In defence of Camden — one of London’s most dangerous places to live

‘My mother loved London…that was a different London than you have today. Today you have people being stabbed in the a** or worse.’

These were the words the US president used to describe our beloved capital city late last year.

His claims were rebutted by the Metropolitan Police commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, who speaking on LBC said: ‘The homicide rate in London is lower than in every single US state, it is lower than all their big cities.

‘The homicide rate in London is lower than in Toronto, Paris, Brussels and Berlin. This is a safe city. I’m not going to pretend it’s perfect, but it is a safe city.‘

Now, a study has analysed the crime rates in each London borough. Collecting the total number of recorded crimes for the year ending September 2025, Westminster experienced the highest rate not just in the capital at 410.1, but across England and Wales.

I wasn’t particularly shocked by this, considering that Westminster covers some of the busiest areas, including Covent Garden and Soho. It’s where tourists (approximately 25 million) tick off the likes of Big Ben and Downing Street, and a high concentration of people equates to a higher opportunity for crime.

In second place, though, was Camden, at 188.6 against a population of 216,900.

To many, especially those who live outside of the capital, it’s easy to demonise Camden. The historic heart of London’s punk scene, it’s seen as grimy, druggy and a bit, well, dodgy.

But, as a teen who spent years pretending to be cool in Camden, I was more than a little upset.

Back in 2016, my friends and I would take pictures next to the Camden Market sign (and post them all on Facebook, of course).

There were the trips to the Urban Outfitters opposite the Tube station, countless meals at Wagamama, jokey selfies inside Cyberdog, and drinks by the river at Wetherspoons. I even had my high school prom here.

Today, it’s filled with sightseers, and I’m always so shocked by just how much it’s changed.

So, if you’re willing to be brave ‘being stabbed in the a***’, there’s so much joy to be had in this North London stalwart — here’s everything you need to know.

Camden’s flourishing creative scene

It’s no secret that Camden has firm roots in the creative scene.

After all, it was famously the home of Amy Winehouse, The Clash shot the cover of their debut album there, and Pink Floyd played their first-ever gig at The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm.

The Hawley Arms – favoured by Amy as well as Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and even Noel Fielding – is still plastered in various pieces of signed memorabilia, including from Amy herself, who would often serve up customers behind the bar.

There’s also still an array of music venues in Camden, including the Electric Ballroom, KOKO, Underworld, The Camden Assembly, and Dingwalls.

Plus, the future looks bright for Camden’s continuing arts locale. A planning application has been submitted to Camden Council to start building the aptly named Camden Film Quarter.

If successful, the project would build the UK’s answer to Hollywood: a £1,000,000,000 area dedicated almost entirely to filmmaking.

Hampstead Heath, top boozers, and a historic market

It’s not just a hub for creatives, either: the borough is also home to some of the best green spaces in London, including Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, which is a popular spot to witness a sunset or two.

After getting your steps in, the pubs aren’t to be sniffed at. Kentish Town is home to The Southampton Arms, The Bull and Last, and The Pineapple, where Sir Keir Starmer has been spotted a fair few times. He’s even called it his favourite boozer.

Of course, there’s the notorious Camden Market. When it first opened in 1974, there were only 16 traders. It was slightly rough around the edges, but in a good way. By the time I was a teenager, it was the go-to place to get a band t-shirt or a poster for your bedroom wall.

These days, it’s a lot shinier, but there are still plenty of independent stalls, including Moon Jelly Records, Camden Jewellery House, and 98 Types Studio. For food, you’re sorted with Indian-Italian fusion food at Bombay Pizza, gooey desserts at MyCookieDough, and Hot Pot Camden.

Before the market became so big, the Camden area was mainly synonymous with gin. The first distillery opened in the 1870s, and in 2014, the Half Hitch Gin School was founded to pay homage to these roots.

House prices in Camden

According to Rightmove, the average house price in London over the last year has rested at £656,624. This is, of course, wildly over the going rate across the rest of England (£292,000, according to ONS).

Now, much of the borough of Camden is incredibly expensive, considering that it’s home to places like Belsize Park, Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Primrose Hill, and Hampstead – the mother of bougie postcodes.

But if you take a peek, there are areas to be found with property prices that buck the capital’s trend – yet another reason not to write this borough off.

Parts of Cricklewood are also technically in Camden, and the going rate for a home right by the station is £497,328. It’s certainly not an insignificant amount of money – and not to be sniffed at – but it’s more than £150,000 cheaper than the average four walls in the Big Smoke.

So, while living in Camden has its quirks, it’s worth at least giving it a chance.

Yes, the market might be overstimulating, but there’s also plush greenery and a banging music scene. You’ll just have to ignore the overwhelming scent of weed outside Camden Town station.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.