Hackney Central E8 is a fantastic area, a hidden gem in fact. Plenty of green spaces to recharge yourself in, a huge mix of cultures, large artistic and creative community alongside working professionals, a great place to live!
Those of us who live in Hackney love it, even though it has a terrible reputation. 'Outsiders' have preconceptions about the area. If they lived here, they'd know why we stay ... so many parks & green spaces, such cultural diversity (restaurants, music, clothes, markets - the world in one borough), etc. etc.
As a former resident of W10/W11/W12 I moved to hackney 4 years ago for a change and totally love it. It has the multi cultural vibe of W10 / W11 but without the ridiculous gentrification which results in an area losing its USP / cool edge. Hackney is fun, hip, urban, cool, happening and full of the most interesting friendly people. The parks and markets are the best in London and the area is getting safer each year. I have the best neighbours I have ever had anywhere and the place is always abuzz with some creative happening. In short I LOVE HACKNEY AND WOULDN'T LIVE ANYWEHERE ELSE!
Excellent parks, excellent public transport links, excellent street markets, Burberry & Carhart factory shops, canal-side walks, and for those energetics - you can even walk into town... I do!
Lived in Hackney all my life. Seen positive changes. Vibrant, lots of green open spaces/parks. Largest lido in Europe. Local to the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford. Very multicultured. Excellent transportation links, pubs, entertainment - cinemas, Hackney Empire Theatre, Geoffrey Musuem, wine bars and restuarants. Several leisure centres.
Hackney is the place to be!!!
London Fields
Great place to relax in the park, go swimming in the lido, have a coffee on Broadway Market ...