Top 10 Safest Areas in London to Live in or Visit: 2025 Rankings

If you’re planning a trip to the capital—or thinking of moving here—one of the first things you might ask is: where actually feels safe? London’s a big place, and while it’s mostly safe to explore, some neighbourhoods definitely stand out for offering that extra peace of mind.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear rundown of the top 10 safest areas in London, which parts of city are better to avoid (especially at night), and simple tips to help you feel more secure, whether you’re at home or getting around.

Top 10 Safest Areas in London

To help you make a more informed choice, we’ve pulled together the top 10 safest areas in London to live or visit based on the latest annual data (up to September 2024) from CrimeRate.co.uk. Their data combines police-reported incidents with population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

We looked at:

• Overall crime rate(per 1,000 residents), and
• Violence and sexual offences, which are currently the most common crime category across the capital.

Lower numbers indicate fewer reported crimes, so the boroughs at the top of this list are statistically the safest.

For context, the London-wide average crime rate is 104 crimes per 1,000 people, and the average rate for violence and sexual offences is 29.32 per 1,000.

(Note: The City of London has been excluded due to its very small residential population, which can skew the numbers.)

London’s Top 10 Safest Boroughs at a Glance

Now, let’s take a closer look at each:

1. Richmond upon Thames

Topping the list, Richmond feels more like a countryside escape than part of a global capital. With its leafy streets, riverside walks and the vast Richmond Park—where deer roam freely—it offers a calm, community-focused environment.

It also boasts the lowest rate of violence and sexual offences in London at just 19.93 per 1,000 people. Whether you’re out walking, cycling, or heading to a local café, Richmond tends to feel relaxed and low-risk.

2. Kingston upon Thames

Just down the Thames from Richmond, Kingston blends the charm of a historic market town with easy access to central London. Trains into Waterloo take around 30 minutes, making it a favourite among commuters.

The borough has a low overall crime rate of 75.43, and its violence and sexual offence rate of 23.63 is well below the city average. Its riverside pubs, shopping options and walkable streets make it an attractive and relatively safe place to stay or settle down.

3. Harrow

Harrow’s big draw is its excellent state-school network. 96 % are rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted, which helps keep the area family-focused and community-minded.

It has one of the lower crime rates in the city—79.15 overall—and a notably low rate of violent and sexual offences at 25.71. If you’re after a quieter, suburban lifestyle with good connections to central London via the Tube, Harrow is worth considering.

4. Sutton

Sutton markets itself as one of London’s greenest boroughs, and its parks, green spaces and active cycling infrastructure support that claim. Its crime rate (79.67) is low overall, and while its violence and sexual offence rate sits right at the city average (30), strong local engagement between residents and the police keeps many areas feeling well looked after. It’s especially popular with families who value both space and relative safety.

5. Merton

Home to Wimbledon and its famous tennis championships, Merton offers a good mix of open green spaces and urban convenience. You’ve got access to Wimbledon Common, plenty of parks, and great Tube and train connections into central London.

With an overall crime rate of 82.49 and a violence and sexual offence rate of 27.62, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to stay connected to the city while enjoying a quieter, more suburban pace of life.

6. Bexley

Sitting on the south-east edge of the capital, Bexley feels more Kent than Zone 6. Wide residential streets, good primary schools and big green pockets like Danson Park and Foots Cray Meadows give it a laid-back, family-first atmosphere.

The overall crime rate is 86.95 per 1,000 residents, with violence and sexual offences at 29.19—both below the London average—so you can enjoy those riverside walks along the Thames or pop into Bexleyheath for shopping without too much worry.

7. Bromley

London’s largest borough by area stretches from bustling Bromley town centre all the way down to rural villages such as Downe. That size means plenty of green space. Think High Elms Country Park, Crystal Palace Park and the woodlands around Keston.

At 88.26 crimes per 1,000 (and 27.49 for violent offences), Bromley stays comfortably under the city mean. If you’d like leafy suburbia with reliable rail links into Victoria, Blackfriars and London Bridge, Bromley is a solid pick.

8. Barnet

Head north of Hampstead Heath and you’ll hit Barnet, a borough known for its mix of suburban calm and quick routes into town via the Northern line and Thameslink. From the cafés of Finchley to the open fields of Totteridge Valley, there’s a lot of breathing room here.

Crime sits at 89.86 per 1,000—still well below the London average—and violent incidents at 25.98 are among the lowest in the top ten. That balance of space and safety makes Barnet popular with young families and professionals alike.

9. Hillingdon

Jump on the Metropolitan or Piccadilly line and you’ll reach Hillingdon, the west-London borough that houses Heathrow Airport, Brunel University and miles of canalside towpaths. Despite the travel hub on its doorstep, the overall crime rate is a modest 95.30, with violence and sexual offences at 28.83 per 1,000. Whether you’re exploring Ruislip Lido’s woodland beach or grabbing a coffee in Uxbridge, day-to-day life here tends to feel relaxed and practical.

10. Havering

Rounding out the list is outer-east Havering. Over half the borough lies inside London’s Metropolitan Green Belt, so suburbs like Romford, Upminster and Hornchurch sit beside genuine countryside views. You’ve got Hornchurch Country Park for woodland walks and the bird-rich wetlands of Rainham Marshes on the Thames foreshore.

The Elizabeth line from Romford whisks you into Liverpool Street in around 30 minutes, keeping commutes painless. Latest figures show roughly 99 crimes per 1,000 residents and a violence-and-sexual-offence rate of 33—numbers that still place Havering inside the top bracket of the safest areas in London overall

👉 Related reading: Crime Rates in the UK by Postcode

Where to Avoid Staying in London?

