subject: Area Guide To Living In And Around Wandsworth [print this page] Area Guide To Living In And Around Wandsworth
This small upscale town of Wandsworth is located on the southwest side of London. The name originates from the Wandle River which enters Thames. The town is comprised of Balham, Battersea, Earlsfield, Nine Elms, Putney, Roehampton, Southfields and Tooting. Locals enjoy numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. Cinema and pubs are also popular. Many families or large groups gather at the local bars to watch a rugby game or sporting events.
Property Prices
Property prices have been fluctuating over the past three years. In 2007, the town experienced an increase in price and later a decrease in price in 2008. In 2009, the home prices continued to decrease but not significantly. Experts expect the property prices will level out over the year. Many investors are purchasing repossessed properties as investment opportunities. Some investors manage a huge return on their investment properties.
Victorian houses are available for investment or home buyer opportunities. Edwardian houses are also indicative of the area. Investors find these homes are sound investments, because they retain value due to historical relevance. Many of the homes have several terraces and shops nearby. Near the Thames River, there are several new luxury high-rise apartments with stunning views of the river.
The local council is improving the community and restoring the area near St. John's Hill. Residents enjoy the award winning Fish Club, cafes, restaurants and bars in the area. Wandsworth Common, King George's Park and Wandsworth Park also improve the quality of life in the area by increasing green space.
Guide to Council Tax
Annually, the local council establishes the Council Tax rates for the year. The city has many tax discounts for their residents. For instance, a 25 percent discount may be given if only one person lives on the property. Disabled people also are eligible for a reduced bill.
Council Tax for properties are calculated based upon the value of the property. The taxes also vary based upon the area where the home is located. The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators areas typically require an additional charge beyond the Council and Greater London Authority charge.
Major Attractions
This area is known for its beer brewery. Young & Co.'s Ram Brewery has been producing draught beer on the premises since 1581. During the earlier days, the beer was delivered to local pubs in barrels by drays pulled by shire horses. In 2006, this company merged with Charles Wells of Bedford. A new site is being planned for the brewery, but the residents are not happy to see the brewery leave its home.
Transportation
The Wandsworth Town railway station is one of the main modes of transportation in the town. Many residents use the trains to travel to London Waterloo, Richmond, Ascot, Bracknell and Reading. An extensive bus system is also available as well. For those interested in traveling by vehicle, Trinity Road, A3 and A205 South Circular are some of the major roads of the area.
Crimes
Crimes range from fraud to assault. Compared to the other six surrounding boroughs, the area has the second highest homicide rate.
