Living in Fulham

Fulham is a residential district of long, straight streets of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses stretching from Earl's Court down to the Thames. It has long been popular with young professionals, particularly from finance, law and consultancy, and with families, and its high streets reflect that: gastropubs, gyms, brunch cafés, boutiques and restaurants along Fulham Road, New King's Road and Munster Road.

Two football clubs play here. Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, is at the eastern edge near Fulham Broadway, and Craven Cottage, Fulham FC's riverside ground, is next to Bishop's Park; match days bring large crowds, busy pubs and heavy traffic. Fulham Palace, the former country residence of the Bishops of London, sits beside Bishop's Park with its walled garden and museum, and the river path runs along the edge.

Parsons Green, a small triangular green surrounded by pubs and shops, is one of Fulham's social hubs, and South Park offers sports and open space. Towards Sands End, the riverside has been redeveloped with new apartment buildings around Imperial Wharf, which has its own Overground station. The Hurlingham Club, a private sports club with large grounds, occupies a stretch of the river.

The District line's Wimbledon branch has three stations — Fulham Broadway, Parsons Green and Putney Bridge — with trains to Earl's Court, Victoria, Westminster and the City, but journeys can be slow and the line is crowded at peak times. There is no Central, Jubilee or Northern line access nearby, and many residents use buses along Fulham Road and King's Road or cycle. Rents are high but generally below Chelsea. Fulham suits sociable professionals and young families who want period houses, pubs and river walks in a polished neighbourhood.