10 Safest Places to Live in London

Are you looking for the safest places to live in London?

London is a fantastic location. Plenty of job prospects, the vibrant nightlife is incredible, 15,000 restaurants to eat in, and there are thousands of things to do and see both modern and historical.

Many would not trade living in London for anything.

For anyone attempting to move to a city location safety is a significant concern.

If you are taking your family with you, it does increase the pressure to find a relatively safe location to call home.

London, like all large cities, does experience higher levels of crime when compared to smaller towns or villages. With much a higher concentration of people, it is sadly inevitable.

It is worth mentioning that a substantial portion of reported crimes are linked to property theft, with bike theft being a particularly prevalent issue in the city.

If you are new to London or moving to a new area within the city, it is good to know that some neighbourhoods have earned a reputation for being safer than others.

It is also positive news that a survey conducted by World Population Review in 2024, indicates that London is 14^th out of a possible 60 cities for safety. 

If you are considering a move to the “Big Smoke” and are curious about what the 10 safest places to live in London are, we have created this guide for exactly this purpose.

1. Richmond

Richmond Bridge in London. Image credit: Depositphotos

47% of London is made up of green space. 

Richmond is one of the best-known green space residential neighbourhoods in the city.

In Richmond, you have Kew Gardens north of the area and the huge Richmond Park on the south side.

You can be right in the centre of the city within 29 minutes by train.

Plus, it provides a riverside location and the all-important low crime rate factor.

2. Hampstead

Perhaps one of the most well-known family locations due to its heath.

790 acres of grassy public space and one of the highest spots in London.

Hampstead is known for its intellectual, liberal, artistic, musical, and literary associations.

It has some of the most expensive housing in the London area.

It also has more millionaires within its boundaries than any other area of the United Kingdom.

An affluent area with a village atmosphere and good safety records.

3. Wimbledon

Wimbledon Common, London. Image credit: Unsplash

A leafy suburb, most well-known for its connections with world tennis championships.

A very much-in-demand location providing direct routes to London and the south via train, underground and tram

Another green location that often makes the suburb feel like you are in the countryside rather than a short hop to the capital’s centre.

This area is considered both safe and family-friendly, seamlessly combining urban convenience with rural open spaces.

4. Beckenham

Sitting within the borough of Bromley, Beckenham is around 8 miles from Charing Cross.

Though classed as an outer London suburb, Beckenham has managed to maintain its own identity and form a town in its own right.

Not quite as green as some neighbourhoods; however, it does have several pockets of recreational land which are a mixture of sports grounds, fishing ponds and parks.

Beckenham’s safe, close-knit community and homes for all pockets give it great appeal.

5. Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames, London. Image credit: Unsplash

An upmarket location situated on the river Thames.

Packed with historical charm, alongside low crime rates, Kingston upon Thames is a winner when it comes to safety.

A favoured commuting location, around 12 miles from central London, but Kingston feels a world away from city life.

Those who live here can look forward to lovely parkland, convenient facilities, and plenty of things to do.

6. Richmond Upon Thames

Richmond is the only borough that spans both sides of the Thames.

Boasting over 21 miles of riverfront, and a picturesque leafy park, (home to a population of deer), this area is rightfully recognised as one of the city’s most charming villages.

Plus, Richmond is one of London’s top shopping centres.

It is a great place to wander the narrow lanes and alleyways where you will findome great independents.  s

Richmond Green is the ideal spot to enjoy a picnic whilst you watch the local cricket team play.

Plus, in 2022, the borough was voted the safest in London. 

Although an ideal location for families and retirees, average property prices are hitting the £700,000 mark.

7. Sutton

Sutton, London. Image credit: Depositphotos

Sutton has formed part of Greater London since 1965. It is considered a safe and quiet residential area.

There is always something going on in the area. Like so many of the neighbourhoods and suburbs of London, you can be in the centre of things really quickly.

Sutton is well known for its great transport links and its railway station has regular departures right into the middle of London in just under 30 minutes.

The bonus with this lovely location is that it boasts several universities and colleges, including London South Bank University and Carshalton College.

The best thing about Sutton is one of London’s safest areas, with crime rates lower than the national average, if you are a worried parent with older children about to leave home to further their studies.

8. Bexley

Bexley is yet another of London’s popular suburban southeast locations.

With a reputation for safety and family-friendly communities, Bexley is the third safest borough in London according to CrimeRate. 

Bexley offers a mix of local shops, restaurants, and amenities to cater to residents’ daily needs. The blend of local businesses contributes to the community feel of the area.

It attracts residents seeking a peaceful living environment while remaining well-connected to the broader offerings of London.

9. Notting Hill

Notting Hill, London. Image credit: Pixabay

A cosmopolitan, multicultural West London location known for its annual carnival, Portobello Market and of course for its connections to the movie starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

It is an incredibly attractive location boasting pretty rows of colourful terraced homes, and large Victorian townhouses which have undergone much modernising in recent years.

Yes, it is an affluent location, but it is also a relatively safe place to live providing plenty of entertainment options and the odd celebrity or two such as Robbie Williams and Stella McCartney!

10. Bermondsey

Situated in south London, it regularly secures a place on lists that highlight the best places to live in the city, and for good reason.

Positioned in London’s Zone 1, it boasts a genuinely central location while maintaining a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere.

Over the past two decades, Bermondsey has undergone a remarkable transformation – evolving from a somewhat nondescript and, in some areas, perceived as unsafe neighbourhood into one of London’s most sought-after and up-and-coming areas.

Additionally, the locals take pride in preserving their working-class roots. This creates a sense of community where people still look out for each other, making it one of the safest locations in London.

Travelling Safely in London

It is important to remember that although crime figures for many areas across London seem to be high, they do not tell the whole story.

Millions of visitor’s flock to the capital annually, making it a prime location for petty offences, thankfully, relatively small numbers become victims of crime.

Though this is not much of a consolation to someone who has had their phone or handbag snatched, most thieves are opportunists and violent crime is not a common occurrence.

Do not flash your new mobile phone around, ensure bags are carried across your body, hide any expensive jewellery or watches, and keep your wallet inside a jacket pocket.

It is wise for tourists or residents no matter where you are in London to remain vigilant day and night.

Are You Moving to London?

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If you are thinking about moving to one of the safest places to live in London, you will need some assistance moving your belongings!

Our comprehensive removal service can make your transition smoother, more efficient and at a great price.

We have been moving people to, from and around London and its surrounding area since 1871.

It is easy to get the moving process underway.

Simply call us, complete our easy-to-use online quick quote form or you can interact with the bot on our homepage.

We can arrange for one of our surveyors to visit you at home, alternatively, if you work full-time, we can book an appointment at your convenience and undertake a video survey.

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Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.