It’s got the buzz of city life, the warmth of a community, and enough green space to make you forget you’re just 20 minutes from London Bridge.
My favourite part of living here has to be Streatham Common.
It’s where I spend my lunch breaks stretching my legs and my evenings going for jogs as the sun sets behind the trees.
The common is vast – a patchwork of woodland, grassland, meadows and streams and it feels different with every season.
There’s always something happening here: seasonal fairs with bright rides, families picnicking in summer, and dog walkers chatting in the crisp winter air.
The children’s playground and paddling pool are packed when the weather’s good, while the Common Café provides much-needed caffeine and cake year-round.
Nestled on the edge is The Rookery, a beautifully maintained formal garden that feels like a secret oasis.
It’s hard to believe it was once part of the Great North Wood, an ancient woodland that stretched across south London.
When much of the woodland was sold off for development, a portion was saved in 1884 and protected as a Metropolitan Common.
Today, both Streatham Common and the Rookery are recognised as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, and they remain the lungs of the neighbourhood.
When I’m not on the Common, you’ll probably find me wandering along Streatham High Road – a long stretch of life, colour and, crucially, excellent charity shops.
This is one of my favourite spots in London for a bargain hunt.
You’ve got British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Shelter, Fara, and my personal favourite, Shop from Crisis.
The visual merchandisers there deserve medals – it feels more like stepping into Urban Outfitters than a charity shop.
There’s also a growing number of independent stores popping up, from bakeries and vintage shops to eco refilleries and florists, all adding to that friendly, local feel that keeps people coming back.
For an indoor escape that’s a bit different, Streatham’s Ice and Leisure Centre is a standout – it houses an Olympic-sized ice rink, pools, gym and studios, so you can go from casual skate to serious swim without leaving the postcode.
Streatham’s food scene is every bit as diverse as its residents.
Roots, a small Lebanese restaurant tucked along the high street, is my go-to for comforting, flavourful dishes that never disappoint.
A little further up towards Streatham Hill, SW16 Bar & Kitchen has become a firm local favourite since it opened three years ago.
The seasonal dishes are inspired by Executive Chef Antonio’s Puglian roots – think fresh pasta, rich olive oil and Mediterranean warmth served with a smile.
When it comes to pubs, Streatham’s got personality in spades.
The Bull, near the Common, is ideal for lazy summer evenings with its huge outdoor seating area.
The Manor Arms gives off countryside vibes, packed with cosy nooks and friendly chatter, and is perfect for Sunday roasts.
But my top pick is The Rebel Inn, a quirky local with old film posters covering the walls, the landlord’s dogs padding between tables, and a line-up of karaoke nights, quizzes and live music.
One of the best things about Streatham is how easy it is to get around.
With Thameslink services whisking you to London Bridge or Blackfriars in around 20 minutes, you get all the perks of city access without the chaos.
Four years in, and I still find new corners of Streatham to fall in love with – from its leafy walks and community spirit to its independent businesses and creative pulse.sw1
