Around 300,000 people move to London every year— from other UK cities, from abroad, and from within London itself. The challenge isn't finding somewhere to live. It's finding the right area: one that suits your commute, your budget, your priorities, and the way you actually want to live.
This guide is built on LondonIQ's live data across all 33 London boroughs — crime rates from police.uk, PTAL transport scores, Ofsted school ratings, Land Registry prices. Every ranking below reflects the data, not opinion. Use it to narrow your search to two or three boroughs, then drill into specific postcodes before you commit.
London at a glance
33
Boroughs
9.1 million
Population
1 – 9
Tube zones
~£500k
Median price
~£1,800/mo
Median rent (1 bed)
120,000+
Postcodes
London is not one city — it's 33 distinct boroughs, each with their own character, price point, commute times and school quality. Richmond upon Thames and Barking and Dagenham are both “London” but feel like different countries. That gap is the opportunity: picking the right borough can save you £300 a month in rent, cut your commute by 20 minutes, and put you in a catchment for a far better school. The sections below give you the data to decide.
Best areas in London for families
Ranked by a composite of safety (40%), liveability (35%) and transport (25%)
The question families ask most often is: where can I get good schools, low crime and enough space without breaking the bank? Outer south-west London — Richmond, Kingston, Sutton — answers all three. Outer north and east London — Barnet, Havering, Bromley — offer more space per pound. Below are the boroughs that score highest across the metrics families care about most.
See the full families guide with school and Ofsted data →Check schools and safety for a specific postcode
Enter any London postcode to see its school catchments, crime rate, Ofsted scores and liveability ranking.
Safest areas to live in London
Ranked by crime rate per 1,000 residents — lowest is safest
London is safe by international standards — but crime is not evenly distributed. The safest boroughs record crime rates around five times lower than the highest. The right metric is crime per 1,000 residents, not raw crime counts. Outer south-west London dominates the top of this ranking every year. Note that Westminster and the City of London appear dangerous on this metric due to their tiny resident populations versus enormous daytime footfall — they are not dangerous places to live.
See all 33 boroughs ranked by crime rate →Check crime for a specific postcode
Borough averages mask wide street-level variation. Enter any postcode for its exact crime rate, trend and breakdown by crime type.
Cheapest areas in London with good transport
Ranked by a composite of affordability (55%) and transport score (45%)
The “cheap but poorly connected” trade-off is real — but it's not inevitable. A number of outer London boroughs combine median prices well below the London average with strong rail, Overground and Elizabeth line connections. The boroughs below score highest on the combination of affordability and transport accessibility. Croydon is served by Thameslink, Southern and tram; Waltham Forest has the Overground and multiple Tube lines; Barking and Dagenham has the Elizabeth line.
See the cheapest areas to buy in London →Check transport links for any area
Enter a postcode to see its PTAL score, nearest rail and tube, bus routes and commute times to Zone 1.
Moving to London from abroad
London is one of the most internationally connected cities in the world — roughly 37% of its residents were born outside the UK. Moving here from abroad involves a few processes that differ from domestic moves.
Right to Rent checks
All landlords in England are legally required to check that tenants have the right to rent before letting a property. You'll need to show your passport, visa, or share code from the Home Office online service. If you're still waiting on a BRP or visa decision, a landlord can proceed with a time-limited tenancy — but be prepared to provide documentation quickly.
Finding a rental without a UK credit history
Many landlords and letting agencies require a UK credit history, UK bank account and proof of UK income. International movers often face rejection for this reason. Workarounds include: a guarantor (UK-based with income 36× the monthly rent), paying 6–12 months upfront, or using platforms that cater specifically to international renters. Build your UK credit history quickly by opening a bank account and registering on the electoral roll as soon as you arrive.
GP registration and the NHS
You can register with a GP immediately on arrival. If you have a valid UK visa of 6 months or more (or are an EU/EEA national with settled status), you are entitled to free NHS treatment. Register at your local surgery as soon as you arrive — GPs in popular areas often have waiting lists.
Council tax
Council tax is charged per household, not per person. It's a monthly local government charge based on your property's band (A–H). Budget £100–£250/month depending on the borough and property size. Some boroughs are significantly cheaper than others — Croydon and Sutton tend to be lower than Kensington or Camden.
Which area suits international movers?
