Balham is a neighbourhood in South London. It is located in the borough of Wandsworth (zone 3), with small parts in the neighbouring borough of Lambeth. Just five miles south of central London, Balham’s neighbours are Brixton to the east, Clapham to the north, and Tooting to the south.
If you’re considering a move to this southern borough, read on for what to expect in terms of schools, housing prices, transportation, things to do, and the best restaurants and pubs that Balham has to offer.
Education
Balham is home to many highly-ranked schools. Holy Ghost RC, Henry Cavendish, Telferscot, St Anselm’s RC, Chestnut Grove Academy, and La Retraite RC for girls are all rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Balham also has its share of excellent private schools, including Hornsby House, Oliver House, and Eveline Day School.
Fun fact: Singer and songwriter Adele attended Chestnut Grove School.
Housing & Rental Prices in Balham
According to Right Move, the current average price for a flat in Balham is £574,783. A semi-detached home will cost you around £1,569,153, while a detached home is selling for an average price of £1,969,571. Looking for a terraced home? Expect to pay around £1,264,646.
The good news? Due to Balham’s zone 3 location, cheaper rental properties can be found in comparison to some more central zone 2 postcodes. The average monthly rent here is £2,059.
Transportation
Trains from Balham include regular services to Victoria, Sutton, Epsom, Milton Keynes Central, and South Croydon. Balham station is also connected to the London Underground’s Northern Line. The centre of Balham can be found directly outside the station, along Balham High Road and Bedford Hill.
Current bus routes serving the area are the 155, 249, 255, 315, 355, and N155.
Culture & Entertainment in Balham
The Exhibit is a wonderfully diverse space in the heart of Balham. The intimate, boutique cinema offers an intimate theatre experience with only 24 seats. Not only does the theatre hold special baby cinema days for you and your little one, you can rent it out for a private screening. If you’re looking for a space to host a private gathering, The Exhibit also rents their cocktail studio, outdoor garden, and gallery/balcony spaces.
If it’s food and drink you’re after, The Exhibit also offers an amazing brunch on the weekend, and surf and turf with live music on Sundays.
Balham is also home to The London Sewing Machine Museum, with around 700 sewing machines in total dating back from 1829. It boasts a machine that was gifted to Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter.
Markets & Cafes in Balham
The Hildreth Street Market is something of a secret south London gem. Stroll up Balham High Road from the tube station and you’ll find this short, pedestrianised street with some of the boroughs finest cafes. You can check out Blackbird Bakery for homemade breads, pastries, and juices. Brickwood offers an amazing weekend brunch and a short, one-minute walk away is Milk, with a locally sourced menu that has something for everyone.
The Balham’s Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Here you can find fresh milk, organic vegetables, free-range poultry and beef and much more.
Eating & Drinking
There is no shortage of delicious restaurants, lively pubs and unique event spaces in Balham. Balham Bowls Club, like the name suggests, was once the local bowling club. Today, it’s an eclectic neighbourhood pub with a cozy, vintage feel. You can catch live music and comedy shows here, or have a drink and something to eat in their outdoor garden. Another cool spot is Hagen & Hyde, equipped with two bars, a dining room, roof terrace, and patio garden, all spread over three floors.
A mere 5 minute stroll away you can find The Bedford, a famous iconic music venue. Some famous musicians that have played here include The Clash, U2, and Ed Sheeran. It has a pub, saloon bar, club room, mezzanine, cocktail bar, ballroom, and private dining room. Want to make a night of it? The Bedford offers 15 boutique bedrooms for you to choose from.
For true foodies, visiting The Avalon is a must. One of Balham’s poshest gastro pubs, its enormous back garden, one of three outdoor spaces, is something from a fairy-tale.
For a Sunday roast you need not go any further than Wheatsheaf. They have a variety of delicious small plates too, like breaded halloumi, and croquettes. Yum!
Sport & The Outdoors
The Balham Leisure Centre offers a gym, indoor swimming pool and squash court, sauna, and steam room. The pool, with high vaulted ceilings that let in the natural light, is a wonderful place for those wishing to swim laps, or simply relax in the steam room or sauna after a workout. During these uncertain times, make sure to check out their website for possible closures.
If green spaces and nature are a priority, Balham has some noteworthy outdoor spaces. The Tooting Commons consist of two adjacent, open spaces, Tooting Bec Common, and Tooting Graveney Common. The commons have wildlife areas, a pond, sports facilities for athletics, swimming, horse riding, fishing and tennis, as well as plenty of places to walk and relax. For more information on its history, activities, maps, and more, you can click here.
Looking for an experienced removals company in Balham?
We know of a company who’s likely to offer you nothing less than a bespoke removals service from start to finish, with everything you might need from specialist piano removals to packing planning and implementation.
South London Movers is a removals company run by local Londoners with a passion for making home removals, flat removals, antiques and art removals easy and tailored to you and your home. Check out our removals in Balham or call us direct for a free quote on 020 3858 6993
We offer services across the capital and beyond, with drivers and handlers who are familiar with the areas we serve – including Balham – and are keen to offer the finest customer service in the city.
