Soho: Living in Soho

Thirty years ago, anyone saying they wanted to live in the London borough of Soho would have received a funny look from any respectful member of society. Known for its sex shops and seedy districts, properties were not exactly in high demand.

However, here at Estates IT, we think it's time to completely dispel that image as a recent effort to change the borough into a fashionable high-end location has completely transformed the area's living prospects.

A multicultural district full of winding back alleyways lined with colourful shop windows, the typical Soho street is unlike any other in Britain's capital. This bustling hub of culture, commerce, industry and entertainment is a residential paradise for people who are well-off and those who wish to keep things as cheap as possible. There's a buzzing atmosphere around many of the streets which only increases around carnival time and particularly at Chinese New Year.

The diverse and multicultural nature of your neighbours, should you choose to rent a property there, is something incredible. Tenants of a religious nature will find their needs served by several places of worship, including a Hare Krishna temple off of Soho Square and a small mosque on Berwick Street. The area is also home to London's primary gay village, which is full of businesses catering for the pink pound.  High-end public houses, restaurants and late-night coffee shops provide an 'open all night' feeling while offering up a huge variety of tastes and smells. We'd particularly recommend a stroll down China Town if you're in the mood for something exotic.

But while we've established Soho's formidable reputation as an entertainment powerhouse, what impact does this have on those living there? The City of Westminster Council has had an action plan in place since 2007 designed to enhance the area by implementing order, opportunity, enterprise and renewal for residents. Working with Neat Street, they've de-cluttered many of the areas and made it a priority to target anti-social behaviour, while improving the available lighting facilities and recess doorways in order to eliminate crime.

Getting around is a breeze, too. Bordered by Shaftsbury Avenue, Regent Street and Charing Cross Road, residents can access all manner of businesses and shops simply by walking. For further travel purposes, Tube Stations are dotted around the area, with the Central, Northern, and Piccadilly running closest to the centre.

The overall result is a pleasant place to live where Londoners can feel safe and accepted, no matter their age, gender, religion, ethnic origin or sexuality. Soho is accessible, vibrant, atmospheric and generally a fantastic place to live.

Published 21st February, 2013

© 2013 Estates IT Limited