Forum

West London - UK

Moving to (West London) - UK

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. South Asian Community

• Indian: Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, and Sikh communities are predominant.
• Pakistani: Primarily Mirpuri and Punjabi communities.
• Bangladeshi: Concentrated in smaller numbers.
• Sri Lankan and Nepali: Growing populations in specific areas.

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2. South Asian Areas in West London

• Southall: Known as "Little India," it has a large Indian and Pakistani population.
• Hounslow: A diverse South Asian hub, especially for Indian and Sri Lankan communities.
• Ealing: Home to many Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian families.
• Wembley: A mix of Gujarati, Punjabi, and Tamil populations.

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3. South Asian Main Market Areas

• Southall Broadway:

  • The heart of South Asian shopping and dining in West London.
  • Features Indian clothing stores, restaurants, and jewelry shops.

• Hounslow High Street:

  • Popular for South Asian groceries, takeaways, and specialty stores.

• Ealing Road (Wembley):

  • Famous for Indian sweets, spices, and traditional goods.

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4. South Asian Grocery Stores

• Quality Foods (Southall, Hounslow, Wembley): Large range of Indian and Pakistani products.
• Taj Stores (Southall): Specializes in South Asian spices and ingredients.
• Ambala Foods (Southall, Wembley): Renowned for Indian sweets and snacks.
• East West Cash & Carry (Southall): Known for its fresh produce and variety of Asian products.

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5. Transportation

• Trains and Underground:

  • Southall Station (Elizabeth Line): Offers direct links to Central London.
  • Hounslow Stations (Piccadilly Line): Connects to Heathrow and Central London.
  • Wembley Central and Wembley Park (Bakerloo and Jubilee Lines): Key hubs for Desi areas.

• Buses: Extensive bus networks link South Asian neighborhoods to London’s main areas.

• Ride Sharing: Uber and Bolt are commonly used for convenience.

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6. Religious Places

• Temples:

  • Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Southall): Largest Sikh gurdwara in Europe.
  • Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir (Wembley): Stunning architecture and spiritual hub.
  • Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir (Hounslow): Devoted to Sai Baba worshippers.

• Gurdwaras:

  • Guru Nanak Darbar (Southall): A key Sikh place of worship.

• Mosques:

  • Central Jamia Masjid Southall: Serving the Muslim community in West London.
  • Hounslow Jamia Masjid: A major mosque for local Muslims.

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7. Cost of Living

• Rent:

  • 1-bedroom flat: £1,200–£1,500/month.
  • 3-bedroom house: £1,800–£2,500/month.

• Utilities: £150–£200/month.

• Groceries: Affordable in South Asian areas due to competition.

• Transportation: Travelcard zones cost approximately £150/month for unlimited travel.

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8. Best Public Schools

Elementary Schools:

• Khalsa Primary School (Southall): Known for its cultural inclusivity.
• Hounslow Heath Primary School (Hounslow): High-rated multicultural school.
• Barham Primary School (Wembley): Offers strong academic programs.

Middle Schools:

• Villiers High School (Southall): Popular among Desi families.
• Isleworth & Syon School (Hounslow): Well-regarded for its diversity.
• Ark Academy (Wembley): Recognized for its academic performance.

High Schools:

• Greenford High School (Southall): Known for high standards and community spirit.
• Heston Community School (Hounslow): Strong reputation among South Asian families.
• Wembley High Technology College (Wembley): Consistently rated Outstanding.