Discover Tooting and Balham: Your Ultimate Guide to South London Living

The Charm of Tooting

A Community with Character

Tooting is renowned for its authentic vibe, green spaces, and bustling high streets. It offers a strong community feel without sacrificing access to central London. Attractions like Tooting Bec Lido, the UK’s largest open-air swimming pool, and the expansive Tooting Commons make it ideal for families. The lively bar and restaurant scene, particularly around Tooting Market, adds to its appeal.

Historical Highlights of Tooting

Tooting’s history stretches back to Saxon times. Key historical landmarks include:

• St Nicholas Church: Dating back to the 13th century, it’s one of Tooting’s oldest buildings.
• Gala Bingo Hall: Originally the Tooting Granada Theatre, this Grade I listed building is an architectural gem.
• Tooting Bec Lido: Opened in 1906, it remains a beloved local landmark.

Architecture and Property in Tooting

Tooting showcases various architectural styles, from early Georgian properties on Upper Tooting Road to Arts and Crafts homes on Nightingale Lane. Victorian and Edwardian terraces, 1920s cottages, purpose-built maisonettes, and new-build apartments offer diverse housing options.

House Prices in Tooting

Tooting offers properties to suit various budgets:

• Detached Houses: £1 million to £2 million.
• Semi-Detached Houses: £700,000 to £1.5 million.
• Terraced Houses: £600,000 to £1.2 million.
• Flats and Apartments: £300,000 to £800,000.

Best Streets to Live on in Tooting

Desirable streets in Tooting include:

• Nightingale Lane: Arts and Crafts homes in a tranquil setting.
• Upper Tooting Road: Central location with Georgian properties.
• Totterdown Fields Estate: Picturesque cottages in a conservation area.
• Tooting Bec Gardens: Mix of Victorian and Edwardian homes.
• Trinity Road: Spacious family homes near vibrant high streets and parks.

Going Out in Tooting

Tooting is a foodie haven with diverse dining options:

• Eating: Curry Corridor, Kaosarn (Thai), Dosa and Chutney (South Indian), Meza (Lebanese), Bobochacha (Pan-Asian), Graveney & Meadow (bakery by day, tapas and cocktail bar by night), The Castle (historic pub), Honest Burgers, Sea Garden (seafood), The Tooting Italian, MUD (brunches and coffee), Tartine (artisan menu).
• Socialising: The Wheatsheaf (Victorian pub with comedy nights), The Corrin (rooftop bar), The Selkirk (pub with garden), Trafalgar Arms (modern English dishes), Unwined in Tooting Market (wine shop, bar, and restaurant), Graveney Gin (local organic gin tastings).
• Culture: Tooting Arts Club (theatre experiences), London Sewing Machine Museum, Tram and Social (live music).

Local Amenities in Tooting

Tooting is well-equipped with amenities:

• Markets: Tooting Market and Broadway Market.
• Supermarkets: Large Sainsbury’s, Tesco Express, TK Maxx, Primark, Boots.
• Tooting Library: Reading groups and a children’s chess club.
• Tooting Leisure Centre: Swimming pool, gym, and sports hall.
• Tooting Bec Lido and Athletics Track: Outdoor activities and sports facilities.
• Gyms: Anytime Fitness and The Gym.

Green Spaces in Tooting

Tooting offers extensive green spaces:

• Tooting Commons: Over 200 acres, home to Tooting Bec Lido.
• Central London Golf Centre: Nine-hole course and driving range.
• Fishponds Playing Fields: Football and recreational activities.

Transport in Tooting

Tooting has excellent transport links:

• Tube: Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway on the Northern Line.
• Rail: Thameslink services to St Albans and Sutton.
• Bus: There are numerous routes, including Victoria (44), Kingston (57), Waterloo (77), Elephant & Castle (333), Brixton (355), and the N44 night bus.
• Cycle: CS7 cycle superhighway.
• Road: London Road connects to the A23, providing direct access to the South Coast and the M25.
• Airports: Gatwick and Heathrow are less than an hour away by public transport or car.

Education in Tooting

Tooting offers top educational options:

• Primary Schools: Hillbrook School, St Boniface Roman Catholic Primary, Gatton Primary (Muslim), Broadwater Primary.
• Secondary Schools: Graveney School, Ernest Bevin School (boys), Burntwood School (girls).
• Private Schools: Finton House School, Streatham & Clapham High School.

Property Market Trends in Tooting

Tooting’s property market is booming:

• Detached Houses: £1 million to £2 million.
• Semi-Detached Houses: £700,000 to £1.5 million.
• Terraced Houses: £600,000 to £1.2 million.
• Flats and Apartments: £300,000 to £800,000.

Rental Demand in Tooting

Tooting has a solid rental market:

• One-bedroom flats: £1,200 to £1,800 per month.
• Two-bedroom flats: £1,600 to £2,400 per month.
• Three-bedroom houses: £2,500 to £3,500 per month.

