Top Family Friendly Neighbourhoods in London

London is a city renowned for its diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. From the tranquil, green spaces of Richmond to the vibrant, bustling streets of Crystal Palace, the capital boasts a plethora of attractive residential areas. Whether you’re seeking excellent schools, rich historical heritage, easy access to nature, or convenient transport links, London’s neighbourhoods have something to cater to every lifestyle. In this guide, we explore some of the best neighbourhoods in London, delving into their unique features, housing options, and what makes them stand out as desirable places to call home.

Richmond

Transport

• District Line and Overground: Easy access from the station.
• Bus Connections: Numerous buses to Kingston, Heathrow, and Twickenham.

Green Spaces

• Richmond Park: One of London’s eight Royal Parks, spanning 2,500 acres with ancient trees, herds of deer, and the Isabella Plantation.
• Old Deer Park: Covers 147 hectares (360 acres) with 90.4 hectares (220 acres) leased for sports grounds. Despite its name, there are no deer here.
• Syon House & Syon Park: A Grade I listed building within an 80-hectare (200-acre) park, featured in productions like Netflix’s Bridgerton and BBC’s Killing Eve.
• Kew Gardens: 14 acres of ponds, wildlife, green space, and art, offering a family membership for residents.

Safety and Education

• Crime: One of the lowest crime rates in London.
• Schools: High-quality education with 28 state schools rated ‘Outstanding’ and 27 rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Close to many top independent schools.

Property Types

• Housing: Victorian detached and terraced houses, picturesque Georgian cottages, and period home conversions. Prime locations include The Green and Petersham Village.

Property Prices (April 2023)

• Average Price: £1,067,735.
• Flats: £566,676.
• Terraced Properties: £1,142,736.
• Semi-Detached Properties: £1,464,775.
• Market Trends: Prices up 5% from the previous year and 7% from the 2020 peak.

Crystal Palace

Attractions

• Crystal Palace Park: Features dinosaur statues, a skate park, one of the largest outdoor mazes in the country, and a boating lake.
• National Sports Centre: A 15,500-seater athletics stadium.

Transport

• Station: Network Rail and London Overground services to London Bridge and London Victoria, as well as Beckenham Junction and Sutton.

Safety and Education

• Crime: Below-average London crime rate.
• Schools: Three primary schools and three comprehensive schools rated ‘Outstanding’.

Property Types

• Housing: Victorian terraces, impressive Victorian villas (many converted into flats), modern apartment blocks, and 1930s semi-detached houses.

Property Prices (April 2023)

• Average Price: £471,990.
• Flats: £373,692.
• Terraced Properties: £611,307.
• Semi-Detached Properties: £702,115.
• Market Trends: Prices up 3% from the previous year and 3% from the 2020 peak.

Chiswick

Transport

• Tube Stations: Chiswick Park (District Line), Turnham Green (District and Piccadilly Lines), and Gunnersbury (District Line and London Overground).

Attractions

• Amenities: Swimming pools, bakeries, a popular food market, bookshops, coffee shops, restaurants, and boutique shops.
• Turnham Green: A triangular open space with flower beds, a war memorial, and plans for a children’s play park.

Education

• Schools: Highly regarded schools with competitive placements, such as Orchard House.

Property Types

• Housing: Arts & Crafts style homes, large Edwardian & detached 20s and 30s homes, period cottages, and properties with Thames frontages.

Property Prices (April 2023)

• Average Price: £1,116,297.
• Terraced Properties: £1,284,232.
• Flats: £574,551.
• Semi-Detached Properties: £1,860,402.
• Market Trends: Prices up 8% from the previous year and 15% from the 2020 peak.

Bexley

Attractions

• Parks: Over 100 parks, many with trees nearing 200 years old, covering one-third of the borough.
• Crook Log Leisure Centre: Features a 25-meter swimming pool, sauna, gym, and outdoor sports pitches.
• Erith Yacht Club: A leading sailing venue in London.

Transport

• Elizabeth Line: Abbey Wood station offers quick connections to Canary Wharf.

Property Types

• Housing: Georgian buildings with Garden Squares and 1950s style homes.

Property Prices (April 2023)

• Average Price: £493,589.
• Semi-Detached Properties: £527,476.
• Terraced Properties: £473,798.
• Flats: £270,132.
• Market Trends: Prices up 1% from the previous year and 11% from the 2020 peak.

Greenwich

Attractions

• Greenwich Park: Historic Royal Park with impressive city views, a deer park, herbaceous border, Queen’s Orchard, and Pavilion Café.
• Museums and O2 Arena: Numerous museums and the O2 arena with shops, bowling, cinemas, restaurants, and a concert venue.

Education

• Schools: 13 ‘Outstanding’ state secondary schools and 46 ‘Outstanding’ state primary schools within three miles.

Transport

• Docklands Light Railway: Quick access to London’s financial district.
• North Greenwich Tube Station: Accessible by bus.

Property Types

• Housing: Georgian homes, early Victorian villas, flat-fronted two-storey Victorian cottages, Arts and Crafts houses, and new-build flats in the town center and Peninsula.

Property Prices (April 2023)

• Average Price: £624,017.
• Flats: £540,838.
• Terraced Properties: £901,255.
• Semi-Detached Properties: £1,302,179.
• Market Trends: Prices down 11% from the previous year and 4% from the 2020 peak.

These neighborhoods each offer unique charms, amenities, and lifestyles, making them some of the best places to live in London. Whether you’re looking for green spaces, excellent schools, historical landmarks, or vibrant community life, there’s something for everyone.