Safest Areas in London: Which Boroughs Offer the Safest Living Conditions?
Finding a place to live where you feel secure is crucial, particularly in a bustling metropolis like London. With crime rates higher in large cities, it’s important to carefully consider your options and choose one of the safest areas in London for your new home. This is not just vital for residents but also for tourists who want to experience the city while ensuring their well-being. Whether you’re relocating or just visiting, identifying the safest areas in London can make all the difference in your comfort and peace of mind.
On April 1, 1965, the government divided London into 32 distinct regions, known as boroughs. Each borough is governed by its own council. Of these 32 boroughs, 12 are referred to as inner boroughs, while the remaining 20, which have a higher population, are known as outer boroughs.
Is London a Safe City to Live?
London ranks as the 8th safest city globally according to the annual Safest Cities list by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and 14th in The Economist’s ranking, surpassing cities like New York, Tokyo, and Paris. London is widely regarded as the best city to live in within the UK. While it is a top tourist destination, what truly sets London apart as an incredible place to live and work are its stunning historic architecture, green spaces, and natural environments, particularly along the banks of the River Thames. The city is also known for its world-class status and modern infrastructure, with some of the Safest Areas in London offering an ideal blend of security and quality of life.
How to Choose The Safest Areas in London in 2024
London is a vast city with diverse neighborhoods, each offering its unique charm. There are many beautiful and safe areas in London where you can choose to live.
East London
East London is one of the best places to live in London, especially for creative individuals. This vibrant area attracts many digital nomads thanks to its abundance of excellent workspaces, including hotels, lobbies, cafés, and co-working spaces. It’s also a fantastic place to hang out, with its lively markets, trendy bars, and diverse food spots. Additionally, buses can get you to Central London in just around 20 minutes, making it a convenient location for both work and leisure.
South London
South London is much less populated than Central London, and it’s only about a 30-minute journey away. The area offers desirable neighborhoods with a more relaxed atmosphere compared to East London, making it an attractive option due to its lower congestion.
11 Safest Areas in London
While London is generally safe for everyone, including tourists, it’s important to remain cautious of potential pickpocketing and mugging incidents. Here are ten of the safest places to live in the city. According to official crime statistics from the Metropolitan Police, Richmond ranks as the safest area to live in London.
1. RICHMOND
Crime Rate: 54 Crimes Per 1000 People
Richmond upon Thames, nestled in South-West London, was originally established as a royal retreat in the 16th century. Today, it stands out not only for its stunning beauty but also as one of the safest areas in London, boasting the lowest crime rate in the city. This picturesque region is a favorite weekend destination, offering expansive parks, lush green spaces, and a vibrant array of dining, bars, and shopping options. Located by the river in southwest London, Richmond is celebrated for its charm and safety, making it one of the most attractive and secure places to live in the capital.
2. BEXLEY
Crime Rate: 56 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bexley, a suburb in southeast London, stands out for its affordability, communal atmosphere, and safety. Known for its picturesque lake, ample green spaces such as Bexleyheath, bike paths, and a vibrant community of local cafés and charming pubs, Bexley offers a blend of “country-city living” with easy access to central London.
Crime rates in Bexley are notably low, with burglary rates falling below those in many other London boroughs and violent crime being below the UK average. These factors contribute to Bexley being one of the safest boroughs in London. If you’re looking for the safest areas to live in London, consider exploring options on uhomes.com, which offers a range of student accommodations and other housing options at competitive prices.
3. KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES
Crime Rate: 57 Crimes Per 1000 People
Kingston, situated just under a mile from Richmond upon Thames, is one of the safest areas in London. It offers a vibrant selection of restaurants, shops, and a lively riverside scene, along with a celebrated theater. With frequent trains providing direct service to Waterloo in just over 30 minutes, Kingston is an ideal place for comfortable, pleasant, and secure living.
4. SUTTON
Crime Rate: 57 Crimes Per 1000 People
Sutton, situated just north of the Surrey Downs in southwest London, offers walkers a delightful experience with its picturesque rolling hills and breathtaking views. The town centre is the vibrant core of Sutton, characterized by its strong community spirit. Known for its peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere, Sutton is frequently ranked among the safest areas to live in London, with residents consistently reporting high levels of happiness, satisfaction, and security.
The area boasts ample green spaces, excellent grammar schools, a lively town centre, and weekly farmers’ markets with fresh produce. Additionally, transport links to central London are quick, straightforward, and convenient, ensuring you can reach the city in no time.
5. HARROW
Crime Rate: 63 Crimes Per 1000 People
Nestled in the northwest of London, Harrow offers a tranquil escape from the bustling central boroughs. This area boasts beautiful historic architecture, expansive green spaces, and top-tier educational institutions, including the prestigious Harrow School. Harrow is known for its cultural diversity, featuring two large retail malls, charming cafés, and excellent transport connections to central London, making it both a safe and convenient neighborhood.
6. BROMLEY
Crime Rate: 64 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bromley, situated in southeast London, is a picturesque and green area that’s perfect for commuters, with just a 13-minute journey to London Victoria. Known for being the safest part of southeast London, Bromley boasts charming Victorian streets, a vibrant town center, a well-regarded theater, and top-notch public schools.
7. MERTON
Crime Rate: 66 Crimes Per 1000 People
The London borough of Merton, situated in southwest London, encompasses areas like Wimbledon, Mitcham, Colliers Wood, Morden, and Rayner’s Park. Each of these neighborhoods boasts attractive residential environments with charming parks and tree-lined streets. Among them, Wimbledon stands out as the most sought-after and secure area in Merton. For those seeking safe places to live in London more broadly, Wimbledon is often noted as one of the top options, alongside other neighborhoods like Richmond, Hampstead, and Chiswick.
