A place to live should be the place where you feel the safest compared to others. It is safe not only for you but also for the whole family, especially the children. In big cities like London, the crime rates are quite high. That’s why you need to search for one of the safest boroughs in London to reside in before deciding to move there. This is also an important thing for tourists who visit London, who need to find the safest areas in London to stay and enjoy the city while staying safe and sound.
On April 1, 1965, the government divided the area in London into 32 regions, which are called boroughs. A London borough council governs each of them. Of the 32 boroughs, 12 are called inner boroughs, and the other 20 are called outer boroughs, which have a higher population.
Is London a Safe City?
London ranked 8/31 world city in the annual Safest Cities of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, and 14th in the ranking of The Economist, ahead of New York City, Tokyo, and Paris. Based on a number of criteria, London is considered to be the greatest city in the UK to live in. London is well-known as a tourist destination. What makes it an incredible place not only to visit but also to live and work in are its gorgeous and historic architecture, green and natural environment, such as along the banks of the River Thames. It is also renowned as a world-class city with modern city infrastructure.
How to Choose The Safest Areas in London
London is a very big city with a lot of parts to choose that are very distinct from one another. There are beautiful places and safe areas in London you can choose to live in:
- East London
East London, which is a popular place for creative people, is a really cool and one of the best places to live in London. There are a lot of digital nomads living in the area because there are so many great places to work, like hotels, lobbies, cafés, and co-working areas. It’s a cool place to hang out since there are some great markets, bars, and food places. There are buses that can take you to Central London in around 20 minutes.
- South London
South London is far less populated than Central London. It just takes about 30 minutes to get to Central London because it’s not too far from there. You will find a desirable neighbourhood in South London, as it is less congested than East London, which is a significant factor.
- South East London
One of the safest places in London is Peckham, a place with its thriving art scene, plenty of galleries, and pluralism. It’s drawing people in and is still somewhat less expensive. Greenwich is another lovely region of South East London, situated on the river with numerous historical sites, a university, and an observatory. It’s a great place and one safest area in London to live.
11 Safest Areas in London to Live
Here is the list of areas considered as the safest places to live in London.
No.1 Richmond
Crime Rate: 54 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known as Richmond upon Thames in South-West London, this region was first established as a royal hideaway in the 16th century and is not only one of the safest London areas to reside in but also one of the most beautiful places. As a region with the lowest crime rate in all of London, it is a popular destination for people on weekends to enjoy the sun, large parks, and vast green spaces, as well as fantastic dining options, bars, and shopping. Richmond, located on the river in the southwest of the city, is one of the most attractive and safest areas to live in.
No.2 Bexley
Crime Rate: 56 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bexley, located in the suburbs of southeast London, is recognised for its affordable costs and communal living, as well as being one of London’s safest neighbourhoods. With a lovely lake, plenty of green spaces like Bexleyheath, bike paths, a thriving community of local cafés and charming pubs, quick access to London city centre, and the allure of “country-city living”.
Burglary is lower than most London boroughs, and violent crime is below UK average. These things make Bexley one of London’s safest boroughs. To find the safest place to live in London you can search for student accommodation in UK with uhomes.com. It provides many different types of accommodation at affordable prices.
No.3 Kingston upon Thames
Crime Rate: 57 Crimes Per 1000 People
Kingston is one of the safest parts of London, located less than a mile from Richmond upon Thames. Kingston boasts an abundance of restaurants and stores, a lively riverside, and a renowned theatre. Additionally, there are many trains that can transport you directly to Waterloo in just over 30 minutes. You can live comfortably, pleasantly, and safely in this place.
No.4 Sutton
Crime Rate: 57 Crimes Per 1000 People
Sutton, located just north of the Surrey Downs in southwest London, is a walker’s paradise, with stunning rolling hills and spectacular views that few other boroughs can match. The town centre is the heart of Sutton, with a strong sense of community. It is regarded as a calm, tranquil neighbourhood ideal for families. The residents living in Sutton claim that they feel happy, satisfied and safe staying in this neighbourhood, ranked Sutton top among safe areas to live in London.
There is plenty of green space, good grammar schools, a bustling town centre, and weekly farmers markets selling fresh products. Also, if you want to get to London, transport is quick, simple, and accessible, and you’ll be there in no time.
No.5 Harrow
Crime Rate: 63 Crimes Per 1000 People
Harrow is hidden in the northwest of the city, giving it a calmer feel than the central boroughs of London. Beautiful historic buildings, open green spaces, and excellent schools – Harrow School, one of the nation’s top private schools, is located here – make Harrow a winner. It’s a really culturally varied region, with two huge retail malls, lots of cute cafés, and excellent transport links connecting it to central London, making Harrow a secure and convenient London neighbourhood.
No.6 Maida Vale
Maida Vale, located in West London, is a wealthy and lovely area that provides peace and charm to its people and visitors. Tree-lined streets, beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and calm canal walks make this residential region a peaceful alternative to central London. The area is convenient and has local police to ensure safety. Safety is so important in this area that some streets hire private security agencies to keep the area safe.
No.7 Bromley
Crime Rate: 64 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bromley, located in southeast London, is a verdant, leafy region that is a commuter’s dream because it is only 13 minutes from Bromley to London, Victoria. Bromley, the safest area to live in London southeast, features attractive Victorian streets, an active town centre, a renowned theatre, and some excellent public schools.
