Ealing is a district in the borough of Ealing, which is situated in West London between Hillingdon, Hounslow, and Hammersmith and Fulham. The district of Ealing occupies a relatively central position in the borough and is nestled between the areas of Elthorne Heights, Acton, South Ealing, and West Ealing.
In 2020, the average property price in the district of Ealing was £770,473. This is significantly above the average for the borough as a whole, which during the same period was £640,815. The district of Ealing is only marginally more affordable than the most expensive part of the borough, which is West Action with an average property price of £785,787. It is significantly more expensive than the cheapest area in the borough, which is Northolt where the average property price was £386,420.
Most properties sold in the area throughout 2020 were flats, which fetched £509,098 on average. Terraced properties in Ealing reached an average price of £821,202 and semi-detached properties fetched £1,106,097 on average. This means that overall, sold prices in Ealing increased by 1% on 2019 and by 5% from the peak in 2017 when average prices sat at £732,752.
What is living in Ealing like?
Both the borough of Ealing and the district of Ealing are culturally diverse and home to a varied mixture of high-quality properties. In fact, many property professionals regard the area as a popular yet somewhat under-the-radar place for young professionals and families to put down roots. Ealing Common is just one example of an area that is home to a range of chic apartments that will suit commuters and young couples wanting to make their first move onto the property ladder, whereas other areas have a good selection of semi-detached and detached properties which are ideal for growing families.
The town centre of Ealing is often known Ealing Broadway, which is the name of both the district's main shopping centre and railway interchange station. It benefits from excellent transport connections, which is ideal for commuters, as well as a range of amenities that are ideal for families. In addition to a selection of large supermarkets, Ealing is also home to a weekly Farmers' Market and independent retailers selling a variety of products and produce.
Ealing has a selection of excellent schools. Christ the Saviour Church of England Primary School has an excellent reputation, as does Montpelier Primary School, and the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls. The area is also home to numerous independent schools, including Durston House School, Harvington Prep School, and La Chouette School.
Living in Ealing pros and cons
Pro: Lots of parks and open spaces
In addition to Ealing Common, Ealing also has a variety of other parks and open spaces including Cleveland Park, Walpole Park, and Hanger Hill Park.
Ealing Common stretches across 47 acres and contains avenues of beautiful horse chestnut trees, many of which date back to the Victorian era. A spectacular English oak tree sits at the heart of the northern part of Ealing Common while the south-western corner is home to Warwick Dene, which is a pretty enclosed park with impressive rose beds.
The Grade II municipal Walpole Park occupies 28 acres and is home to several protected buildings, including the Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery. The park also houses an ornamental lake and several ponds, with the westernmost example benefiting from a surrounding sunken garden. During the summer months, Walpole Park hosts a variety of festivals including opera, jazz and comedy events.
Con: Partially affected by ULEZ
The eastern part of the borough of Ealing is located within the expanded ULEZ zone, which has been designed to improve air quality across the city. Although only part of the district of Ealing is affected, this could pose an issue for drivers with vehicles that do not conform to the emissions standards set out under the scheme.
Pro: Good transport links
In addition to Ealing Broadway station, which is situated on the Great Western Main Line offering connectivity to Bristol, Ealing is also served by numerous tube stations including South Ealing, Ealing Common and Park Royal. The district, therefore, benefits from easy access to both the Piccadilly and District lines, making travel to the likes of Barking, Whitechapel, Victoria, Leicester Square and Covent Garden simple. West Ealing and Ealing Broadway are also served by Tfl Rail.
As a significant transport hub, Ealing Broadway is also served by 18 buses, including several night services which operate from 11pm to 6am. As such, the district has become increasingly popular amongst commuters.
Pro: Lots of sporting opportunities
Ealing is home to a range of sports teams, including the London Broncos Rugby League Club, Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club, and Ealing Town Football Club. The district is also home to several youth football clubs, including Pitshanger FC.
The Ealing, Southall and Middlesex AC running club has existed since the early 1920s and double Olympic medallist Dame Kelly Holmes was once a member. Additionally, Ealing Cricket Club resides at the Corfton Road ground, and the Gurnell Leisure Centre plays host to the Ealing Swimming Club.
Ealing also benefits from a selection of gyms and sports centres, many of which are equipped with a range of facilities including a climbing wall and dance studio.
Is Ealing a safe place to live?
In the period between January 2019 and December 2020, there were 3,966 offences reported in the Ealing Broadway area. More than 1,500 of those crimes were categorised as theft, with a further 838 falling under the violent crime label. The third most commonly reported crime in the area was vehicle offences, with the area recording 389 incidents.
In October 2021, crime in the Ealing Broadway area reached a peak as there were 258 cases recorded during that four-week period. Since then, however, crime has been steadily decreasing and 205 cases were reported in December 2021.
Which celebrities live in Ealing?
Ealing has a rich and diverse connection to music, with the likes of Mitch Mitchell from the Jimi Hendrix Experience and members of the Brand New Heavies growing up in the area. As a teenager, Dusty Springfield lived in the West Ealing area and attended the local St. Anne's Convent School. Additionally, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger met Brian Jones in what was formerly the Ealing Jazz Club in the early 1960s. And did you know that Britney Spears also visited the area, filming a section of a music video at The Corner Shop?
Comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar was born in Ealing, footballer Peter Crouch lived in Pitshanger Village and attended Drayton Manor High School, and comedian Julian Clary attended St Benedict's School in Ealing. Comedian Shappi Khorsandi grew up in Ealing as did Ada Lovelace, Konnie and Rupa Huq, and journalist Reeta Chakrabarti.
Things to consider when moving to Ealing
There aren't many places that can offer both tranquillity and modernity at the same time but Ealing is a notable example of an area that really can do both. It does feel somewhat disconnected from the idea of London, however, as while there are plenty of shops and amenities to enjoy, a stroll along Ealing's streets feels very different to the hustle and bustle of other parts of the Capital.
Although not necessarily known for its food scene, Ealing doesn't disappoint. You'll find lots of recognisable restaurants in the area around Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre but don't be afraid to explore because there are a plethora of eateries, delis and restaurants offering incredible international cuisine that is bursting with flavour.