8. HAVERING
Crime Rate: 67 Crimes Per 1000 People
The London borough of Havering, situated on the eastern fringes of Greater London and extending into Essex, is the most distant from central London. Although just a half-hour journey from the city center, residents of Havering enjoy a genuine countryside experience with abundant green spaces and rural charm.
9. BARNET
Crime Rate: 68 Crimes Per 1000 People
Barnet is a highly desirable area for both young professionals and families looking for a safe place to live in London. It boasts numerous parks, top-notch schools, charming village-style shops, and excellent transport links to the rest of the city.
10. ENFIELD
Crime Rate: 74 Crimes Per 1000 People
Situated on the edge of North London, Enfield serves as a gateway to the scenic countryside while maintaining easy access to Central London. Fun fact: Enfield is home to the world’s very first ATM, a detail often featured in pub quizzes. The area boasts a vibrant town center, excellent schools, low crime rates, and charming period properties that appeal to families. With a crime rate of just 74 crimes per thousand citizens and a location 16.3 miles from Central London, Enfield is one of the safest places to live in the capital.
However, this doesn’t mean you should shy away from exploring other delightful areas of London.
SAFEST BOROUGHS IN 2024:
When relocating or traveling to a new city in a foreign country, it’s natural to have concerns about security and safety. London is no exception. Common crimes in London include pickpocketing, muggings, and gang-related incidents. Below is a list of London boroughs along with their respective crime rates.
Here are a few areas considered safer to live in 2024:
- Richmond: Crime rate of 54 per 1,000 people
- Bexley: Crime rate of 56 per 1,000 people
- Kingston-upon-Thames: Crime rate of 57 per 1,000 people
- Sutton: Crime rate of 57 per 1,000 people
- Harrow: Crime rate of 63 per 1,000 people
Smallest Boroughs in London
Kensington and Chelsea is the smallest borough by area, covering just 4.7 square miles (12.2 square kilometers). The City of London has the smallest population, with only 10.9 thousand residents.
Poorest Borough in London
| No. | Name of Borough | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tower Hamlets | 39% |
| 2. | Newham | 37% |
| 3. | Hackney | 36% |
| 4. | Islington | 34% |
| 5. | Harrow | 63 |
Most Expensive Boroughs in London
| No. | Name of Borough | Average Property Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Westminster | £3,000,000 |
| 2 | Kensington and Chelsea | £2,080,134 |
| 3 | Camden | £1,858,738 |
| 4 | Hammersmith and Fulham | £964,013 |
| 5 | Hackney | £933,006 |
| 6 | Richmond upon Thames | £838,527 |
| 7 | Lambeth | £834,518 |
| 8 | Wandsworth | £803,319 |
What is the safest type of accommodation to stay in while visiting London?
When selecting accommodation in London, safety should be a top priority for travelers. While staying in the safest London boroughs is one approach, it’s important to recognize that different types of accommodation offer varying levels of security. Additionally, personal preferences can influence the choice of where to stay. Here are some accommodation options to consider:
Hotels
Tourists often prefer hotels due to their well-established safety features. Reputable hotels typically offer security personnel, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. Moreover, they have trained staff available to assist in emergencies and offer advice on local security concerns.
Serviced Apartments
Serviced flats blend the convenience of a hotel with the comforts of home. Typically, they provide enhanced security features, including a reception desk, access cards, and on-site staff, compared to private rentals. These accommodations are especially well-suited for longer-term stays.
Summer Short-Term Accommodation for Students:
Students traveling to London for summer holidays can find short-term student accommodation through reliable property agencies such as uhomes.com. These accommodations typically offer well-furnished flats with a range of free amenities and are equipped with 24/7 CCTV security for added safety.
Private Rentals or Airbnb:
While private rentals or Airbnb can provide unique and affordable lodging options, their safety can vary. It’s essential to thoroughly research any accommodation you plan to rent, including reading reviews and evaluating the safety of the neighborhood. Opt for listings with positive safety reviews and consider renting from experienced, highly-rated hosts.
What Contributes to London’s Safety Compared to Other Areas?
Feeling safe in any community involves more than just analyzing crime statistics. While low crime rates and effective policing are crucial for ensuring residents’ safety, several other factors also play a significant role. When evaluating the safest areas in London to live, consider the following elements:
Education
High-quality education offers students greater opportunities and fosters a sense of investment in their community and future. Consequently, areas with excellent schools and educational institutions often see improvements in residents’ quality of life, contributing to safer neighborhoods. Thus, the safest areas in London typically have strong educational systems.
Arts and Culture
A vibrant arts and culture scene can enhance the safety of an area. Engaging in cultural activities and urban beautification projects often leads to increased resident satisfaction and safety. The safest areas in London often invest in arts and culture to boost community well-being and safety.
Green Spaces
While crimes can still occur in parks, green spaces generally promote community cohesion, health, and well-being, all of which contribute to social safety. The safest areas in London prioritize green spaces to improve overall safety and quality of life for their residents.
Transportation Links
Effective transportation links tend to enhance safety by attracting investment and making areas more desirable. A well-developed public transport system in the safest areas in London provides better security for passengers and greater opportunities for residents.
Considering these factors will help you find the safest areas in London where both security and quality of life are well-balanced.
