Richmond Ranked Fifth Best London Borough by Secret London

Key Points

• Richmond borough was ranked as the fifth best borough in London by followers of the Instagram page ‘Secret London.’
• Islington was ranked first, followed by Kensington and Chelsea in second place, and Wandsworth in third.
• Richmond previously ranked fourth in some reports, showing slight variations in ranking.
• The ranking was based on a poll conducted among ‘Secret London’ Instagram followers.
• Richmond is also recognised as one of the safest and happiest boroughs in London.
• The borough is noted for its leafy, riverside environment, strong community spirit, excellent schools, and rich green spaces such as Richmond Park.
• It offers a blend of city and suburban living, with fast transport links to central London.
• Despite its allure, Richmond has premium housing prices well above the London average.
• Other London boroughs frequently recognised for quality of life alongside Richmond include Merton, Sutton, Camden, Hackney, and Southwark.

What is the ranking of Richmond borough by ‘Secret London’ followers?

As reported by Tilly O’Brien of Teddington Nub News, Richmond borough was ranked as London’s fifth best borough by the Instagram followers of the popular online guide ‘Secret London’ in October 2025. The poll conducted among the 32 London boroughs placed Islington in first place, followed by Kensington and Chelsea and Wandsworth in second and third places respectively. Richmond’s position in the top five highlights its appeal to Londoners engaging on the platform, although some reports have noted that Richmond ranked fourth in slightly different tallies, reflecting minor fluctuations.​

Why do followers rank Richmond among the best boroughs in London?

Richmond benefits from its picturesque, leafy environment on the banks of the River Thames and maintains a village-like atmosphere despite its proximity to central London. According to the Essential Living report on London’s safest boroughs, Richmond upon Thames boasts a perfect safety rating and offers residents a strong sense of community, good schools, and abundant green spaces like Richmond Park, home to herds of deer and extensive woodlands. Transport connectivity is also excellent, with direct trains linking Richmond to Waterloo station within 20 minutes, making it an attractive location for commuting professionals.​

How safe is Richmond compared to other London boroughs?

Richmond consistently tops the list of London’s safest boroughs. As highlighted by Sotheby’s Realty in a May 2025 report, Richmond retains its position as the safest borough in London, a distinction that adds to its desirability. The borough offers a calm lifestyle with low crime rates, attractive period homes, and family-friendly atmospheres, setting it apart from many other parts of the capital. This safety factor is vital for families and individuals prioritising peace of mind while living in a major city.​

What makes Richmond desirable beyond safety?

Richmond’s desirability extends beyond safety to quality of life aspects. According to Secret LDN and Rightmove studies, Richmond is not only among the best places to live in London but was also named the happiest borough in the UK in recent years. The borough’s schools have a high proportion of ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings, and GP satisfaction scores are notably high, reflecting excellent local health services. Richmond’s combination of excellent education, healthcare, culture, and natural beauty makes it a highly sought-after place to live.​

What are the housing and cost implications of living in Richmond?

While Richmond offers many amenities and advantages, it is also one of the more expensive boroughs to live in London. The average house price in Richmond was recently estimated at around £748,000, substantially higher than the London average by approximately 42%. The borough’s premium housing market, driven by its green spaces and tranquil setting, results in higher rental and purchase costs, which can be prohibitive for some potential residents.​

How does Richmond compare with other top London boroughs?

Several other London boroughs are frequently recognised alongside Richmond for their quality of life. Boroughs like Merton, Sutton, Camden, Hackney, and Southwark also appear on various best borough lists, featuring a mix of strong community ties, cultural offerings, and safety. According to Essential Living’s safety rankings and other local polls, Richmond’s combination of safety, scenic beauty, and community features often give it an edge in overall desirability, even if housing costs are higher.​

How do local authorities contribute to Richmond’s appeal?

Local government initiatives play a role in maintaining Richmond’s status as a desirable borough. For example, Richmond Council has been awarded top grades for climate action amongst London boroughs, indicating a commitment to sustainability and green living, which complements the borough’s natural assets. This progressive governance enhances the quality of life and helps preserve the borough’s unique character.​

Richmond borough’s fifth-place ranking by ‘Secret London’ Instagram followers serves as one of several validations of its reputation as a top London residential area. The borough’s safety, community spirit, excellent schools, green spaces, and accessibility combine to create a highly attractive living environment, acknowledged by Londoners themselves as well as by independent safety and quality-of-life assessments. Although the cost of living remains high, Richmond’s numerous positive attributes make it a prime choice for those seeking a balanced urban-suburban lifestyle within London.