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

When contemplating a move to London, it’s necessary to explore the diverse array of boroughs to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Safety is a top priority, so understanding crime rates in London and identifying the safest areas to live is important. The Metropolitan Police provides valuable crime statistics to assist you in your decision-making. 

Additionally, while some places may be labeled as dangerous areas, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ve listed the safest boroughs, considering public transportation,green spaces, amenities, education quality, and the lowest crime rates.

Top 5 Safest boroughs to live in London in 2024

Methodology

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crimes, which is derived from the London Metropolitan Police Service as of June 2023. The data compares the crime rate in the local area to the average crime rate across the force area. It shows the total number of crimes over a twelve-month period per thousand residents for the crime type selected. 

The crimes include bicycle theft, burglary, criminal damage and arson, drugs, possession of weapons, public order, robbery, shoplifting, theft from the person, vehicle crime, violence, and sexual offences. The data derived from the UK Police website has been calculated as the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

The “best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Safest boroughs in London

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1. Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames is a place worth staying in because of its village feel. This borough is rich in history and has been a favourite getaway of painters, writers, and artists because of the many attractions it has to offer. The Richmond upon Thames Community Safety Partnership reports that this area has the lowest crime rate in London over the last three years in terms of safety. The crime rate in Richmond upon Thames is 57.42 per 1,000 people, which is 38% lower than the average rate in London. Because of the safety it provides, staying here will undoubtedly make you feel good and at ease. (*London Borough of Richmond upon Thames & Visit Richmond)
  • 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)

Richmond upon Thames, London

2. Sutton

Apartment in Sutton
  • 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)

Sutton, London

3. Bexley

Apartment in Bexley
  • 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)

Bexley, London

4. Harrow

Apartments in Harrow
  • 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)

Harrow, London

5. Merton

Apartments in Merton
  • 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)

Merton, London

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Conclusion

Moving to London offers a distinctive urban experience, with abundant green areas and efficient public transportation. Richmond upon Thames, leading our list of the safest boroughs to live in London, stands out as one of the city’s hidden gems, providing residents with a serene escape and the lowest crime rate.

When considering a neighborhood in London, prioritize those with the lowest crime rates and explore various options that ensure you a lively and secure lifestyle!

Planning to move soon? Here are the best removal companies in London to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Richmond upon Thames
  2. Bexley
  3. Merton
  4. Harrow
  5. Sutton
  6. Havering
  7. Bromley
  8. Barnet
  9. Kingston upon Thames
  10. Hillingdon

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering affordability and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places were excluded from last year’s lists due to insufficient safety or rental data. Moreover, entries with higher average housing prices or safety ratings in the previous year were excluded from the current rankings. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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