Is Elephant and Castle Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Elephant and Castle is one of London’s best-kept secrets. Situated in the Borough of Southwark, it offers plenty of attractions for those looking to shop, party, or relax. The area is also home to two universities and thus attracts students from all over the world.

Over the past few years, Elephant and Castle has undergone significant redevelopment, transforming it from a tight-knit community to an all-encompassing neighbourhood. The redevelopment is one of the main reasons why many people now want to live here.

If you’re planning to move to this area and wondering whether it will be safe to do so, you’re at the right place. This guide won’t only tell you whether Elephant and Castle is safe. It will also compare it with other London neighbourhoods to offer a bigger picture.

Is Elephant and Castle Safe?

Elephant and Castle has never been safer than it is now. The massive amount of money private investors have poured into this area over the past decade has encouraged plenty of young professionals, students, and families to move in, which is always a sign of a safe neighbourhood.

Furthermore, its proximity to central London and the presence of a tube station means the area will continue to attract investment in the coming years too. This may increase living costs for those calling this area home, but should also translate into an added sense of safety.

All of this is not to say that you could walk at night without a care in the world. As the below section will show, Elephant and Castle still has a lot to do to earn a place among the safest places in London. Without taking those steps, it would remain a bit rough around the edges.

However, thanks to the past decade of gentrification, it has nearly bid farewell to its not-so-glorious past. If you keep yourself to yourself, avoid poorly lit areas and know which tube entrance to use, you won’t encounter many problems during your stay in Elephant & Castle.

How Does Elephant and Castle Compare To Other Parts of London?

Compared to other parts of London, Elephant and Castle is a dangerous place to live.

According to a report, the annual crime rate in the area is 599.21 per thousand population. In contrast, the annual crime rate in other parts of London is just above 150. This earns Elephant and Castle a demoralizing 9 out of 10 on the crime chart.

Per the report, anti-social behaviour is the most common crime in the area. It is followed by violence and sexual offences, drugs, vehicle crime, burglary, and public disorder. Incidents related to possession of weapons, criminal damage, and arson are also frequent.

Exploring and Living in Elephant and Castle

Here are various reasons why you may want to live in Elephant and Castle:

• Plenty of fun things to do. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a cultural enthusiast or a street food aficionado, there are plenty of attractions in Elephant and Castle that will keep you occupied for days.

• Has its own underground station. Thanks to the tube station, Elephant and Castle is within easy reach of all parts of London. You could thus call this area home while working/studying in any part of England’s capital.

• Relatively affordable housing options: Despite the influx of large sums of money over the past decade, Elephant and Castle is home to more affordable options compared to some other parts of London, making it attractive for students and young professionals.

• World-class educational institutes. According to Ofsted, most schools in Elephant and Castle are either “good” or “outstanding”. Similarly, The Sunday Times voted a local university (London South Bank) as the best for graduate employment in 2018 and 2019.

• Lots of eclectic eateries. Like trying out diverse cuisines? Then you have an extra reason to live in Elephant and Castle. This area is home to restaurants offering various cuisines, such as Bayroot (Lebanese), Mercato Metropolitano (Italian), Toulouse (French), and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like living in Elephant and Castle?

You’d feel like you were living in a diverse and vibrant place. Equally importantly, you’d be able to get everything without having to walk far. Nearby markets such as East Street Market have all the items to discourage locals from going far for grocery shopping.

Is Elephant and Castle an expensive area?

Elephant and Castle offers relatively affordable accommodation options compared to other parts of London. However, with the large sums of investment it has attracted over the past few decades, prices have started to inch up.