What you need to know about Parsons Green
Positioned in the southern part of the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the district of Parsons Green is situated close to the areas of Walham Green, Hurlingham, and Fulham.
In 2020, the average price of a property in Parsons Green was £1,183,596. This is marginally higher than the £1,045,277 average across the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which is a more expensive borough than both Hounslow and Ealing, but more affordable than Kensington and Chelsea. Parsons Green is markedly more affordable than nearby Walham Green which has an average property price of £1,859,898, however the district is more expensive than White City which is the cheapest part of the borough with prices averaging £675,306.
Flats accounted for the majority of sold properties, which fetched £671,960 on average. The average price for a terraced property stood at £1,815,972 while semi-detached properties fetched an average price of £2,154,000. Property prices in Parsons Green fell by 2% from 2019 putting them at the £1,173,722 peak seen in 2015.
What is living in Parsons Green like?
Once the home of members of the aristocracy, Parsons Green has evolved over the years and its central location means that it is now one of the preferred areas for professionals and commuters. The City is just under 7 miles away and it's possible to get there via public transport in 40 minutes. Westminster can be accessed by public transport or bicycle in under 30 minutes, and commuters can be at Canary Wharf in under an hour.
Despite occupying such a central position, Parsons Green has a tight-knit village-like atmosphere and often feels as though it's a world away from the big city. As such, the area is also popular with families with school-age children. In addition to its plethora of leafy streets, the village-like feeling is enhanced by the number of cafés, bistros, and independent retailers in the area, with Parsons Green also being home to accessible salons, gyms, libraries, cinemas, and grocery stores.
Offering a laid-back lifestyle within easy reach of the city centre, Parsons Green is an ideal location for those looking to adopt a slower pace of life without moving too far away from the heart of the action.
Living in Parsons Green pros and cons
Pro: Accessible open spaces
The historic centre of Parsons Green is home to two open spaces, Eel Brook Common and Parsons Green itself. Parsons Green is a small triangle of land which is now surrounded by a number of beautifully designed residential properties.
Eel Brook Common is believed to have once been a Bronze Age mound and lies close to the Fulham Broadway end of New King's Road. The Common benefits from an AstroTurf football pitch that was sponsored by Chelsea Football Club, two tennis courts, and a playground designed for children under-6.
Bishop's Park is also easily accessible and contains fields for athletics activities, lots of green space, and even an urban beach. The park is often used for community events including a weekly farmers' market.
Con: Impacted by the ULEZ scheme
As Parsons Green is located within the expanded ULEZ zone, drivers wishing to use vehicles that do not meet the scheme's strict standards for emissions will need to pay a daily charge which currently stands at £12.50. There are, however, a number of electric vehicle charging points located in and around Parsons Green.
Pro: Excellent access to public transport
Parsons Green Tube station is located between Putney Bridge and Fulham Broadway Underground stations and is served by the Wimbledon branch of the District line. Travel to most parts of London is simple, particularly as the area also benefits from dedicated cycle lanes, plenty of bus routes, and easy access to boat services that run along the River Thames.
It is possible to reach King's Cross St. Pancras in 30 minutes, Victoria in 20 minutes, and Monument in around 35 minutes. Some of the most popular bus routes that run through Parsons Green include the 22 to Piccadilly Circus, the 424 to Fulham Football Club, and the 14 to Warren Street. Keen cyclists are also catered for in Parsons Green and it is a short 20-minute bike ride to Victoria.
Con: Congestion
Traffic in the area can be frustrating and add extra time on to the commute. This can often be compounded during periods where lots of roadworks are scheduled at once.
Pro: Excellent nearby schools
This popular location for families benefits from a selection of excellent schools for both primary and secondary age pupils. Some of the most notable state schools include Lady Margaret School, Langford Primary School, and The London Oratory School all of which have been awarded 'Outstanding' ratings by Ofsted. Sulivan Primary School, Holy Cross RC School and The Hurlingham Academy have all be ranked as 'Good' by Ofsted. There are also a range of independent schools in the Parsons Green area, including Evergreen Primary School, L'Ecole des Petits School, and Kensington Prep School.
Is Parsons Green a safe place to live?
Data collated between January 2020 and December 2021 illustrates that there were 1,881 criminal offences reported in Parsons Green and Walham. This total includes 596 incidents of theft, 357 vehicle offences, and 355 violent crimes.
In January 2021, there were just 52 offences reported in the area, which was down from 126 in January 2020. Between January 2021 and July 2021, crime in Parsons Green steadily increased, reaching a peak of 102 recorded incidents in July. Since then, crime in the area has been decreasing and 71 crimes were recorded in December 2021.
Which celebrities live in Parsons Green?
Parsons Green has seen a wide variety of notable names set up home in the surrounding areas over the years. Physician to Henry VIII, Sir William Butts, lived in Parsons Green during the late 1400s and early 1500s. Later, in the 1700s, writer Samuel Richardson who is most known for works including Pamela and Clarissa, moved to the area from nearby Fulham.
Although the area isn't necessarily known for its celebrity residents today, many of the original stars of the popular television show Made in Chelsea have moved into Parsons Green including Louise Thompson, Caggie Dunlop and Ollie Locke.
Things to consider when moving to Parsons Green?
Many of the large villas constructed by wealthy Londoners in the 18th century have since been converted into smaller homes, which are more affordable than the sprawling period properties that line the area's most exclusive streets. In addition to properties dating to the Victorian and Edwardian periods, Parsons Green also benefits from a variety of contemporary constructions including luxury apartments with high-quality finishes.
In addition to professionals and young families, Parsons Green is also an excellent location for retirees, largely thanks to its excellent public transport network and general walkability of the area. Everything you are likely to need is within easy reach, which contributes to the strong sense of community felt in the area.
Most locals opt to stay at home or travel elsewhere when Chelsea are playing a home game at nearby Stamford Bridge because football fans tend to descend on the area in their droves, taking over most of the bars, pubs, and cafés. This may be a downside for some but shouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker as there are ways to avoid the crowds if you prefer.