Hackney’s turnaround
Not too long ago, Hackney had a serious image problem. The area had a reputation for violent crime, with the stretch between Upper and Lower Clapton even earning the nickname ‘murder mile’. Drug abuse was rampant, and the area struggled with poverty and neglect.
20 years and billions of pounds in housing, infrastructure, and social programme investment later, Hackney has evolved into a cultural hotspot filled with independently owned cafes, art galleries, markets, and more, transforming it into one of East London’s most desirable places to live.
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Hackney overview
Today, Hackney is a vibrant East London borough that attracts young professionals, creatives, and families alike. The area has a rich cultural scene, green spaces, and convenient public transport links to the rest of London and beyond.
Hackney is also home to a large and growing number of independent businesses—from trendy, artisanal bakeries to boutique shops, galleries, and more—and with more artists per square mile than anywhere in Europe, it truly is a one-of-a-kind creative hub.
Whether moving your family to Hackney and prioritising reputable schools or considering the area as a cool work-from-home base, Hackney has it all.
Dining out in Hackney
With cultures from all corners of the earth represented, dining out in Hackney is a rich, rewarding, and unique experience. From authentic Asian cuisine to African and Latin-American fare, plus everything in between, foodies have their work cut out for them in Hackney.
Some of our favourite eateries in Hackney include Morito, a trendy restaurant serving Spanish and North African tapas and mezze; Violet Cakes, a California-style bakery well-known for its second-to-none baked goods; and Little Duck The Picklery, a classy modern European restaurant with incredible seasonal dishes and an extensive organic wine list.
This list could go on forever. If you’re an adventurous eater, do yourself a favour and spend some time exploring Hackney’s dining offerings yourself.
Schools in Hackney
Hackney’s schools are good. This isn’t our subjective opinion, but the Ofsted rating awarded to the majority of primary schools in Hackney.
Parents in Hackney have more than their fair share of reputable schools to choose from, including both good and outstanding-rated options spread out across the borough.
The area also features specialist and special needs schools, faith schools, nurseries, and vocational training institutes, giving families a wide selection of educational paths to suit different needs and preferences.
Some of the best-regarded schools in Hackney include:
- Mossbourne Community Academy: Offers a wide range of A-Levels, as well as BTECs and other vocational qualifications.
- Clapton Girls’ Academy: Provides A-Levels and level 3 BTECs.
- The City Academy, Hackney: Offers A-Levels and level 3 BTECs.
Going out in Hackney
Hackney’s nightlife scene and vast selection of entertainment options are two of the main driving forces behind its growing popularity. If you’re bored in Hackney, you’re experiencing it wrong.
From side-splitting comedy at Hackney Empire, a recently renovated local landmark with a 125-year history, to sipping designer cocktails at one of Hackney’s many quirky rooftop bars, there really is something for every mood and moment. If you’re on the fence about moving to Hackney, spend some time exploring the area by yourself, with a loved one, or as a group. Hackney’s nightlife scene is good at getting people off the fence and into somewhere cosy.
Even if bars or after-hours entertainment aren’t your thing, don’t worry about it too much! Hackney’s Broadway and Netil Markets, a massive and popular street market open each Saturday and a smaller, more creative and independent business-focused market, respectively, offer the perfect day out filled with amazing foods, original crafts, and thrift buying options.
Green spaces in Hackney
Considering Hackney’s relatively close proximity to central London, the area is surprisingly green, offering residents the chance to enjoy grass underfoot without too much trouble.
Featuring 58 parks for a total of 282 hectares, as well as Europe’s greatest concentration of football fields at Hackney Marshes, it’s fair to say that Hackney does a good job of balancing urban life with access to green spaces.
Victoria Park, or ‘People’s Park’ as it’s also known, is a local favourite and features lakes, cafes, playgrounds, football pitches, a running track, and more. Other top choices for spending time outside include London Fields, Clissold Park, Haggerston Park, and Woodberry Wetlands nature reserve.
Wrapping it all up
Hackney has this habit of defying expectations. It’s safer than you think. It’s greener and prettier than you think. There’s more to do than you think, and the quality of life here is better than you think.
For expert advice on the properties for sale in Hackney, or to learn more about the area from local experts, reach out to the sales team at Assure Move today. We’re on standby and ready to help you make the move to one of London’s most underrated gems—Hackney.
Our featured properties in Hackney
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For Sale
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For Sale