is Southfields SW19. Which is considered the "better" area as we are aware the Battersea Nine Elms is rapidly regenerating with the tube station?

[Ramaboo]

They are very different areas - Battersea/Nine Elms is central London, Southfields is the more standard SW London terraced house traditional suburbia.

Bits of Battersea are more traditional and pricey (near the park) some bits are unpleasant council flats (near the trainlines) and the new builds near the new Nine Elms station are all new apartments. I would be wary of the fact that it might take a few years at least for these to all be finished and it feel like a real neighbourhood (some of the wealthy owners are likely to live mainly overseas)

Personally I would prefer a central new build area over Southfields, but they are two very different markets. Hope that helps

[Vienna]

many thanks Ramaboo

[Expatacular]

If you have small children (or plan to in the near future), there's no question Southfields is more family friendly. Tons of good schools, nurseries, family friendly cafes/shops. If that's not a consideration, then agree with the above that it's a question of whether you want something more modern/urban (Nine Elms) or traditional/leafy/suburban (Southfields). 

[waliwiw]

Which area have you chosen?

[Starr]

My choice would be Southfields, because it will have an established community.

Battersea nine elms will be soulless for many years and probably forever.

The real established community there will be the people in council houses. The new builds will be mostly absent wealthy foreigners. The pool in the sky is tacky and looks like it belongs in Dubai.

So I personally wouldn't like it and do so wish they had built more affordable and social housing there. For me it's yet another example of developers damaging London.

Sorry to be a hater.

[Pigeon25]

I think it completely comes down to how many kids you want to have- if any. With none, or maybe just the one, Battersea would be better - closer to central london, nice modern apartment with concierge, lots of nice restaurants right in your doorstep- there are a few schools not to far away (newton prep for example). When we just had the one we lived on the southbank and loved it.
However, a bigger family would probably need bigger space and more access to green space/extracurricular classes, etc. if that is your plan then I would move a bit further out….
Hope that helps!
Harriet

[Pigeon25]

I think it completely comes down to how many kids you want to have- if any. With none, or maybe just the one, Battersea would be better - closer to central london, nice modern apartment with concierge, lots of nice restaurants right in your doorstep- there are a few schools not to far away (newton prep for example). When we just had the one we lived on the southbank and loved it.
However, a bigger family would probably need bigger space and more access to green space/extracurricular classes, etc. if that is your plan then I would move a bit further out….
Hope that helps!

[coffee cake]

Adding my ten pence worth. I think that the Battersea Power Station area has a good bit of life to it already. Loads of restaurants, bars and coffee shops with a good few more planned to open very soon.

I think that it has quite a buzzy atmosphere if you go walking there over the weekend. You can be in Battersea Park in literally moments which is a great park with all sorts of activities for kids (if you have them) and It is connected by tube to central London by a short tube ride .

It is urban for sure but if you are a couple or have just one child (as others have said) it could be a good option. Not too sure about state schools, Newton Prep is very close as a private option.

Don't know very much about Southfields other than it always seems very community orientated. I can't really add much more than that.

Good luck choosing. 

[fishflower]

As many others have said, it depends on whether you plan to have children or not. I live in Southfields myself and it is brilliant for young families. There is an exceptional community and lots of green space nearby. Depending on where you live in Southfields you can get into town on both the district line at Southfields station and by mainline from Earlsfield. You have everything you need locally in terms of cafés, shops etc. and it is quick to go to Wimbledon village or Northcote Road for more shopping. It feels pretty safe in Southfields (safer I would think than in Battersea). We also have lots of good schools nearby. I cannot recommend it highly enough!