As one of the most vibrant cities in the world, London has a lot of things going for it. But it also has its share of dangers – like the high crime rate associated with big urban areas.
Now, to be clear, our city isn’t exactly a den of depravity. And Jack the Ripper was very much an outlier, in case you start thinking that the average Londoner is a stab-happy nutter.
Still, if you want to find “safe havens” in our capital where you can live, there are definitely some areas better off than others. Below, we’ve listed the ones with the lowest crime rates as per CrimeRate, the best public lighting and visibility, and more.
Richmond-upon-Thames
–Media from thenandnowlondon
Location: Southwest London, England, 16 km southwest of Central London
Crime rate: 60 per 1,000 people
Richmond-upon-Thames is like a fine bottle of bubbly – classy, sophisticated, and always in high demand. That’s why it’s no surprise that this swanky suburb is consistently ranked as one of the best and safest places to live in London.
This place has it all. With its picturesque riverside location and expansive Richmond Park, this area is a breath of fresh air!
Plus, the local council’s dedication to keeping the streets clean and tidy means that you’re never more than a few metres away from a litter bin.
And safety-wise, you’ve got nothing to worry about. You could leave your best bicycle unlocked on a busy high street and come back three hours later to find it exactly where you left it (not that I’m recommending you do that, mind you).
Harrow
–Media from awildflowerinlondon
Location: Northwestern part of Greater London, 16 km northwest of central London
Crime rate: 60 crimes per 1,000 people
If you’re looking for a place to live in London that’s safe, charming, and full of character, then look no further than Harrow.
Harrow is one of those places that just oozes charm. From the stunning Harrow School – where the likes of Winston Churchill and Benedict Cumberbatch went to school – to the quaint High Street with its independent shops and cafes, this place is positively brimming with character.
Plus, Harrow has some cracking parks, like the gorgeous Pinner Memorial Park and the sprawling Stanmore Country Park.
Bexley
–Media from jack.londonmortgagesolutions
Location: Southeastern part of Greater London, 20 km east-southeast of central London
Crime rate: 64 crimes per 1,000 people
Bexley is one of the safest places to live in the whole of London. You can wander around these parts without a care in the world, safe in the knowledge that the local bobbies have your back.
The town centre is positively quaint, with cobbled streets and charming little shops that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Plus, Bromley has some seriously good eats on offer, from mouth-watering Thai food at The Siam Kitchen to classic pub grub at The Star and Garter. And if you want something fancier, then a trip to Chapter One for some Michelin-starred cuisine is the place to go.
Sutton
–Media from koerschtinchen
Location: Southern part of Greater London, 16 km southwest of central London
Crime rate: 65 crimes per 1,000 people
Sutton is one of those areas where you can leave your front door unlocked and not have to worry about someone nicking your telly. Of course, I wouldn’t also recommend testing that theory, but you get the idea.
But that’s not all! This place has some cracking green spaces. From the stunning 625-acre Nonsuch Park to the quaint and charming Manor Park, there’s plenty of fresh air to be had in Sutton.
Oh, and let’s not forget the food. Sutton has some seriously good eats on offer, from the classic British pub grub at The Hope to the tantalizing Indian cuisine at Radhuni.
Kingston-upon-Thames
–Media from twickers_chick75
Location: Southwestern part of Greater London, 16 km southwest of central London
Crime rate: 66 crimes per 1,000 people
Kingston-upon-Thames is a safe and sound oasis in the midst of the chaotic and unpredictable city of London. Situated in the southwest of London, it’s far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city to keep the crime rate down.
But it is also close enough to provide easy access to all the amenities and entertainment that London has to offer. It’s a perfect balance.
This town also has some interesting history. Founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago, Kingston-upon-Thames has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
But through it all, it has remained a proud and resilient community, with a strong sense of identity and belonging. This kind of unity is what keeps the streets safe and the neighbours friendly.
Wandsworth
–Media from kaija_helena
Location: Southwestern part of Greater London, 6 km southwest of central London
Crime rate: 72 crimes per 1,000 people
Wandsworth has a rich and storied history that’s evident in the beautiful architecture and landmarks that grace its streets.
From the grandeur of Wandsworth Town Hall to the charm of Old York Road, Wandsworth is a place where the past meets the present, creating a sense of rootedness and continuity that’s hard to find in the modern world.
This town also has peaceful riverside walks of the Thames Path to the wild beauty of Tooting Common, Wandsworth is home to some of the most beautiful and well-maintained public squares in London.
And really, spending time in nature is one of the best ways to reduce stress and promote mental health, which in turn makes for a safer and happier community.
Redbridge
–Media from tgristle
Location: Northeastern part of Greater London, 15 km northeast of central London
Crime rate: 79 crimes per 1,000 people
Redbridge, the borough that’s got its head screwed on tight, where the streets are safe, the people are friendly, and the facilities are top-notch.
