Top 5 Safest boroughs in London with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Crime rate: 59.54 crimes per 1,000 people

In southwest London, Richmond upon Thames is considered the happiest borough to live in. Residents claim that this is attributed to the sense of community, access to green spaces like Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, and the proximity to shops, restaurants, and bars. But most of all, because it is one of the safest boroughs to live in London, with a reported low crime rate of 59.54 crimes per 1,000 people.

The borough is favored by commuters due to its excellent transport links, offering a quick 25-minute ride on South Western Railway to Waterloo Station and convenient access to the London bus network for local transportation. 

Visit Richmond (Dec 2023) & Police UK (Jun 2023)

• Crime rate: 65.5 crimes per 10,000 people

Sutton is the ideal borough for young professionals seeking a blend of urban and suburban living. Residents enjoy shopping centers in the heart of the town, such as Times Square and the Saint Nicholas Shopping Centre, which offer different amenities like groceries, restaurants, cafés, and nearby schools. It also provides abundant green spaces like Beddington Park, creating a serene environment with a low crime rate of 65.5 crimes per 10,000 people.

Commuting around Sutton and neighboring towns is easy thanks to its convenient transportation options. There are 54 buses for an easy commute, and the Sutton Station is connected to three major South-East London stations by train. Living in Sutton is also budget-friendly compared to other larger cities, making it one of the most affordable, and safest boroughs to live in London.

Enjoy Sutton (Dec 2023) & Police UK (Jun 2023)

• Crime rate: 65.74 crimes per 10,000 people

Bexley is a suburban borough in the southeast of Greater London, renowned for its blend of green spaces and residential areas, providing a quiet atmosphere with a low crime rate of 65.74 crimes per 10,000 people. Residents not only enjoy leisurely walks through over 100 charming parks, but also have access to a variety of health programs and services designed to support their physical and mental well-being.

Residents have easy access to a diverse range of amenities, including great shops, coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, making it an ideal choice for young professionals in the City of London. 

Bexley.gov.uk (Dec 2023) & Police UK (Jun 2023)

• Crime rate: 66.14 crimes per 10,000 people

Harrow is home to the prestigious Harrow School, founded in 1572, and 8 superior secondary schools that have consistently performed above the national average in London. One of its upper-class areas is Harrow on the Hill, featuring historic Georgian architecture buildings. Also, commuting here is facilitated by the Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines, Chiltern Railways, and a local bus network.

Residents claim it is ideal for those who prefer a quiet life with green areas and proximity to amenities, such as St. George’s shopping centre, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafés. All of this is within a safe environment, with a reported crime rate of 65.74 crimes per 10,000 people. 

Compare School Performance (Dec 2023), Harrow.gov.UK (Dec 2023) & Police UK (Jun 2023)

• Crime rate: 67.19 crimes per 10,000 people

Merton, located in Southwest London, is renowned as one of the best retirement places in the UK, based on resident scores for healthcare, green spaces, and proximity to GP services and pharmacies. With a low crime rate of 67.19 crimes per 10,000 people, it is also considered one of the safest boroughs in London.

Merton aspires to be London’s Borough of Sport, promoting physical activity for all ages through local sporting activities. The main commercial hubs are Mitcham and Wimbledon, each offering unique attractions such as Mitcham Common Large Park and Wimbledon’s tennis tournament and museum.

Merton.gov.UK (Dec 2023) & Police UK (Jun 2023)