A Growing Bangladeshi Community in London
London is home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities outside Bangladesh. Over the years many Bangladeshis have settled in different parts of the city creating strong communities with businesses schools mosques and cultural centers.
For anyone moving to London or looking for a new place to live choosing the right neighborhood is important. You may want to live in an area with Bangladeshi grocery stores halal food mosques schools and a welcoming community. It is also important to think about affordable housing transport connections and job opportunities.
In this guide we explore the best places for Bangladeshis to live in London with details about community life shopping schools and transport links.
Whitechapel and Brick Lane The Heart of the Bangladeshi Community
Why live here
Whitechapel and Brick Lane have the largest Bangladeshi community in London. Many Bangladeshis moved here in the 1970s and 1980s and the area is now full of Bangladeshi businesses markets and cultural centers.
What makes it a great place to live
• Community: Thousands of Bangladeshis live and work in this area making it easy to find people who speak Bengali and share the same culture.
• Mosques and cultural centers: The East London Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in the UK offering daily prayers Islamic classes and community services.
• Shops and markets: There are many Bangladeshi supermarkets like Bangla Bazar and Deshi Cash & Carry where you can find fresh fish spices and groceries from Bangladesh.
• Job opportunities: Many Bangladeshis own restaurants travel agencies and clothing shops in this area. Brick Lane is famous for its Bangladeshi restaurants known as the Curry Capital of London.
• Transport links: Whitechapel Station is well connected with the Elizabeth Line Overground and District Line. It is easy to travel to Canary Wharf Stratford and Central London.
Housing and cost of living
Rent in Whitechapel is more affordable than in other central areas like Shoreditch or Canary Wharf but prices are rising. Many Bangladeshis share houses or flats to save money.
Bethnal Green A Quiet but Well-Connected Area
Why live here: Bethnal Green is next to Whitechapel and has a large Bangladeshi community. It is a great place for families and professionals who want to stay close to Bangladeshi culture but prefer a quieter area.
What makes it a great place to live
- • Strong Bangladeshi presence: Many Bangladeshi families have lived here for years creating a safe and welcoming community.
- • Good schools: The area has many schools where Bengali is spoken by students making it easier for Bangladeshi children to adjust.
- • Parks and green spaces: Victoria Park one of the largest parks in London is nearby and offers a great place for exercise picnics and family outings.
- • Transport links: Bethnal Green is well connected with the Central Line and Overground making it easy to reach Oxford Circus Stratford and Liverpool Street.
Housing and cost of living
Bethnal Green is cheaper than Whitechapel but rent prices are increasing as more people move into the area. It is a good choice for families and professionals looking for affordable homes near Central London.
Ilford A Popular Choice for Bangladeshi Families
Why live here: Ilford has one of the fastest-growing Bangladeshi communities in London. It is more affordable than Whitechapel and Bethnal Green making it a top choice for families looking for bigger homes.
What makes it a great place to live
- • Affordable housing: Ilford offers larger houses and flats at lower prices compared to East London.
- • Good schools: Many Bangladeshi families move to Ilford because it has excellent schools and tuition centers.
- • Shops and restaurants: Ilford Lane is full of Bangladeshi grocery stores halal butchers and traditional Bengali restaurants.
- • Transport links: Ilford Station is on the Elizabeth Line connecting to Liverpool Street in 15 minutes and providing easy access to Heathrow Airport.
Housing and cost of living
Compared to Whitechapel and Bethnal Green rent in Ilford is much lower. Many families prefer Ilford because they can find bigger homes at more affordable prices.
Poplar A Good Choice for Professionals
Why live here: Poplar is one of the fastest-developing areas in East London. It is very close to Canary Wharf making it a great choice for Bangladeshi professionals working in banking finance and tech.
What makes it a great place to live
- • Close to job opportunities: Many Bangladeshis working in Canary Wharf choose Poplar because it is just a 5-minute commute.
- • Modern housing: New apartment buildings are being developed offering modern homes close to Central London.
- • Community and mosques: Despite its modern look Poplar still has Bangladeshi-owned businesses mosques and cultural centers.
- • Transport links: DLR trains connect Poplar to Canary Wharf Bank and Stratford in minutes.
Housing and cost of living
Poplar has more modern apartments than other Bangladeshi areas. Rent is higher than in Ilford but lower than in Canary Wharf or Whitechapel.
Luton An Affordable Alternative Outside London
Why live here: Luton is not in London but more Bangladeshis are moving there because of affordable housing lower cost of living and growing job opportunities.
What makes it a great place to live
- • Lower cost of living: Houses in Luton are much cheaper than in London making it a great option for families.
- • Growing Bangladeshi community: More Bangladeshis are moving to Luton and opening businesses like restaurants grocery stores and mosques.
- • Good transport links: Trains from Luton to London take just 35 minutes making it possible to commute to work in London.
Housing and cost of living
Luton is much cheaper than London and allows families to buy homes instead of renting. It is a good choice for those who do not mind commuting.
Which Area is Best for You
- For a strong Bangladeshi community and cultural experience: Whitechapel Brick Lane
- For families looking for bigger homes and good schools: Ilford
- For professionals working in Canary Wharf or Central London: Poplar
- For those looking for lower rent in a quiet area: Bethnal Green
- For those wanting cheaper homes outside London: Luton
Each of these areas offers something different but all have a strong Bangladeshi presence making it easier to feel at home.
Looking for a Home
Check out Rightmove Zoopla or Spotahome to find homes in these areas.
Which area do you think is the best for Bangladeshis in London Let us know in the comments