While London is generally safe, some boroughs consistently report higher crime levels than others. Based on the same dataset (year ending September 2024), the boroughs below rank highest for overall crime, violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and rising theft-from-person incidents—making them worth thinking twice about, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Newham

Newham tops the list with 142 crimes per 1,000 people and nearly 11,000 reports of violence and sexual offences. Anti-social behaviour remains high, and theft-from-person crimes have risen 54% over three years—particularly around busy hubs like Stratford and Green Street.

Hackney

Hackney’s creative and nightlife scenes attract plenty of visitors, but they also drive up incidents. It sees over 8,800 violent offences and 8,200 anti-social incidents a year, with theft-from-person reports rising 71%. Areas like Dalston and Shoreditch are hotspots where extra caution is advised.

Lambeth

With large venues, busy high streets and a lively night-time economy, Lambeth records over 10,000 violent offences and nearly 9,600 anti-social incidents annually. Pickpocketing has surged—up 184% in three years—so it’s smart to stay alert in places like Brixton and along the Victoria line. 

👉 Related reading: Is Brixton Safe for Locals and Tourists?

Lewisham

Lewisham sees more than 9,700 violent crime reports and 6,800 anti-social behaviour calls in the past year. It’s also had one of the sharpest rise in theft-from-person cases—up 255%, particularly around public transport hubs and shopping centres. Taking basic precautions here goes a long way.

Westminster

Westminster is London’s tourist heart, but it also sees some of the capital’s highest crime volumes. With over 12,200 violent offences and almost 13,000 anti-social incidents, the numbers reflect the heavy foot traffic across Soho, Oxford Street and Westminster’s landmarks. Theft-from-person offences have jumped 131%, so keep valuables secure in crowds and when using public transport.

How to Enhance Your Personal Safety in London?

No matter which part of London you’re in—safe or high-risk—there are simple steps you can take to stay alert and avoid common issues. Follow these practical tips:

Be aware of your surroundings

Keep your phone away from the edge of tables and out of your hand when walking in busy areas. Opportunistic thefts—particularly phone snatching—can happen quickly, especially near main roads or on busy pavements.

Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night

Stick to main streets, especially after dark. If you’re unfamiliar with a neighbourhood, plan your route ahead of time and avoid shortcuts through parks, alleyways or quiet back streets.

Use licensed transport

Only use black cabs or licensed private hire vehicles (like Uber or Bolt). Never accept lifts from unregistered drivers. If you’re using public transport late at night, try to sit near the driver (on buses) or in busy carriages (on trains and Tubes).

Keep bags and valuables secure

Wear anti-theft backpacks on both shoulders in crowded areas or hold them in front of you. Keep bags zipped, and don’t leave phones, wallets, or passports in back pockets or open bags—especially in tourist-heavy zones.

Know emergency contacts

In the UK, dial 999 for police, fire or ambulance services in an emergency. For non-emergencies, you can contact the police via 101. Transport for London (TfL) staff and stations also have help points.

Protect your home with smart security

If you’re staying in London long-term—whether in a flatshare, rental or your own home—setting up smart security can give you peace of mind when you’re out or asleep. These systems are becoming more common across London, and even a few basic devices can help prevent break-ins or catch suspicious activity early.

• Security camerasare useful for monitoring entrances and shared access points, especially if you live in a ground-floor flat or house. Visible cameras can also deter opportunistic thieves from targeting your home in the first place.
• Video doorbells let you see and speak to whoever’s at your door, even if you’re not home. They’re handy for managing deliveries, deterring doorstep scams, or simply avoiding unwanted visitors. Many models send live alerts straight to your phone.
• Alarm systems can detect movement or forced entry and alert you immediately. Many systems trigger loud sirens, which can scare off intruders before they get far.

You don’t need a complex setup. Many reliable brands, like eufy, offer smart ecosystems that are wireless, easy to install, and can be managed entirely from your phone. They’re especially useful in areas where crime rates are higher, but even in safer boroughs, they offer an extra layer of protection that’s worth considering.

Conclusion

Getting to know London’s safer neighbourhoods can really shape your experience, for the better. Whether you’re booking a hotel, renting a flat, or settling in long-term, choosing from the safest areas in London helps you focus on enjoying the city, not worrying about your surroundings.

Of course, no place is risk-free, but staying aware and taking a few precautions can make a big difference. Use this guide as your starting point and enjoy London with confidence.

FAQ

Which part of London is safest?

Richmond upon Thames (including areas like Teddington) consistently ranks as the safest borough in London, thanks to its low crime rates (about 72 crimes per 1000 people as of 2024), riverside parks, strong community vibe, and excellent schools. Nearby boroughs like Merton, Bromley, Harrow, and Bexley also feature among the top safest areas, offering suburban calm, green spaces, reliable policing, and family-friendly amenities.

Which part of London is the nicest to live in?

Defining “nicest” depends on what you value—safety, culture, greenery, schools, community. A top pick is Richmond upon Thames, which is not only picturesque with its riverside setting and vast parks like Richmond Park (home to roaming deer), but also one of the safest boroughs in London. Wimbledon also ticks many boxes: well‑connected, leafy, community‑oriented, abundant green spaces, and safety levels comparable to the city’s best suburbs.

Where is the safe and cheap area to live in London?

If you’re looking for an affordable yet safe place to live, consider Sutton and Bexley. Sutton often offers the lowest rental costs in London, excellent schools, and low crime. Bexley also combines safety with green suburbs and more budget-friendly rents (roughly £1,100–£1,250 per month). Bromley is another strong option—ranked among the safest boroughs, with reasonable rental prices around £1,100–£1,250 and good transport links to Central London.