Moving to… Hackney Wick

If you’ve ever wanted to live somewhere that feels like an indie music video crossed with an urban planning experiment, Hackney Wick might just be your spiritual home. Tucked neatly between Stratford’s Olympic excess and the hipster haven of London Fields, it’s where graffiti meets gastropubs, and everyone seems to own a bicycle that costs more than your car.

First impressions

Hackney Wick is a patchwork of contradictions. On one hand, it’s all about edgy creativity – think abandoned warehouses turned artist studios. On the other, it’s teetering on the brink of “fully gentrified,” with riverside apartments sprouting faster than you can say “artisan bakery.” The vibe is unapologetically urban, but there’s a softness to it too, thanks to the waterways crisscrossing the area.

What strikes you first is the mix: one minute, you’re dodging a group of fixie-riding hipsters on the towpath; the next, you’re marvelling at a pensioner tending their canal boat garden.

The highlights

Hackney Wick’s pièce de résistance is its canalside charm. The River Lea and its network of tributaries are practically begging you to take a leisurely stroll – or at least a strategically posed Instagram shot. Along the way, you’ll pass breweries, street food vendors, and enough industrial-chic furniture to furnish a Pinterest board.

Foodies, rejoice! From Crate Brewery’s legendary pizzas to Howling Hops’ tank-fresh beers, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your refined yet ravenous tastes. And if you’re feeling fancy, there’s always Cornerstone, a seafood haven that’ll make you reconsider your life choices (and your overdraft limit).

For greenery, Hackney Wick punches well above its weight. Victoria Park, London’s oldest public park, is just a short hop away, with its glorious lakes, open spaces, and packed calendar of festivals. And let’s not forget Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – whether you’re scaling the ArcelorMittal Orbit or just soaking up the scenery, it’s a breath of fresh air in every sense.

The quirks

Hackney Wick is not without its challenges. For one, public transport is… quirky. The Overground station will get you to Stratford or Highbury & Islington in a jiffy, but try venturing further afield, and you’ll be shaking your fist at a missed train every 15 minutes. And then there’s the housing. Fancy a warehouse flat with exposed brick? That’ll cost you. Want a garden? Dream on.

But the real adjustment is psychological. Living in Hackney Wick means embracing its peculiar form of cool, even if it occasionally borders on the absurd. You’ll find yourself discussing the merits of biodynamic wine at a dinner party and genuinely caring about whether your tote bag is ethically sourced.

Accessibility and education

For families, Hackney Wick might surprise you. While it doesn’t scream “child-friendly,” its proximity to Victoria Park and Olympic Park’s play areas makes it more appealing than you’d expect. Plus, it’s home to Mossbourne Riverside Academy, a standout primary school that has families putting down roots faster than you can say “catchment area.”

As for getting around, the Overground station is the main lifeline, though nearby Stratford offers excellent transport links if you don’t mind a brisk walk or short cycle.

Who’s moving in?

Hackney Wick attracts a diverse crowd, though everyone seems to share a few key traits: an appreciation for craft beer, a carefully curated wardrobe, and a fondness for the word “curated.” You’ve got your artists and musicians, of course, but they’re now joined by tech entrepreneurs, young families, and professionals who can’t quite afford Shoreditch.

Old-school East Enders still hold their ground, adding a much-needed dose of reality to an otherwise highly stylised neighbourhood.

The verdict

Hackney Wick is not a place for the faint-hearted or the faint-walleted. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a wildly rewarding spot to call home. You’ll be part of a community that’s dynamic, creative, and just a little bit bonkers.

So, pack your tote bag, dust off your sourdough starter, and prepare to embrace the Wick life. Just don’t forget your bike lock – this is still East London, after all.

This article is the first of a series I hope to write on the many great areas of London. It is unashamedly a homage to the great series in the Guardian Let Move to.