Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 10 Reasons Why Working in South London Is Great

They've already given us the greatness that is David Bowie and the worlds biggest tennis tournament, but what else does South London have to offer as a place to live and work? Let's find out...

1. Some of the top companies are located in South London

There are numerous top companies providing jobs in South London, particularly with Croydon fast turning into a tech haven. Croydon has recently been labelled 'South London's Silicon Valley' as, alongside established companies like Dotmailer, there are numerous start-ups like Quid Cycle and The Croydon Citizen as well as software-testing labs MagenTys.

And that's just Croydon! Other notable companies like The Academy Music Group and youth marketing agency Livity are situated in Brixton. Southwark is also home to everything from the profitable gaming developers Ash Gaming to The Financial Times, social care company The Lifeways Group and price comparison gurus uSwitch, while Lewisham houses residential developers L&Q.

2. Easy travel

With an integrated travel system in and around the city, there's no shortage of travel options to get you where you need to be, whether you're travelling on the bus, overground or tube. London's tubes shouldn't leave you waiting for more than a few minutes, providing there are no issues.

If you love a European city break, London is the place for you. With a number of airports serving the city, including Heathrow - one of the busiest airports in the world - you're spoilt for choice where cheap travel is concerned. You can fly absolutely anywhere from London.

As well as a vast choice of airports, you also have Kings Cross St Pancras not too far away which offers rail services to the likes of Belgium and Paris, as well as to the rest of the UK.

3. Commute in style

London is famous for its bright red double decker buses, black taxis and underground system. However, commuting around the city is all too often a hassle. Except in Greenwich, where you can travel in style. You can choose to take the DLR or catch a Thames Clipper, all with the touch of an Oyster Card. Now that's pretty swish.

4. Nightlife

During the summer months, it's essential that you visit Frank's Cafe in Peckham. It's situated on top of a multi-storey car park so it offers a fantastic view of London for an evening drink.

The best night out in South London has to belong to the O2 Academy in Brixton, which attracts performances by the likes of everyone from Chase and Status, The Script and Rag 'n' Bone Man to Russell Brand, week in, week out.

5. Star gazing

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is home to the historic Prime Meridian of the World. It is the only place where you're able to physically stand on the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and be in two hemispheres at once. Greenwich is also home to London's only working planetarium. The telescopes are so powerful that you're able to see through the light pollution of the city and into the solar system. There is also the odd night when it's free to visit the observatory. If you're looking for something extraordinary, look no further.

6. Step up

Where better to stretch your legs than somewhere with sweeping views over London? Greenwich Park is the oldest of London's eight royal parks. Perched on the very top of a hill, it looks over the city skyline as far as St Paul's Cathedral, and also covers 183 acres of land - that's sure to raise your step coun!

7. Shopping in Greenwich

Shopping in South London is dominated by two markets; Greenwich Market and Clocktower Market. It also offers some interesting independent shops with great antique boutiques and bric-a-brac shops in particular.

Greenwich Market - For crafters, fashionistas and foodies alike, Greenwich Market is the place to be. In fact, Greenwich has always prided itself on its crafty heritage. So it's no surprise that the market there is home to art, unique antiques and jewellery shops.

This market is very much adored by South London's residents, and the busy atmosphere along with its array of stall and independent shops run by talented and artsy people make this market very unique.

Clocktower Market - Open every weekend and on bank holidays, the Clocktower market offers quirky stalls selling all sorts, from jewellery to crafts, bric-a-brac and antiques. As well as those, all of the local attractions have their own little gift shops to pick up reminders and memoirs of your trip to South London.

8. Lights, camera, action

London has many claims to fame, but it's often difficult here to use whole sets or film large scenes. However, that's a different story in Greenwich. Parts of the film The Duchess were filmed in the uni, and the barricade scenes from Les Miserables were filmed near to the Old Royal Naval College, the home of the Greenwich Campus. So make sure you're always looking camera ready when you're in this area.

9 & 10. Anything else?

South London's biggest event only takes place once a year, but should you be able to secure yourself a ticket, Wimbledon remains one of South London's most beloved and popular activities.

Failing that, a walk around the splendid Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew on a perfect day might just rival it.

In short, South London is a fantastically vibrant, exciting, diverse area in which to live and work and it has a real buzz to it and its neighbourhoods have a lovely community feel. This is why it appeals to younger people, couples, students and families alike.