A solidly suburban area ranging from the well-established (Wandsworth and West Hill) to the recently arrived (Southfields) and the up-and-coming (Earlsfield)

Wandsworth
Wandsworth is a well-established residential area which really came into its own in the eighties when middle-class families moved south across the river in flight from the rising prices of Fulham. The attractions were obvious enough: well-regarded schools, lots of green space, quick and easy access to the City, and a good supply of well-maintained period properties.

The centre of Wandsworth (near Wandsworth Town station) has small Victorian terraces in a popular area (mostly young professionals) known locally as the Tonsleys. To the north is the riverside, now undergoing major changes as new developments spring up on a former industrial hinterland.

The areas bordering Wandsworth Common to the south and east are particularly popular with families seeking larger detached and semi-detached properties. Here you can choose between the grandeur of the exclusive Spencer Park (Wandsworth Common Northside), the sought-after neighbourhood known locally as the 'Toast Rack' (Dorlcote Road, Baskerville Road, Patten Road and environs), or the attractive Victorian cottages to the south which cluster around the shops, galleries, restaurants and wine bars of the burgeoning Bellvue Road.

South of East Hill and west of the common -the streets leading off St Ann's Hill - has mostly good-sized Victorian and Edwardian houses. St Ann's Crescent and the streets which approach the West Side of the common are especially sought-after. Earlsfield begins south of here.

Wandsworth has a good choice of pubs and restaurants, especially around The Tonsleys and on Bellevue Road. Shoppers are unlikely to be inspired by Wandsworth Town Centre, which has the usual high street chains in the unappealling Arndale Centre, but plans are afoot for new developments (to include a multi-screen cinema) which should smarten things up.

Bellevue Road has more interesting specialist shops, while Northcote Road in nearby Battersea (Between Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common) has lots of specialist shops, interesting restaurants and a weekend market selling fruit and vegetables.

With Wandsworth Common close by, Clapham Common to the east and Battersea Park to the north, Wandsworth is well provided with green space. King Georges Park to the west has a health club, squash and tennis courts, playing fields and a sports ground.

Transport facilities include trains to Waterloo from Wandsworth Town, Earlsfield, Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Common.

West Hill
West Hill lies between East Putney and Wandsworth but generally identifies more with the former rather than the latter. Property here includes large detached and semi-detached Victorian and Edwardian houses, 1930s semis, and owner-occupied council properties.

This is a largely residential area attractive to established middle-class families and generally fetches prices on a level with Putney. Transport includes East Putney tube on the District line and Putney Town and Wandsworth Town stations (to Waterloo). Putney or Wandsworth provide life's necessities -shops, pubs, restaurants, leisure facilities.

Earlsfield
Earlsfield, which is fairly neatly bounded by Garrat Lane(W), Burntwood Lane(S) and Trinity Road (E), is not quite as established as Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth but has some attractive streets of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, as well as owner-occupied council properties and purpose-built maisonettes.

The slightly lower prices have proved attractive to families, young professionals and first time buyers, and the market has seen quite alot of movement as people searching for affordable homes are priced out of more sought-after and expensive parts of the borough.

Properties close to the station and green spaces are the most desirable and generally attract a premium. Earslfield looks to Wandsworth for most amenities-green spaces, shops, pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities. Earlsfield station has trains to Waterloo.

Southfields
Solidly suburban and residential, Southfields lies to the west of Earlsfield and is mostly comprised of 3/4 Edwardian houses and 1930s properties. The area has proved particularly popular with young professionals (good conversions and purpose built flats) and young families in search of affordable, good-sized houses.

The most sought-after properties can be found in the corner which is bounded on the east by Elsenham Road, and on the west by Merton Road. Elsenham Road also forms the border with SW19. West of here is a mixed area which ranges form council houses and flats to 1930s houses and larger detached properties. Prices increase as one goes south towards Wimbledon.

As with Earslfield, Southfields looks to nearby areas for most amenities-in this case to Wimbledon, Putney or Wandsworth. Southfields tube is on the District Line; Earslfield station provides a link to Waterloo.

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