The Safest (and Least Safe) Places to Live in Greater London

Safest Residential areas in Greater London

London has changed over the past year and while every area sees its share of crime incidents, some areas have become increasingly unsafe, and some undeniably safer than others.

We've sifted through the data again (so you don't have to), to present the updated scoop on safety across Greater London, providing you with an insider's look at the safest and riskier spots to settle down. Here's our updated guide to the safest and least safe places to call home.

Buckhurst Hill, IG9 - 6 crimes per 1000 residents

Nestled in the heart of Essex, Buckhurst Hill comes in as the safest residential areas. This picturesque suburb boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Greater London. It is an affluent area and a haven of tranquillity, offering residents a safe and serene environment to call home. Known for its charming high street, excellent schools, and easy access to the city, Buckhurst Hill is a popular choice for families and professionals alike.

Chigwell, IG7 - 30 crimes per 1000 residents

The leafy suburb of Chigwell in Essex comes in second on our list as the safest area in Greater London. This charming suburban town, Known for its affluent neighbourhoods is located in the heart of Essex, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its picturesque green spaces and tight-knit community.

Blackfen, DA5 - 62 crimes per 1,000 residents

Blackfen is a residential area in the London Borough of Bexley that has earned a reputation for its low crime rates and family-friendly vibe. Boasting excellent transport links and a range of amenities, Blackfen offers a safe and convenient lifestyle for its residents.

West Wickham, BR4 - 62 crimes per 1000 residents

With the same crime rate as Blackfen, the leafy neighbourhood of West Wickham in the London Borough of Bromley is the fourth safest area. Boasting a thriving high street and easy access to the Kent countryside, it's a popular choice for those seeking a quieter pace of life.

Worcester Park, KT4 - 64 crimes per 1000 residents

Rounding out the top 5 safest areas is Worcester Park, located in the London Borough of Sutton. This well-connected suburb offers a comfortable and secure lifestyle. Renowned for its leafy streets, thriving local businesses, and excellent transport links, Worcester Park is a desirable destination for those seeking a balance between urban convenience and suburban serenity.

Unsafest Residential Areas in Greater London

Southwark, SE1 - 353 crimes per 1000 residents

At the other end of the spectrum, Southwark, SE1 emerges as the unsafest area. This central London borough, home to iconic landmarks like the Shard and the Globe Theatre, faces challenges with high levels of crime, particularly in areas like Elephant and Castle and Walworth. Its high crime rate is likely linked to its vibrant nightlife.

Romford, RM1 - 350 crimes per 1000 residents

The Romford area also ranks among the unsafest neighbourhoods in Greater London. Known for its vibrant high street and bustling nightlife, Romford has grappled with issues related to violent crime, property offences and drug-related crime, indicating potential safety concerns for residents considering the area.

Camden, NW1 - 376 crimes per 1000 residents

The Camden area is another London neighbourhood that raises safety concerns. Renowned for its alternative culture and bustling markets, the London Borough of Camden places third on the unsafest list. Famous for its alternative culture, music scene, and lively markets, Camden also faces challenges with drug-related offences and antisocial behaviour, which can impact the overall sense of security for residents.

Kensington, SW7 -268 crimes per 1000 residents

Surprisingly, Kensington stands out as one of the less safe areas in Greater London. This affluent neighbourhood faces a range of security challenges, from property-related offences to violent crimes. Despite its reputation for luxury and exclusivity, Kensington's high crime rates serve as a sobering reminder that no area is immune to the complexities of urban living.

Hammersmith, W6 - 265 crimes per 1,000 residents

Neighbouring Kensington, Hammersmith also ranks among the unsafest areas in Greater London, with. This bustling commercial and residential hub grapples with a diverse range of criminal activities, from theft and burglary to drug-related offences. While Hammersmith boasts excellent transport links and a vibrant cultural scene, its elevated crime rates underscore the need for heightened security measures and community engagement.

Methodology

To accurately assess safety levels across Greater London residential areas, we analysed crime data down to the postcode district level. Our methodology included adjusting crime rates based on population levels to ensure a fair comparison.

We focused solely on residential areas within Greater London, excluding non-residential locations with concentrated nightlife. We further refined our analysis by eliminating crime subcategories, such as shoplifting and perjury, to reduce noise in the data.

Please note that crime rates may fluctuate over time, and we advise staying updated with the latest crime statistics and consulting local authorities for current information.

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