From the chic boutiques to the trendy cafes to the stylish bars, Redbridge has it all. And let’s not forget about the excellent schools and top-rated healthcare facilities, which make it an ideal place for families and young professionals alike.
But perhaps the most important factor of all is the sense of opportunity that Redbridge offers.
Whether you’re looking for a new job, a new hobby, or a new adventure, there’s always something going on in Redbridge that will spark your interest and challenge you to try something new.
Croydon
–Media from homecastleestateagents
Location: Southern part of Greater London, 16.7 km south of central London
Crime rate: 86 crimes per 1,000 people
Croydon might not have the poshest reputation in the world, but you know what they say: appearances can be deceiving.
According to recent crime statistics, Croydon is actually one of the safest boroughs in London. And it’s not just the police who are doing their bit to keep the peace – the locals are a friendly bunch who look out for each other, too.
But safety isn’t the only thing that makes Croydon a top spot to call home. For one thing, it’s got great transport links. You can hop on a train or a tram and be in central London in no time.
And if you don’t fancy venturing too far afield, Croydon’s got plenty to offer in its own right. There’s a thriving arts scene, with galleries, theatres, and live music venues aplenty.
Enfield
–Media from oasislivinguk
Location: Northern part of Greater London, 22.5 km north of central London
Crime rate: 89 crimes per 1,000 people
Enfield, the hidden gem in the sprawling metropolis of London, where the sun always shines, the birds always sing, and the crime rate is lower than a worm’s belly.
But what is it that makes Enfield such a delightful and safe place to live, you ask? Well, let me enlighten you.
Firstly, it’s all about the community. Enfield has a strong sense of togetherness and a tight-knit community that looks out for one another.
From the local fairs and festivals to the community events and charity fundraisers, there’s always something going on that brings people together.
But perhaps the biggest factor of all is the sense of safety that pervades the borough. Enfield is known for having a low crime rate, thanks in part to the excellent work of the local police force.
Whether you’re walking home from the pub late at night or letting your kids play in the park, you can rest easy knowing that Enfield is a safe and secure place to live.
Lewisham
–Media from Elise.bd
Location: Southeast London, 9.6 km southeast of Charing Cross
Crime rate: 90 crimes per 1,000 people
Lewisham has been quietly shedding its rough reputation in recent years, and the hard work of local police and community groups has paid off.
Crime rates have plummeted, making Lewisham one of the safest boroughs in the city. You can walk down the street without constantly looking over your shoulder, which is more than you can say for some of the more notorious areas of London.
Lewisham has plenty to offer in terms of quality of life as well.
For one, it’s a green and pleasant place to live. There are parks and open spaces dotted all over the borough, and they’re not just patches of grass – we’re talking proper, beautiful parks with trees, flowers, and wildlife.
You can even have a picnic, take a stroll, or just relax in the sunshine!
Greenwich
–Media from lundonlens
Location: Southeast London, 8.8 km east-southeast of Charing Cross
Crime rate: 91 crimes per 1,000 people
If you’re looking for a top-notch place to call home in London, look no further than Greenwich! This southeast London borough has it all: safety, culture, and a whole lot of charm.
First things first, let’s talk safety. Greenwich might be known for its pirates (Arrr!), but these days it’s a pretty darn safe place to be.
The local constables have things under control, and crime rates in the borough are lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut. Whether you’re walking down the high street or strolling through one of the many beautiful parks, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
But Greenwich is also a borough with a rich history and a vibrant present. It’s home to the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, and the Cutty Sark – not to mention the world-famous Greenwich Meridian.
And if you’re more of a foodie, Greenwich has plenty to offer in that department, too. There are markets galore, selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood.
Plus, if you’re looking for a meal out, you’ll find plenty of top-notch restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Chelsea
–Media from lovely.little.london
Location: West London, 4 km southwest of Charing Cross
Crime rate: 132 crimes per 1,000 people
If you’re looking for a fancy-pants, safe, and posh place to live in London, Chelsea is where it’s at.
Now, I don’t want to jinx it, but Chelsea is about as safe as a kitten in a basket. The police are always patrolling the streets, and the local posh folk are a well-behaved bunch.
You can strut down King’s Road without a care in the world, knowing that you’re in one of the safest boroughs in the city.
But above this, Chelsea is also a place where the streets are lined with designer shops, high-end restaurants, and exclusive clubs. It’s a shopper’s paradise.
And if you’re looking for some culture, you won’t be disappointed. The Saatchi Gallery is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers, and the Royal Court Theatre is a great spot to catch a play.
This is a place where the champagne flows like water, the cars are all high-end, and the houses are worth more than most of us will ever see in a lifetime. If you’re looking to live a high life, this is the place to be.
