South London- The Artistic Hub
I was born and grew up in North London, however whilst at university I spent two years in South London. The two different areas are very different even though they are in the same city. The area of North London I am from is very middle class at situated quite far out of central London. This has its benefits, for example beautiful leafy parks and quiet streets. However it does lack a certain amount of activities for younger generations.
In South London I lived in two different areas, Peckham and then Brockley. Living in Peckham was probably the most vibrant living conditions I have ever experienced. The area is so full of diversity, different people from different walks of life. You can pretty much get your hands on anything in the markets. However the area itself can be quite hostile and aggressive. I personally witnessed horrific acts of violence, which were totally unnecessary.
The other area I lived in was Brockley. This area is beautiful, perfect for any young professional and students.
South London is the perfect place to live if you are an up and coming artist of any sort, there are street artists and exhibition stands down every street you turn. There are so many schemes and youth clubs you can get involved in. Also there are at least 3 different campuses of the University of the Arts that are easily accessible from South London. All of this adds to the charm of South London, however this is definitely dampened by another subculture that is appearing in these artistic ghettos; “drug”/ “rave”culture. If you find yourself at one of these artistic shindigs, by about 1:00 am all the witty banter and intellectual conversation will cease to exist and be replaced by the gurning, ramblings of youths wrecked out of their heads on a concoction of chemicals.
Unfortunately this ruins the charm of this area and the art culture of this area.
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