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What’s It Like to Live in Nine Elms? A Local’s Guide to Transport, Lifestyle & More
Nine Elms isn’t the London of guidebooks or postcards, but it’s quickly becoming a place where more people are choosing to live, work, and spend their time. It sits on the south bank of the Thames, in between Vauxhall and Battersea, and has changed a lot over the last decade. What used to be a largely industrial area is now filled with new homes, parks, cafés, and public spaces.
This post walks through what it’s actually like to live here. Whether you’re considering buying, renting, or investing, it’ll give you a feel for the area – the good, the practical, and what to expect day to day.
Where is Nine Elms, exactly?
Nine Elms is in Zone 1, covering parts of Lambeth and Wandsworth, right by the river. It’s within walking distance of Westminster, Chelsea, and Battersea, and about 10 minutes by tube to Oxford Circus.
It’s close to some of London’s most recognisable places, but still has its own pace. You’ve got the US Embassy on one end, the redeveloped Battersea Power Station on the other, and a growing number of homes and businesses in between.
Map-wise, it runs along Nine Elms Lane, close to Vauxhall Bridge and next to the Thames Path.
Public transport is sorted
Transport is one of the strongest points for Nine Elms. In 2021, the Northern Line Extension opened, adding two new stations: Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. From here, you can reach:
- Tottenham Court Road – 10 minutes
- Bank – 18 minutes
- London Bridge – 22 minutes
- Waterloo – 5 minutes
- Clapham Junction – 5 minutes (via Overground at Vauxhall)
You’ve also got Vauxhall station, which connects the Victoria line with National Rail. That means easy access to places like Gatwick Airport, King’s Cross, and Oxford.
And if you prefer a slower route, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers runs from Battersea Power Station Pier. It’s not the quickest, but it’s a pleasant way to get to Embankment, London Bridge, or even Canary Wharf.
You won’t go hungry here
The food scene in Nine Elms is better than most people expect. New cafés, restaurants and bars keep popping up, especially around Embassy Gardens and Battersea Power Station.
Here are some standouts:
- Darby’s – Great for oysters, Guinness, and live music
- The Alchemist – Known for cocktails with a bit of theatre
- Oxeye – Fine dining from a former MasterChef winner
- District Coffee – Laid-back Aussie-style brunch spot
- Sendero – Small but solid for a morning espresso
If you need groceries, there’s a Waitrose right in the area, plus small independents and late-night shops. And for flowers or fresh produce, New Covent Garden Market is a 10-minute walk away.
Green space is built in
Nine Elms doesn’t feel like other parts of central London. That’s mainly down to the amount of green space that’s been added.
At the centre of the area is Nine Elms Park, a long, green corridor with walking and cycling routes connecting Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens to Battersea Park. It’s quiet, open, and well-used by locals. You’ll see people out walking their dogs, kids riding bikes, and a few working from a bench on a nice day.
You're also close to Battersea Park – one of the best in London – with sports courts, a boating lake, and even a small zoo.
Shops and things to do
The centrepiece for retail is Battersea Power Station. It’s got more than 250 shops and restaurants including Ralph Lauren, Zara, Jo Malone, Mulberry, and Apple. It also has a cinema, a theatre, and Lift 109 – a glass lift that takes you to the top of the Power Station’s chimney for views over London.
For something a bit more cultural, you’re a short walk or cycle from:
And if you cycle (which many here do), it’s about 15 minutes to Sloane Square, Victoria, or Soho.
Popular with renters and buyers
Nine Elms attracts a mix of people – young professionals, international students, investors, and buyers who want to live centrally without being in a tourist-heavy part of London.
The housing stock is mostly new-build apartments with modern facilities like gyms, concierge desks, and private residents’ gardens. Many buildings have underground parking and bike storage too.
It’s also well-placed for anyone working at Apple’s UK headquarters (now at Battersea), in the City, or Canary Wharf.
Schools and universities nearby
If you're moving with family or planning long-term, there are several schools within easy reach, including:
- Newton Prep – Independent school for ages 3–13
- St George’s CE Primary – Local state primary
- The Chelsea Nursery – Early years
- Chelsea College of Arts – Part of University of the Arts London
Higher education options like King’s College London, Imperial College, and LSE are all within a 20-minute tube journey.
And finally...
If you're weighing up whether Nine Elms is right for you, the short version is: it's a well-connected part of Zone 1 that’s still evolving. You’ve got green space, transport, new cafés and restaurants, and a bit more breathing room than you’d find elsewhere in central London.
One development that stands out is London Square Nine Elms. It’s five minutes from the tube, opposite the US Embassy, and right by the park. Quiet mention, but worth a look if you’re after a new place to live or invest in.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, you can Get in touch here.
