Tucked away northwest of central London lies Wembley, an unexpected residential treasure offering affordable housing, a multicultural community, easy transport access, and abundant green spaces. If you’re looking for an underrated area in London with a lot going for it, read on to discover why it deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Affordable Housing Opportunities
London housing prices have soared out of reach for many average-income earners. Shared ownership in Wembley, however, makes it possible to get on the property ladder in this vibrant neighbourhood. Schemes like shared ownership allow you to buy a portion of a home outright and pay subsidised rent on the remaining share. This opens the door to home ownership without requiring a substantial deposit or mortgage.
Over the past decade, numerous residential developments have popped up across Wembley. From sleek high-rise apartment buildings to houses and bungalows, these new builds cater to a range of buyers. Whether you’re a single first-time buyer or a family needing more space, Wembley housing is available and affordable.
A True Melting Pot of Cultures
From its world-famous stadium to its diverse inhabitants, Wembley wears its multiculturalism proudly. Walk down the High Road and you’ll hear a mosaic of languages as you pass Middle Eastern supermarkets, Indian sari shops, Eastern European cafes, and more.
- Over 220 languages are spoken across Brent borough, including Wembley
- 51% of households speak a main language other than English
- Large Indian, Polish, Somali, English, Sri Lankan, and Irish communities
Far from feeling segregated, the various cultural groups live harmoniously together, celebrating special events like Diwali on the streets as a collective community. The openness and eclectic mix of people creates a vibrant atmosphere.
Well Connected Across London
If Wembley itself doesn’t have everything you need entertainment-wise, central London is only minutes away.
Wembley has three train stations providing regular services into the city:
- Wembley Central
- Wembley Stadium
- North Wembley
Key journey times include:
- 10 minutes to London Marylebone
- 15 minutes to London Euston
- 20 minutes to London Bridge
For those who prefer buses, Wembley is on multiple day and 24-hour routes directly linking all corners of London. And for drivers, proximity to the A406, A404, and A40 means straightforward car access wherever you need to go.
Abundant Green Spaces
Between its two large parks, outdoor markets, and the River Brent meandering through, open green spaces bless Wembley.
Popular green spots include:
- Wembley Park – large park with woodland walks, a playground, and skate park
- Barn Hill Open Space – beloved community park with tennis courts and football pitches
- West Hendon Playing Fields – riverside parkland with football, rugby, and running tracks
- Wembley Market – hosts fruit and vegetable stalls plus international food vendors outdoors
When city life feels crowded, it’s always easy to escape into nature and breathe fresh air in Wembley.
Amenities and Entertainment at Your Doorstep
Despite Wembley’s peaceful, residential vibe, the amenities of a bustling urban area overflow here.
- The London Designer Outlet packs over 200 discount retail stores into an outdoor mall just minutes from Wembley Park tube station.
- The Wembley Arena and Wembley Stadium host concerts and sporting events year-round, from local football matches to global superstars’ live shows.
- For evening entertainment, pubs, bars, and internationally diverse restaurants line the streets, especially along the High Road.
- Families appreciate kid-friendly attractions like Wembley Park’s Play Island, Mini Golf, and Go Ape Adventure.
- The Cineworld Cinema and London Bowling alley offer fun without travelling far.
I could go on about Wembley’s strengths, from its convenient shopping to healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and excellent schools. Whether you prioritise affordability, culture, transport, nature, or nearby excitements, this North West London suburb checks every box.
For an understated area that outpunches its small size, look no further than Wembley. With so much growth in recent years and the diverse community going strong, Wembley’s appeal and potential continue reaching new heights.
Thriving Local Economy and Job Opportunities
In addition to convenient transport links into central London for work, the area itself hosts a thriving local economy. Significant development and investment in recent years have created an abundance of jobs across various sectors right in the heart of Wembley.
The huge new Wembley Stadium is the crowning jewel of regeneration efforts and now employs over 3,000 people in event logistics roles. The London Designer Outlet, Arena, and other entertainment venues also provide ample retail and hospitality positions.
For office jobs, newly constructed complexes house international company headquarters like Quintain and Gravity Road. Startups and small businesses are also choosing modern shared workspaces in Wembley Park for affordable rents.
There are also jobs meeting local community needs across education, healthcare, council services, construction, trade services, and more. Major local employers include:
- Brent Council
- Central Middlesex Hospital
- Ark Schools
- Morgan Sindall construction
Whether you want to launch a startup or build an executive career, Wembley offers opportunity. And the ability to potentially walk or take quick transit to work is an attractive perk over commuting across London.
Top Notch Education
As families grow, education understandably becomes a priority in choosing where to settle down. The borough of Brent manages a respectable education system with demonstrable improvements year over year.
Over 87% of early years providers and schools in Brent are now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. For nurseries and primary schools, Wembley hosts esteemed options like:
- Ark Franklin Primary Academy
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary
- Fram’s Wembley Nursery
Wembley students then progress to well-regarded secondary schools that achieve strong GCSE, BTEC, and A Level results:
- JFS School
- Preston Manor School
- Kingsbury High School
Further education is also accessible for older teens and adult learners needing advanced qualifications to attain jobs. Brent’s College of North West London has a Wembley Centre location providing vocational courses alongside apprenticeships.
With improving schools and accessible higher education right in the area, families can rest assured the next generation will receive the training they need to excel.
Final Takeaways
In summary, Wembley’s affordable new build housing, culturally diverse community, convenient transport and amenities, abundant green spaces, thriving economy, and educational opportunities make it an ideal choice if seeking a London home.
The area strikes an elusive balance of urban convenience and tranquil neighbourhood vibes. As Londoners discover these charms, Wembley establishes itself as a rising star suburb worthy of attention.