Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Merton (23) is ahead of Islington (105)
Transport: Islington (58/100) is ahead of Merton (39/100)
Median price: Merton (£539k) is ahead of Islington (£658k)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Islington has a stronger transport score — 58/100 vs 39/100. Merton is more affordable at £539k median vs £658k.
Islington scores higher on transport, but Merton is the more affordable option.
Best for
Islington
Islington is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Best for
Merton
Merton suits families and those prioritising a low-crime neighbourhood.
Islington vs Merton: what the data says
Overall, Islington scores higher on liveability (72/100 vs 65/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Merton is more affordable — median price £539k vs £658k in Islington, a difference of around 18%. Over the past year prices changed +12.0% in Islington and +2.0% in Merton.
Merton has a lower crime rate (23 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 105 in Islington). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Islington edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 58/100 vs 39/100).
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