The Best London Boroughs for Creatives: Where to Live, Work, and Get Inspired

Islington Tops the List, But Hackney and Westminster Aren’t Far Behind

London is an ever-evolving hub of creativity, bursting with opportunities for artists, designers, musicians, and performers. But not all boroughs are created equal. Whether you’re looking for a place to study, work, or simply soak up creative inspiration, some parts of the city have more to offer than others.

To make life easier, The Stay Club has created a Creative Borough Index, ranking the best places in London for creatives. The study analyses data from Yelp, Yell, and Indeed, considering factors like art schools, creative job availability, and cultural attractions.

The results are in, and Islington takes the top spot. But Hackney, Westminster, and Tower Hamlets also put up a good fight. Let’s break down the rankings and see which boroughs are best for creatives.

Islington: The Undisputed Creative Capital

Scoring an impressive 91 out of 96, Islington is officially the best borough in London for creatives. With 44 art schools, 1,043 creative job opportunities, and 312 cultural attractions, it’s no surprise this North London hotspot claims the crown.

The area’s proximity to university campuses makes it ideal for students and emerging artists. Plus, with renowned galleries, buzzing theatres, and co-working spaces, it’s a dream location for anyone looking to build a creative career.

Hackney: East London’s Creative Powerhouse

Coming in at a close second place with 90 points, Hackney is a well-known mecca for creatives. This borough is packed with 266 cultural attractions and 1,061 creative jobs, making it a vibrant playground for artists, musicians, and designers.

Hackney’s reputation as a hotspot for indie businesses, innovative studios, and experimental art spaces makes it one of the most exciting places in London right now. If you’re after a mix of underground culture and professional opportunity, this is the place to be.

Westminster: A Classic Choice with a Creative Twist

In third place with 89 points, Westminster blends rich history with cutting-edge creativity. This borough is home to 38 art schools and 333 cultural attractions, more than anywhere else in London.

It may be best known for its iconic landmarks, but Westminster’s thriving arts scene includes everything from world-class museums to boundary-pushing performance venues. Plus, if you’re looking to network, you’re more likely to bump into industry bigwigs here than anywhere else.

Tower Hamlets & Southwark: The Creative Underdogs

Both Tower Hamlets (85 points) and Southwark (82 points) are quickly becoming go-to destinations for creatives. Tower Hamlets boasts 1,034 creative job opportunities, while Southwark edges ahead with 1,175.

While these boroughs may not have as many art schools as their rivals, their strong job markets and buzzing arts scenes make them attractive alternatives for creative professionals looking for opportunities outside of traditional hotspots.

Wandsworth vs Haringey: The Unexpected Contenders

Wandsworth and Haringey tie in sixth place with 79 points each. Wandsworth offers 15 art schools and a growing creative community, while Haringey impresses with 1,187 creative job opportunities—the highest number in the top 10.

Both boroughs are developing rapidly, and creatives are taking notice. Whether you’re into film, fashion, or music, these areas provide exciting opportunities for networking, collaboration, and career growth.

Camden: A Legendary Creative Playground

It’s no shock that Camden (76 points) makes the list. This legendary borough has always been a cultural powerhouse, with over 1,000 creative job opportunities and an ever-expanding arts and music scene.

Although Camden has fewer art schools than other top-ranking boroughs, its 53 museums and galleries ensure there’s always inspiration around every corner.

Lambeth, Waltham Forest, and Lewisham: Rising Stars

Lambeth and Waltham Forest tie in eighth place with 71 points each. They may not have the highest number of art schools, but their booming creative job markets and cultural attractions make them strong contenders.

Meanwhile, Lewisham (69 points) might not be the first place creatives think of, but its affordable rents and expanding arts scene are putting it on the map.

Richmond Upon Thames: A Surprising Finalist

Rounding off the top 10, Richmond Upon Thames scores 60 points. Despite having the fewest art schools, the borough compensates with 144 creative job opportunities and 245 cultural attractions.

If you like your creativity served with a side of scenic views, Richmond’s riverside charm and historic venues might be exactly what you need.

Why London is a Creative Capital

According to Helen Thomas, spokesperson at The Stay Club, London continues to be one of the most inspiring cities for creatives:

“London is renowned as a thriving hub for creatives, with boroughs like Islington, Hackney, and Westminster home to numerous opportunities for artistic enthusiasts. These 10 boroughs lead the way with career prospects and cultural attractions for aspiring creatives and solidify London’s status as a world-renowned cultural capital and a highly creative city.”

If you’re a creative looking for the best places to live, study, or work in London, these rankings give a solid guide to where the magic happens.

Check out The Stay Club’s student accommodation and co-living spaces for creatives looking to make the most of London’s vibrant arts scene.