No.8 Merton
Crime Rate: 66 Crimes Per 1000 People
The London borough of Merton is located in southwest London and includes Wimbledon, Mitchum, Colliers Wood, Morden, and Rayner’s Park. They all have vital residential surroundings, including lovely parks and tree-lined streets. Wimbledon is unquestionably the most desirable safe area in Merton.
No.9 Havering
Crime Rate: 67 Crimes Per 1000 People
The London borough of Havering is located on the eastern outskirts of Greater London and includes parts of Essex. It is also the farthest from central London. Despite being only half an hour outside of Central London, Havering residents can appreciate true countryside living with plenty of green spaces and rural places.
No.10 Barnet
Crime Rate: 68 Crimes Per 1000 People
Barnet makes it a very desirable location for young professionals and families together seeking for safest place to live in London. Barnet offers many parks, excellent schools, many village-style stores, and excellent transportation connections to London.
No.11 Enfield
Crime Rate: 74 Crimes Per 1000 People
Enfield is situated on the border of North London and serves as a gateway into the lovely countryside. The area has a busy town centre, numerous excellent schools, low crime rates, and some historic homes that appeal to families.
Boroughs of London with Crime/Poverty Rate & Property Price
It’s understandable to be concerned about security and safety when moving or travelling to a city in a foreign country that you’ve never been to before. London is no exception. The crimes that mostly happen in London are pickpocketing, muggings, gang fights, etc. Here’s a list of London boroughs, along with their crime rates.
Top 5 Safest Borough in London 2024
| No. | Name of Borough | Crime Rate/1000 people |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Richmond | 54 |
| 2. | Bexley | 56 |
| 3. | Kingston upon Thames | 57 |
| 4. | Sutton | 57 |
| 5. | Harrow | 63 |
Smallest Boroughs in London
- Smallest area: Kensington and Chelsea: 4.7 square miles (12.2 sq km)
- Smallest population: City of London: 10.9 thousand people.
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 London?
When choosing accommodation in London, travellers should prioritise safety. Except for going for safest London Boroughs, different types of accommodation offer different levels of safety, and personal preference can also play a role. Here are some options to consider:
Hotels: Hotels are favoured by tourists for their well-established safety measures. Reputable hotels are usually equipped with security personnel, surveillance cameras, and security access systems. In addition, hotels have professional staff who can help in case of emergency or provide guidance on local security issues.
Serviced Apartments: Serviced flats combine the convenience of a hotel with the comforts of home. Serviced flats usually offer a higher level of security than private rentals, as they usually have a reception desk, access cards and on-site staff. They are also more suitable for those looking for a longer term stay.
Summer Short-Term Accommodation for Students: Students who travel to London during summer holidays, or likewise, have the access to short-term student accommodation in London. There are reliable student property agencies, uhomes.com for example, offering 24/7 CCTV security measure, not to mention the well furnished flats with abundant free amenities.
Private Rentals or Airbnb: While private rentals or Airbnb can offer unique and affordable lodging options, their safety levels can vary. It’s crucial to do thorough research on the specific accommodation that you’re going to rent, including reading reviews and assessing the safety of the neighbourhood. Look for listings with positive reviews in terms of safety and security, and consider renting from experienced, highly rated hosts.
Hostels: Hostels are a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers, and can be a good option if you’re planning to stay for a month rather than a week. While hostels generally have security measures such as lockers and security cameras, it is recommended that you research individual hostels and their security protocols beforehand.
What Makes Certain London Places Safer Than Others?
Feeling safe in any community is more complex than just crime figures. While low crime rates and competent police are vital for making residents feel safe, other factors also have a significant role. You should take the following factors into consideration when choosing the safest place in London to live.
- Education
Better education gives students additional opportunities, making them feel more invested in society and their future. As a result, good schools and educational institutions improve the quality of life of residents, which leads to safer neighbourhoods.
- Arts and Culture
Art can significantly influence the level of safety in a living area. A strong arts environment makes residents feel happier and safer. Urban revitalization and beautification are often part of community investment programmes to improve the neighbourhood.
- Green spaces
While crimes still occur in parks, green places improve community, health, and well-being. These all affect social safety. As seen in our list, all safest boroughs in London value green spaces.
- Transportation links
Transport links usually increase safety. Better public transport in London attracts investment, making it more desirable and providing more opportunities for residents. Also, a good public transport system may be better resourced for passenger safety and security.
Summary
The safety in London areas needs to be taken into consideration when you want to live or just travel to the city and stay there for a few nights. Other than safety, there are many things that you must consider before moving, such as education, accommodation with green spaces or even neighbourhood with art revitalisation, and good transportation links. You should search for the info beforehand about the safest areas in London before you decide to visit or even move and live there.
FAQs About Safest Boroughs in London
Is London A Safe Place to Walk at Night?
Yes, of course. The primary concern of visitors is safety, especially in unfamiliar areas during the night. Although overall London is a very safe city, we would advise caution in some locations and at night when crime rates are typically a little higher. Choose safe boroughs in London to live, stay on roads with good light, stay away from remote places, and use common sense.
Which Criminal Trends Are Getting Worse in London?
Anti-social behaviour, drug offences and public order offences are types of crime that are becoming more prevalent. These types of offences are on the rise across the capital, but it is worth noting that there has been very little change/increase over time. Meanwhile, burglary and violent/sexual offences are also on the rise in London, but prosecution rates are improving.
Which Area Should Tourists Avoid to Stay?
Although most London areas are safe and sound to live in, we advise staying away from places with higher crime rates, such as Canning Town, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney. Central areas of London have higher crime rates, so choosing a neighbourhood like Maida Vale or Greenwich will give you a safe place to return to after a long night.
