Balham, Streatham and Tooting Location Guide

At a glance

These neighbouring South London areas suit students and young professionals who want good transport links, a lively local neighbourhood and better value than central London. Expect busy high streets, a residential community feel, international food options and plenty of green space.

• Area type: residential streets with busy high streets and everyday amenities
• Typical zone: Zone 3 (exact journey depends on the address and station)
• Transport: Northern line (Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway) plus National Rail (Balham and Streatham stations, depending on location)
• Commute style: often straightforward into central London, but journey times vary by exact location, route and time of day

Local character and safety

Balham, Streatham and Tooting are established residential neighbourhoods with a mix of families, professionals and students. They’re known for a community feel, good everyday amenities and strong transport links into central London.

Like any large city, it’s sensible to take normal precautions:

• Keep valuables secure, especially in busy areas and on public transport
• Use well‑lit main roads if you’re walking in the evening
• If you’re travelling late, plan your route and stay aware of your surroundings

For detailed local statistics, you can also check official police crime mapping tools.

Local highlights

If you like having local places to explore on foot or by a short bus/Tube trip, these are well‑known nearby highlights:

• Hildreth Street Market (Balham)
• Tooting Market (Tooting)
• Tooting Bec Common
• Tooting Bec Lido (outdoor swimming)
• Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre (ice skating, swimming and gym facilities)

Who this area tends to suit

These areas suit you if you:

• Want a balance of transport convenience and value
• Prefer areas with local shops, supermarkets and places to eat nearby
• Are studying or working in central London, South London, or along Northern line and common rail routes

If you have very early starts, late finishes, or specific access needs, please tell us in your application so we can advise on the best match.

Balham, Streatham & Tooting — House prices (guide only)

Flats/apartments: approx. £360k–£790k (around +90% to +310% vs the UK average flat).

Family homes (terraced/semi): approx. £740k–£1.40m (around +180% to +440% vs the UK average terraced/semi).

London context: Balham is typically the priciest; Streatham and Tooting often offer slightly better value while staying well connected.

Transport and commuting

Depending on your exact address, you’ll usually be within reach of:

Northern line stations (Balham, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway)

National Rail services (including Balham and Streatham stations, depending on location)

Frequent bus routes connecting to nearby areas and stations

Example train times (station‑to‑station, off‑peak, as a guide):

Balham → Waterloo (Northern line): about 14 minutes

Balham → London Bridge (Northern line, via Bank): about 17 minutes

Balham → Victoria (National Rail): about 12–13 minutes

Streatham Common → Victoria (National Rail): about 18–20 minutes

Times vary by service and time of day. Peak travel can be slower.

Common student destinations on these routes include Bank, Waterloo, London Bridge, King’s Cross St Pancras and the West End.

Tip: When you apply, include your school/work postcode (UK ‘zip code’) or nearest station. We’ll check practical routes from the host address. You can also use the TfL Journey Planner for current travel times.

Food and social life

This part of South London has a mix of independent cafés and restaurants, local takeaways, and familiar high‑street options.

A simple guide to the three areas:

Tooting: known for a lively high street, South Asian restaurants and grocery shops, plus Tooting Market.

Balham: cafés and pubs around the station, with a mix of local places and well‑known chains.

Streatham: a long high street with practical everyday options and budget‑friendly places to eat.

For bigger nights out and tourist attractions, central London is usually an easy trip on public transport.

Parks and leisure

Green space is a big draw for many students living in this area. The local highlights listed above give a good sense of what’s nearby.

You’ll also find everyday leisure options such as gyms and swimming facilities, depending on your exact location.

Things to consider

• Peak‑time travel can be busy on popular routes.
• If you need step‑free access, tell us — some stations and homes have stairs.
• If you are sensitive to noise, let us know (homes closer to main roads or high streets can be noisier).

How to help us match you well

When you apply, please include:

• Your school/work address (or nearest station)
• Your typical start and finish times
• Your preferred homestay category (Executive, Superior or Standard)
• Your meal plan choice (self-catering, bed & breakfast or half board)

We’ll use this information to select suitable available options. We can’t guarantee a specific street or neighbourhood, but we will prioritise commute practicality and your key requirements.

Quick questions

Is this area safe?

These are established residential neighbourhoods and many students feel comfortable living here. As with any part of London, follow normal city precautions (secure valuables, use well‑lit routes at night, and plan your journey if travelling late).

What is the area like day to day?

Expect busy local high streets with supermarkets, pharmacies and shops, plus cafés, takeaways and restaurants. Many students like the mix of practical convenience and green space.

How long is the commute to central London?

Train times vary by exact address and destination. As a guide (station‑to‑station, off‑peak): Balham → Waterloo is about 14 minutes, Balham → London Bridge about 17 minutes, and Balham → Victoria about 12–13 minutes. From Streatham Common to Victoria is about 18–20 minutes. Peak travel can be slower.

Useful links

If you know your dates and your school or work location, you can apply for a homestay online. We usually respond within one to two working days.