Buying/Renting property in London: Where would you live?

Neil I lived in NW London for the best part of 30 years and contact with crack heads was pretty minimal, even in shitty places like South Kilburn.

Should also add, If you are going to live in NW London, do not - I repeat - do not live any further north than Willesden Green. To be honest, even that is pushing it.

Having also fought out growing up in the N & NW postcodes, I agree 100% with you.
It's not so much the crackheads, it's the desolation that does it. There's..well..nothing..Past Brent Cross you might as well go live underground. Hanger Lane in winter has my vote as the most depressing place in the U.K

Despite the shitiness of Edmonton, I quite liked living there.