Areas with large international communities include East London (Tower Hamlets, Newham), West London (Ealing, Hounslow), and Central London (Westminster, Lambeth). Areas popular with specific expat communities: French — South Kensington; Australian/New Zealand — Clapham and Earls Court; American — Chelsea and Notting Hill; South Asian — Wembley, Harrow, Southall; East African — Tooting and Mitcham. Ultimately, let data guide you: use LondonIQ to compare postcode scores for any area you're considering.
Find the right area for your move
Enter any London postcode to compare crime, schools, transport, amenities and property prices.
Moving to London from other UK cities
If you're coming from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Bristol, the biggest adjustment is cost. London rents are 40–80% higher than most UK regional cities. What you get in return: far more job options, higher average salaries, and a transport network that reduces car dependency entirely. Approximate train times into London from major cities:
If you're moving from Manchester or Birmingham, boroughs close to the terminus make sense for easy trips home: look at areas near Euston (Camden, Islington, King's Cross) or Paddington (Paddington, Hammersmith, Ealing). If Edinburgh is home, King's Cross puts you near Islington, Hackney and Barnet.
Check transport from any London area
Enter a postcode to see journey times to key hubs, PTAL score and nearest rail connections.
Check any London postcode before you move
Borough rankings are a starting point. Before committing to any street, check the postcode itself. LondonIQ pulls together 200+ data points for every London postcode — crime rate and trend, school catchments, transport score, flood risk, air quality, nearby amenities, broadband speed, and property prices. It takes 30 seconds and will tell you things a viewing never will.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best areas in London for families?
Based on a composite of safety, school quality and liveability, the best London boroughs for families are Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames, Bromley and Barnet. These outer boroughs offer low crime rates, high-rated schools and good green space. Check the specific postcode you are considering — school catchments and crime rates vary significantly within a borough.
What are the safest areas to live in London?
Measured by crime rate per 1,000 residents, the safest London boroughs are Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames, Bromley and Merton. All are in outer south-west or south-east London and consistently record the lowest crime rates in the capital. Inner London boroughs tend to score higher on crime rate due to daytime population and visitor footfall, not necessarily higher danger for residents.
What is the cheapest area in London with good transport?
Boroughs that combine relatively affordable property prices with strong transport links include Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, Waltham Forest, Bexley and Havering. These areas benefit from Overground, Elizabeth line or National Rail connections, with median house prices well below the London average. Transport scores are based on PTAL (Public Transport Accessibility Level) ratings.
How much money do I need to move to London?
To rent in London you typically need 5–6 weeks deposit plus first month's rent upfront — so £4,000–£8,000 for a one-bedroom flat outside central London, more in sought-after areas. Budget an additional £500–£1,500 for removal costs, admin fees and initial setup. If buying, stamp duty, conveyancing and survey fees typically add 3–5% on top of the purchase price.
Is it expensive to rent in London?
Yes — London rents are among the highest in the UK. As of 2026, median asking rents for a one-bedroom flat are around £1,900 pcm in inner London and £1,400–£1,600 pcm in outer boroughs. Areas with strong transport links but further from Zone 1 — such as Croydon, Waltham Forest and parts of Bromley — offer the best value. Use LondonIQ to check the specific postcode rather than borough-wide averages.
What is the best area to live in London for someone moving from abroad?
The best area depends on your budget, commute needs, and lifestyle priorities. Highly rated areas for international movers include Richmond (quiet, safe, great schools), Hackney and Islington (vibrant, diverse, excellent transport), and Clapham / Brixton (active social scene, good value compared to north London). Use LondonIQ's postcode search to compare any shortlisted areas across crime, transport, amenities and property prices.
How do I find the right area in London?
Start with your commute: which Zone or area do you need to reach regularly? Then set your budget. Finally, prioritise: are schools the priority? Safety? Green space? Transport convenience? LondonIQ scores every London postcode across all these dimensions. The boroughs page gives a high-level view; drill into a specific postcode for street-level data before committing.
Is moving to London worth it in 2026?
For most people, yes — London offers unmatched career opportunities, cultural depth, and international connectivity. The trade-off is cost: housing is expensive and commutes are real. The key is making an informed choice about which area fits your priorities. A postcode in outer London can deliver a dramatically different quality of life — and budget requirement — compared to inner London, even within the same borough.