Is Spitalfields/Aldgate East/Whitechapel 'safe' to live in?
I'm new to London and am on the hunt for a place to live in. Safety and vibrance is key for me (i'm in my mid 20s) as well as good transport links/distance to central.
I've had a viewing in Aldgate East (just off commercial rd, close to the station) and wasn't sure if the area was safe to live in/walk home at night? Walked around the area during the day and quite liked it (to Liverpool St Station and Spitalfields Market).
Have another viewing, this time closer to Spitalfields/off Brick Ln (closer to Aldgate East station) - but i'm not sure it's worth my time.
However, I've heard the area is not *that* unsafe, and is like any area in London (just need to have your wits about you/changes every few blocks).
North West is ideal (Chalk Farm/Hampstead/Belsize Park/Queens Park/St Johns Wood). I've also walked around Balham/Clapham Common/Nine Elms/Battersea and liked it (is also said to be safer). Fulham is another choice but doesn't seem 'vibrant'. Either way, it's hard to find a decent room within my budget in these areas (1100 pcm incl bills).
Any advice/recommendations would be great!