Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Merton (23) is ahead of Southwark (59)
Transport: Southwark (53/100) is ahead of Merton (39/100)
Liveability: Southwark (69/100) is ahead of Merton (65/100)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Southwark has a stronger transport score — 53/100 vs 39/100. Prices are similar: £539k in Merton vs £518k in Southwark.
The main gap is transport: Southwark scores 15 points higher.
Best for
Merton
Merton suits buyers drawn to the specific character and amenities of this area.
Best for
Southwark
Southwark is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Merton vs Southwark: what the data says
Overall, Southwark scores higher on liveability (65/100 vs 69/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Southwark is more affordable — median price £518k vs £539k in Merton, a difference of around 4%. Over the past year prices changed +2.0% in Merton and +3.5% in Southwark.
Merton has a lower crime rate (23 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 59 in Southwark). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Southwark edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 53/100 vs 39/100).
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