Vibrant, Diverse & Proudly Authentic
Tooting isn’t just where I work — it’s home.
I was born and raised here, so I’ve seen it grow from a hidden gem to one of South West London’s most loved neighbourhoods. It’s full of character, community spirit, and that unmistakable mix of old and new that makes London special.
Tooting is really two neighbourhoods in one — Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway — each with its own vibe, lifestyle, and property market. Let’s explore both.
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Tooting Bec:
Calm, Leafy and Community-minded
Tooting Bec has a more relaxed, residential atmosphere — the kind of place where neighbours stop for a chat and you’ll always find a familiar face on your walk to the Common.
The Vibe &
Outdoor Space
It feels a little more “villagey” than Broadway, attracting families, professionals and long-term residents who love its balance of peaceful streets and city connections.
The star of the show is Tooting Bec Common —
a huge green space perfect for running, tennis, dog walks or picnics. It’s also home to the Tooting Bec Lido, one of Europe’s largest outdoor pools — a South London institution.
Homes & Property
You’ll find elegant Victorian and Edwardian houses, many converted into beautiful flats with generous proportions. Prices here tend to be higher than in Tooting Broadway — reflecting the green surroundings, larger homes, and proximity to Wandsworth Common and Balham.
Schools & Transport
Families are drawn to Tooting Bec for its choice of well-rated schools, including Hillbrook Primary, Fircroft and St Anselm's Primary School. Older students have access to nearby Graveney School, one of the best secondary schools in South West London.
Tooting Bec Underground (Northern Line) gets you to the West End in around 20 minutes, and regular buses connect you to Balham, Clapham and Wimbledon.
Shops & Cafés
Tooting Bec’s local high street, Upper Tooting Road (as well as Trinity Road & Balham High Rd), offers a relaxed mix of independent cafés, bakeries and essentials.
Tooting Broadway:
Lively, Diverse &
Full of Character
Just one stop south, Tooting Broadway has a completely different energy — livelier, more urban and packed with independent shops and eateries. It’s the heart of Tooting’s multicultural identity and it’s where you’ll really feel that South London buzz.
The Vibe &
Outdoor Space
It’s fast-paced, colourful and full of life — from the curry houses that have been here for decades to the new bars and street food stalls bringing fresh energy to the area.
While Tooting Broadway is more urban, you’re never far from green space. Springfield Park is the largest new park to open since the 2012 Olympics and this 32-acre green space has been thoughtfully designed. Tooting Bec Common is just a 10-minute walk away.
Homes & Property
Broadway offers a wider range of property types — from period conversions and maisonettes to modern flats and ex-local authority homes. Prices are generally more accessible than Tooting Bec, which makes it a favourite among first-time buyers and investors.
Schools & Transport
Tooting Broadway Underground (Northern Line) connects you to central London in around 25 minutes, and Tooting Station (Thameslink) provides easy links to Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Albans.
Broadway offers plenty of school choices too, including Furzedown and Sellincourt Primary plus Graveney Secondary School - all well-regarded by local families.
Shops, Food & Nightlife
Tooting Broadway is a food lover’s paradise.
You’ve got Tooting Market and Broadway Market both packed with independent traders, vintage stores, wine bars and global street foods.
Elsewhere in the Broadway you'll find a great mix of essentials - from local grocers, coffee shops, fabulous restaurants and chilled out cocktail lounges to supermarkets and fitness studios
Why People Love Tooting
A real sense
of community
Friendly faces, local events and long-standing independent shops.
Diverse & inclusive
People from all walks of life living side by side.
Great value
for money
It comparison to nearby Balham and Clapham.
A brilliant
mix
Everything you could want within walking distance.
Local FAQs
Is Tooting really changing – is it “gentrified” like Brixton?
Tooting has definitely changed over the last 10–15 years – more coffee shops, bars and newer developments – but it’s still held on to a lot of its original character. You’ve still got long-standing curry houses, independent shops and proper old-school spots sitting alongside the newer places. So yes, it’s evolved, but it hasn’t turned into a polished, cookie-cutter high street. It’s still a bit rough-round-the-edges in parts, and that’s exactly what many people love about it.
What’s the vibe in Tooting – who actually lives here?
Tooting has a really mixed, friendly feel. You’ll find young professionals, families, creatives, people who’ve lived here for decades and people who’ve arrived more recently from all over the world. It’s sociable without feeling too try-hard. On a typical weekend you’ll see people heading to the markets, grabbing food around Tooting Broadway, or walking, running or dog-walking across Tooting Bec Common.
What is Tooting best known for?
Tooting is known for its brilliant food scene (especially its South Asian restaurants), Tooting Market / Broadway Market, and of course Tooting Bec Lido and the Common. It also has the Northern Line into central London, so you get that blend of proper neighbourhood feel plus good connections. It’s one of those places that quietly gets under your skin – the longer you spend here, the more you “get” it.