New Developments in Tooting

Investment in Tooting is on the rise:

• Springfield Place: Apartments and townhouses starting at £430,000.
• 1840: Luxury apartments near Tooting Bec Common.

The Appeal of Balham

What’s It All About?

Peter Sellers once joked about Balham as a “Gateway to the South.” Today, Balham is a buzzing area with families and young professionals enjoying its cafes, bars, parks, and restaurants. With a strong community feel and low council tax rates, Balham is highly attractive to buyers.

Balham Fact File

• Du Cane Court: Survived WWII unscathed, allegedly used as a navigational aid by the Luftwaffe.
• Balham Station Bombing: A WWII bomb caused dramatic scenes when a bus fell into the crater.
• Arthur Smith: The comedian is a long-time resident and self-styled ‘Night Mayor of Balham’.

Architecture and Property in Balham

Balham offers a mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and Arts and Crafts homes. Alfred Heaver’s Heaver estate is known for its Victorian homes.

House Prices in Balham

Balham offers a range of properties:

• Detached Houses: £1.5 million to £3 million.
• Semi-Detached Houses: £900,000 to £2 million.
• Terraced Houses: £800,000 to £1.5 million.
• Flats and Apartments: £400,000 to £1 million.

Best Streets to Live on in Balham

Desirable streets in Balham include:

• Nightingale Lane: Grand villas near Wandsworth Common.
• Heaver Estate: Victorian homes with a strong community.
• Endlesham Road: Grand townhouses.
• Nightingale Square: Conservation area with picturesque homes.
• Balham Park Road: Spacious family homes.

Going Out in Balham

Balham offers a variety of dining and drinking options:

• Eating: The Exhibit (diner, cinema, gallery, bar), Ciullosteria (trattoria), Franco Manca (sourdough pizza), Megan’s on the Hill (Instagram-friendly meals).
• Socialising: Balham Bowls Club (clubhouse with ales), The Devonshire (large garden and BBQ area), Milk (cakes, coffee, good music), Bertie and Boo (child-friendly coffee shop).
• Entertainment: The Bedford (home to Banana Cabaret and the Balham Comedy Festival).

Local Amenities in Balham

Balham is well-equipped with amenities:

• Shops: Chain stores and independent boutiques.
• Markets: Monthly country market and weekly farmers’ market.
• Supermarkets: Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
• Balham Leisure Centre: Swimming pool, gym, and squash courts.
• Balham Library: Activities and reference materials.

Green Spaces in Balham

Green spaces surround Balham:

• Clapham Common: Sports pitches, cafes, music festivals.
• Wandsworth Common: Important nature conservation site.
• Tooting Bec Common: Activities including horse riding and tennis.

Transport in Balham

Balham has excellent transport links:

• Tube: Northern Line to Bank in 20 minutes.
• Rail: Trains to Victoria in 18 minutes.
• Bus: Routes to various parts of London.
• Cycle: Cycle Superhighway 7.
• Airports: Equidistant from Heathrow and Gatwick.

Education in Balham

Balham offers a range of educational options:

• Primary Schools: Henry Cavendish Primary, Telferscot Primary, Holy Ghost Catholic Primary.
• Secondary Schools: Chestnut Grove Academy, La Retraite Roman Catholic School.

Property Market Trends in Balham

Balham’s property market is thriving:

• Detached Houses: £1.5 million to £3 million.
• Semi-Detached Houses: £900,000 to £2 million.
• Terraced Houses: £800,000 to £1.5 million.
• Flats and Apartments: £400,000 to £1 million.

Rental Demand in Balham

Balham’s rental market is robust:

• One-bedroom flats: £1,300 to £2,000 per month.
• Two-bedroom flats: £1,800 to £2,800 per month.
• Three-bedroom houses: £3,000 to £4,000 per month.

New Developments in Balham

Balham continues to attract investment:

• Clapham Quoter: High-specification apartments starting at £875,000.
• Clapham Park: Regeneration project with flats from £515,000.

Conclusion

Tooting and Balham offer exceptional quality of life with their blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and vibrant communities. Whether you’re seeking excellent schools, green spaces, a diverse food scene, or convenient transport links, these areas have everything. Their rich history, eclectic architecture, and welcoming atmospheres make them fantastic places to call home. As Tooting and Balham evolve, they remain unique and exciting parts of London, perfect for families, professionals, and anyone looking to enjoy the best city living with a community feel.

Living in Tooting or Balham means joining communities that value their rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultures. These areas continue to evolve, offering new developments and improved infrastructure while preserving their unique character and charm. Whether you’re relocating for work, seeking a family-friendly environment, or simply looking for a picturesque place to call home, Tooting and Balham offer an ideal mix of urban convenience and serene living.