London property...exciting, cosmopolitan.

People have no end of reasons for living in London. It is the financial, political and media capital of England. London remains an exciting, cosmopolitan city where you can meet all types of people and experience a range of cultures from a night at the theatre to a day in Brixton market.

The River Thames is the most distinctive geographical feature of London, cutting through London and dividing the city into north and south, before making its way to the North Sea.

The capital's main business, administrative and tourist centres are situated on and around the Thames, with residential areas radiating outwards for several miles in all directions.

The cosmopolitan city of London is the capital of England and its very name suggests history and grandeur. It is the premier city in Europe in terms of size, population and per-capita wealth.

London is where the country's news and money are made. It is where the central government resides and is the home of the Royal family. The city of London has an undeniably exciting atmosphere.

Central London districts suit those who enjoy the buzz and convenience of having London on their door step. Families might prefer to live in a leafy area, such as Barnes, or maybe Hampstead. Whatever your lifestyle, there's an area in London to suit you.

A number of areas have been tipped to be London's next hot spots, including Hackney, Crystal Palace, Wandsworth and Battersea. Completion of the West London Chiswick business park has given this area a boost. The new White City shopping centre, between Shepherds Bush and the A40, is due for completion this year, and local estate agents say there's a lot of room for growth.

At the very top end of the property market some of London's most expensive streets include Kensington Palace Gardens in W8, The Boltons in SW10, Addison Gardens in W14, Holland Park in W11 and Cheyne Walk in SW3.

London has an extensive transport system covering many modes of transport, including the tube and DLR, buses and trams, rail and river, taxis and minicabs.

Improvements to the transport system are promised in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games, including expansion of the underground in the East End and a tram system running from north to south.

Car owners living outside the congestion charging zone have to pay the congestion charge to enter the zone (unless you are entitled to another exemption or discount).

Residents living within the congestion charging zone are eligible to register one private vehicle each for a 90 discount. An annual payment of £10 is required to register for this discount.