Living in Dalston: Local Neighbourhood Guide

Dalston is one of those areas that provides a perfect answer to the question, “Why would anyone want to live in London?”.

It's bursting with culture, leisure facilities, green spaces, world-class restaurants and cafes, and vintage shops.

Immigration from the West Indies, Eastern Europe, and Vietnam during the 19th century means Dalston has an extremely rich and diverse heritage. If you can think of a cuisine, you can find it in Dalston.

The architecture is mixed. Most houses are Victorian, Georgian, or modern. It’s largely low-rise, giving you a break from the towering and sometimes oppressive feel of central London living. 

Who lives in Dalston?

If you’re a student or young professional, you’ll be in good company. The area is super attractive to those wanting good nightlife, cool cafes to study in, and a less corporate shopping experience.

It’s also a popular area with young families. It’s ideal for those wanting to step outside the centre into a greener life with a more villagey feel. Plus the comprehensive schools are excellent.

How much is it to rent in Dalston?

The cost of living is a little higher than the London average.

You can expect to pay an average of £554 in rent per week, or £2,216 per month.

To put things in perspective, it is slightly cheaper than the wider borough. Average rents across Hackney are £580 per week, or £2,320 per month.

As is the case with all of London, it's cheaper to rent within a house share. You won’t struggle to find a room in a shared house between £800 and £1,100 per month.

How long is the commute from Dalston?

The Overground and District lines will get you into the City in 24 minutes. A bus ride with a view only takes an extra 6 minutes. Walk it in just under an hour, or cycle in 22 minutes.

Those same lines will get you into central London in 37 minutes, or 56 minutes by bus. You could also cycle it in half an hour.

What's the food like in Dalston?

The food and farmers’ markets and independent delis lend a real authenticity to the area. It’s a dream for keen cooks and hosts. You’ll have fresh, high quality, and extremely diverse produce on your doorstep.

It’s a welcome break from corporate supermarkets and restaurant chains.  

Dalston delivers cuisine from every corner of the globe. You can get Japanese at Jidori, Vietnamese at BúnBúnBún, Mexican at Del74, and vegan Ethiopian at Andu. 

Vegans will never feel left out (although meat eaters might). Dalston is super progressive when it comes to diet, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a place without vegan or vegetarian options. 

Harvest on Kingsland High Street even sells vegan beauty products alongside vegan cakes and quiches.

If you're more of a pub person, The Railway Tavern uses only organic flour and locally sourced ingredients for their sustainable pizzas. The De Beauvoir Arms does some cracking Mediterranean food alongside the beers and wines.

Where can I work out in Dalston?

Thanks to its boxing heritage, East London has all the good old fashioned muscle gyms you'd expect. Legends has 90 stations of strength training equipment (and it’s cheap too). Muscle Works and Blok have similar iron-pumping vibes.

For something a little less intense, try Energie down the road in Hackney Central, The Bay Health Club in Stoke Newington, or classes at London Fields Fitness Studio.

Is Dalston the place for me?

One of the best things about Dalston is that it’s unlikely to lose its charm anytime soon. Major housing developments are often met with locals banding together to protest. A big land sell-off near Ashwin Street was recently blocked, and the area was preserved as a community garden and event space.

Of course, the flipside is that rental prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon. Without new housing stock, the properties available remain in extremely high demand. Rooms and rentals move quick, so come prepared with a deposit and a clear timeline.

If it’s a true London experience you’re looking for, Dalston will never disappoint.