The Four Corners of London

The people who reside in London consider it to be divided into four parts...North, South, East and West.  Each quarter has its own personality, its own identity.

Like many parts of London, North London is divided by wealth.  The village of Hampstead is the wealthiest, populated by a Jewish community of businessmen, and Arabs.  The north of London is largely unknown to me, I gre up in South London.  I suppose the village of Camden could be considered the North's capital -- a trendy area of markets, bars and bohemian clothes shops.  Soho NY comes closest in character.

North London also has the areas of Tottenham and Harlsden.  These areas are not to be frequented after dark.  I have never set in foot in them.  In these areas, there are large estates (projects) where crime goes unfettered.

East London too is somewhat of a mystery to me.  Many areas were dominated by the The Docklands http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Docklands

-- this was an area historically for the working class, but now East London has had an injection of money -- much of it from the American Investment banks.  Living in The Docklands now means probably living in a high apartment block (condos) or loft apartment.  There still exist poor areas, but these are becoming ever more rare.

West London can be seen as places like Ealing and Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush but it cal also be seen as places like Chelsea, Kensington and the West End http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_of_London

Along with Hampstead, the Borough of Kensington is the richest area within London.  This area is the oldest part of London, this is where one would find all the historical buildings.  South Kensington has a small, wealthy French community. 

South London is the area I grew up in...Balham, Clapham, Tooting...this is my manor http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=manor

Tooting is an area populated by a large Indian and Pakistani community.  In the 1960s, Balham was inundated by a large West-Indian diaspora but now it has become fashionable and expensive.  South London is now the area of choice for the young professional...many are from New Zealand, Austrailia and S. Africa.