Muddy Stilettos: East Dulwich in London’s best places to live 

East Dulwich has once again been hailed as one of the UK’s best places to live by Muddy Stilettos in their annual Top 300 Places to Live in the UK list for 2025.

Coming in at number four in London after Wandsworth, East Dulwich made the list following two consecutive years of making the list previously, on account of its “buzzy high street,” “desirable houses” and for being a “cultural hotspot”.

East Dulwich made the list on account of its “buzzy high street,” “desirable houses” and for being a “cultural hotspot”.(Image: Emily Davison)

Other south London neighbourhoods of Wandsworth, Wimbledon and Teddington were on the list.

Muddy Stilettos said: “East Dulwich is cool. Not in a graffiti-scrawled, underground clubs and street food way, think more farmers markets, art galleries and notable restaurants.”

The area was praised on account of its leafy charm, with its local parks like Dulwich Park, along with its popular streets like Lordship Lane, with its diverse mix of cafes, restaurants and independent shops.

The area was praised on account of its leafy charm, with its local parks like Dulwich Park(Image: Trevor Moore of Dulwich Park Friends)

But one thing that really makes East Dulwich stand out is its strong art scene, ranging from old to new to contemporary.

One of East Dulwich’s most popular places to visit is Dulwich Picture Gallery, located next to Dulwich Park this historic art gallery is known as one of London’s oldest public galleries first opening in 1817. 

The gallery recently underwent a major £5 million transformation, featuring a new family-focused ArtPlay Pavillion, expanded sculpture garden, and all-day café.

The revamp also includes a multi-use community space, a biodiverse “art forest” with 130 trees, and sustainable upgrades like solar panels and a ground source heat pump.

Dulwich Picture Gallery recently underwent a major £5 million transformation, featuring an expanded sculpture garden.(Image: Graham Turner)

But aside from the Picture Gallery, the neighbourhood is also known for being one of south London’s prominent neighbourhoods to scope out local street art.

Today, you’ll find these striking pieces scattered across the neighbourhood, from Stik’s stick-figure homage in Dulwich Park to Mad C’s emotional mural in the Plough Inn car park, and Conor Harrington’s dramatic “Fightclub” on Spurling Road.

You’ll find striking pieces scattered across the neighbourhood, including Conor Harrington’s dramatic “Fightclub” on Spurling Road.(Image: Emily Davison)

Other must-see spots include Frogley Road, where Catman’s playful “Queen on a Hoverboard” and “Planet of the Grapes” add a vibrant flair to the area’s historic streets.

Lordship Lane is also at the heart of East Dulwich’s thriving food scene, ranging from the Georgian plates at Kartuli and Japanese flavours at Yama Momo which came recommended in the guide.

Lordship Lane is also at the heart of East Dulwich’s thriving food scene.(Image: Emily Davison)

For families, East Dulwich offers a strong appeal on account of its high number of highly rated schools like Harris Primary East Dulwich, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, along with independent schools Dulwich College, JAGS and Alleyn’s being some of the educational facilities in the local area.

But living in East Dulwich could cost you a pretty penny, with the average price for a home fetching at around £800,000 according to Rightmove.

The area is well connected by public transport, with a train to London Bridge from East Dulwich station, along with being well connected by bus.