Continuing our journey around London we now bring to you our Southall area guide. We detail transport links, demographics, crime rates, things to do and property prices.
If at any stage you want to skip to a particular area of this article feel free via the following links.
Table of Contents
- Transport Links
- Demographics
- Southall Area Guide – Crime
- Southall Area Guide – Property Prices
- Things to do in Southall
- Summary – Southall Area Guide
Transport Links
Southall is well-connected to the rest of London by public transport.
It has its own railway station, which is served by trains to and from London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.
The crown in the areas public transport links is the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail). This incredibly smooth, fast and reliable line can whizz it’s passengers across London unlike any other.
Depending on which train you catch you can get to Liverpool Street in 24 minutes and Paddington in 13 minutes.
Southall train station is in Zone 4.
Southall is also served by a number of bus routes.
Demographics
Southall is one of the most diverse communities in the UK.
It has a population that is made up of people from all over the world. The majority of the population is Asian or Asian British. It has huge Sikh and Muslim communities.
Other ethnic groups represented in Southall include White British, Black British, and Mixed/multiple ethnic groups.
According to the 2011 census a whopping 83% of residents are from Asian communities. The Asian influence is felt from the moment you step off the train.
There are bustling street markets, Gurdwara’s a plenty and various shops catering to Asian dress and culture.
Southall Area Guide – Crime
According to the Metropolitan Police Service, the crime rate in Southall is higher than the average for London.
The crime rate per 1,000 people is currently 188 crimes. This compares to the Ealing Borough average of 85 crimes and the London average of 105 crimes.
With that said, the crime rate in Southall is comparable to, if not lower than some other comparable areas.
For context the crime rate in Hounslow is 199 crimes per 1,000 people.
Ultimately it would be wrong to dismiss the risk of crime in the area but we found the people friendly and welcoming.
If visitors are sensible and careful with their belongings we’re sure you will have a pleasant experience.
Southall Area Guide – Property Prices
Depending on your view, one drawing factor for Southall would be the reasonable property prices.
The average price of a property in Southall is £452,077. This is considerably lower than the average price of a property in London, which is £726,000.
If you take the fact that you can be in Paddington in 13 minutes, this makes Southall an appealing commuter area.
Property prices in Southall have been rising steadily in recent years, with the opening of the Elizabeth line contributing.
In the year ending August 2023, property prices in Southall rose by 8%.
Things to do in Southall
We have explored the area and come up with the below options for you to consider.
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
One of the dominant features of Southall is the presence of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Saba.
This is one of the largest Sikh places of worship in the UK and a popular site. They hold various celebrations and events plus are welcoming to those outside their faith.
Southall Park
This small to medium sized park is located in the heart of Southall and is a popular spot for locals to gather.
The park is set back just away from the hussle and bustle of the main shopping area.
It is a nice place to sit and have a picnic, play with children or just watch the world go by.
Southall Park has a playground, a bandstand, and a rose garden.
Grand Union Canal and Docks
The sizable Grand Union canal runs through Southall and is a popular spot for locals and tourists.
It can be enjoyed for walks, bike rides and boating.
The Hanwell Flight Of Locks is an attraction within an attraction.
This series of locks forms part of the Grand Union Canal and is a popular spot for watching boats pass through.
The Wok & Karahi
It would be impossible to not make mention of at least one of the fabulous restaurants in the area.
There are all types of cuisines to choose from with as you can appreciate a heavy lean towards Asian foods.
The Wok & Karahi is a firm area favourite due to its delicious tastes and wide menu.
Whereas the majority of the restaurants in the area focus on one type of dish, The Wok and Karahi combines two Asian influences.
With the clue being in the name, you can order either classical Indian/Bengali food, or dishes from the Far East (Chinese).
The food is always fresh and delicious, with the staff being super friendly and helpful.
If you are in the area we wholeheartedly recommend you give it a try.
Summary – Southall Area Guide
Southall is a vibrant and diverse community with a lot to offer its residents. It is a good place to live for people who are looking for a community with a strong sense of identity and a variety of amenities.
With the ability to get into Central London in 20 minutes and affordable property, it’s no wonder that it is a popular commuter area.
However, it is important to be aware of the higher crime rate in Southall, compared to some of its surrounding areas.
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the area;
Pros
Diversity
Southall is a very diverse community, with people from all over the world living side by side. This gives the area a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
Affordability
Southall is relatively affordable to live in, compared to other parts of London. For those looking to get on the property ladder who work in Central London it makes a lot of sense.
Amenities
Southall has a good range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, schools, and parks.
The shopping area has a distinctively Asian feel with shops staying open late into the evening.
Public Transport
Southall is well-connected to the rest of London by public transport.
It has its own railway station, which is served by Crossrail trains to and from London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.
Cons
Crime
Despite the efforts of local police, Southall has a higher crime rate than the average for London.
Pollution
Southall is densely populated and located near the M4 motorway, which can lead to high levels of air pollution.
Congestion
Southall can be quite congested, especially during rush hour. During our visit we found a number of junctions and roads gridlocked.
Lack Of Green Space
Although there are some parks available, Southall does not have as much green space as some other parts of London.
