London's best and worst places to live named - posh corner of town at number 1

A leafy South West London borough has been named the best part of capital city to live in.   

In a result which may not surprise many, MyLondon readers crowned Richmond Upon Thames the city's prime living location, thanks to its chic aura, lush green spaces, and efficient transport links.  However, the lowest-ranked area will probably shock some - especially to those who love living in this West London suburb.  

It's fair to say Hounslow, the lowest ranked borough, probably lacks the appeal amongst young residents of its near neighbour Richmond, which contributed significantly to its popularity. Talking to MyLondon in 2023, 69-year-old local, Guy Chance, heralded Richmond as "great fun for youngsters, all the things they can do on the social side, it's a buzzy place to live". 

However, whilst its desirability remains high, Richmond's pricey nature poses a major hurdle for many seeking residence there. 

Tony Khatchik, operator of The Toy Station, said: "Average families are younger now than they used to be 20 years ago, however they have big mortgages because prices are very high and everything else is expensive so they don't have as much disposable income."

He went on to say that central Richmond was always "a playground of the wealthy and the millionaires" but that this has spread to the outskirts now so homes "which were affordable... have tripled in price". He remarked on a scenario, two decades ago, when it was feasible for someone with an average income to acquire a house or flat.

However, the area is now exclusively for the affluent, he stated. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the average house price in Richmond was £746,000 in March 2024, compared to the London average of £500,000 for the same month, reports MyLondon.

Bromley in South London, bordering Kent, was voted the second-best place to live by readers. The borough encompasses parts of Crystal Palace, Penge, Orpington and Anerley, as well as several football teams.

Despite its popularity with  MyLondon readers, Bromley is one of six London boroughs without any Underground stations. Central London and other destinations are accessible via the London Overground and railway services.

The ONS reports that the average house prices in Bromley are £495,000, significantly less than in Richmond. However, certain areas of the borough, such as Kings Hall Road in Beckenham, are known for their multi-million-pound mansions.

Wandsworth, a Zone 2 borough, ranks third on the list of best places to live in the capital. It boasts the 'highest-earning' neighbourhood in the UK, one of only two areas where average household incomes exceed £100,000.

Wandsworth, a district brimming with verdant spaces such as Clapham and Wandsworth Commons, also boasts high-end eateries, pubs, and bars along Northcote Road and in Wandsworth Town. The area is well-connected, with train services from Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town stations, and Northern line tube services from Balham and Tooting Broadway.

However, these amenities come at a cost. As of March 2024, the average house price in Wandsworth stands at £604,000, according to ONS data.

It's worth noting that the City of London didn't receive any votes, but given its small residential population compared to other boroughs, this isn't surprising. Therefore, the list only includes 32 out of London's 33 boroughs.

Here's the full rundown of the best places to live in London.

32 - Hounslow.

31 - Brent.

30 - Bexley.

29 - Haringey.

28 - Enfield.

27 - Barking and Dagenham + Havering.

25 - Merton.

24 - Lambeth + Newham.

22 - Redbridge + Sutton.

20 - Tower Hamlets.

19 - Hackney.

18 - Lewisham.

17 - Southwark + Harrow.

15 - Westminster.

14 - Hammersmith and Fulham.

13 - Camden.

12 - Islington.

11 - Greenwich.

10 - Croydon.

9 - Barnet.

8 - Kingston Upon Thames.

7 - Ealing.

6 - Waltham Forest.

5 - Hillingdon.

4 - Kensington and Chelsea.

3 - Wandsworth.

2 - Bromley.

1 - Richmond Upon Thames.