For many people, the mention of Kings Cross will conjure up images of Harry Potter's famous trip to Hogwarts. But when it comes to living in this fantastic area of London, there's much more than a handy transport link to a school of wizardry.
Nestled between the boroughs of Camden and Islington, Kings Cross has undergone a huge amount of restoration work over the course of the past year. Superb transport links, a central location and a surprisingly thriving nightlife and shopping scene have made this an immensely popular place to live.
So let's have a closer look at the specifics. When it comes to transportation, there is really no better location. The area itself is served by no less than six underground lines, with a wealth of bus services orbiting the three major stations - St Pancras, Euston and Kings Cross. Rail services can take you as far as Inverness on the East Coast route, while south-bound services from South Pancras take travellers to Ebbsfleet, Ashford and even France via the Eurostar.
A stone's throw away from the station, residents are able to experience a host of fantastic entertainment. There are plenty of independent bars to sample, along with dozens of restaurants and shops alongside the high street names found in the station concourse. When it comes to food and drink, there's something for everyone. Even vegans with a preference for Japanese cuisine will find a fantastic eatery in the form of Itadaki Zen, while the more traditional palate will no doubt be satisfied by gastropub The Driver.
Those seeking some quiet time will find what they desire in Camley Street Natural Park, which is near Regent's Canal and provides plenty of open space for those with pooches or children to exercise. If it's a bit chilly to venture out, a bit of peace and enlightenment can be found in the form of the British Library which requires no introduction, or the Canal Museum which is certainly one of London's most unique attractions.
But what of the property itself? Houses are unlikely to be spacious considering the Central London location, although there are always exceptions to this rule so it's still worth checking out if space is a requirement on your list. Kings Cross's reputation as an international transportation hub has its impact upon the prices though, with average rentals rolling in at £499 per week for one bedroom in a flat, although bargains can be found for as little as £370 a week.
However, it's still a reasonable price to pay for such a central location with such excellent transport links, and rents for properties in neighbouring areas such as Chelsea and Holland Park look eye-watering in comparison. The plethora of fun attractions in the area, coupled with the ability to get pretty much anywhere, make Kings Cross an extremely attractive place to live.
