Technically speaking, Richmond is a separate town that's simply located very near
London. As it borders the River Thames and is only 8.2 miles southwest of Charing Cross, the city center, it's no surprise practically everyone considers it as one of London's central neighborhoods. But what is it about Richmond that makes it stand out and even more coveted than the actual districts of London? It's an affluent suburb with a lovely small-town feel and one of the largest parks in the city. Who wouldn't want to live in such a place?
Where is Richmond in London?
As already mentioned, Richmond is technically not in London. It's an entirely separate town that's only 8.2 miles southwest of Charing Cross, the city center. Located right by the River Thames, it's one of the main and most popular
London Suburbs. Since it's a largely residential neighborhood and it isn't too far from the central districts, it's no surprise that many people love living here, especially families with little kids and senior citizens. Richmond is also surrounded by many of the other London Suburbs, including Brentford, Putney, Twickenham, and Isleworth, among many others.
Is it Safe in Richmond, London?
Richmond is one of the safest
boroughs in London. This comes as no surprise since it's a London suburb and one of the most peaceful parts of the city. Though
London's crime rates tend to be high, Richmond's crime rates are mostly low. Currently, it's only about 60.7 crimes per 1,000 people, which isn't just low but also one of the lowest in the entire city. Paired with the fact that it's a largely residential district, Richmond is undoubtedly one of the safest parts of London and therefore, one of the best places to live in the city too.
Is it Expensive in Richmond, London?
To say that Richmond is “
expensive” is a bit much but it is still pretty pricey here. The
living costs in London are already generally high and unfortunately, this spills out into the city's suburbs too. Take renting in Richmond, for example. The average rent here is about £2,122.00 per month, which is on the higher end of the city-wide average of around £1,500.00 to £2,100.00 per month.
Eating out in London is a bit costly too, with the average price per meal about £20.00 to £30.00 per person. And that's already among the more affordable restaurants in Richmond.
What's the Vibe in Richmond, London?
As a London Suburb, Richmond evokes a village-like, English countryside feel. It doesn't exactly feel rural or provincial, but the tight-knit community here is far more intimate than
London's central neighborhoods. Since it's a riverside district, the area is pretty reminiscent of other European capitals, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, too. Especially since the Georgian homes here add a grand tinge of history to the entire place. Overall, Richmond is one of the lovelier suburbs in London, making it one of the best places to live in the city. If you’ll ever
move to London, consider settling down here.
What to Do in Richmond, London
Don't mistake Richmond's peaceful atmosphere and fewer tourist attractions as boring. The neighborhood may not be as busy as London's central districts, but there's still a lot to expect. If you want to have a more peaceful
day in London, spending it in Richmond is a good idea. You can start with the famous Richmond Park, one of the city's loveliest green spaces. Not only is this a beautiful slice of the
English countryside near the British capital, but it's famous for its wild deer too. Talk about magical! If you still want to go to a museum here, the lavish Ham House and Marble Hill House are both on offer.
Richmond, London's Best Restaurants
Richmond's diverse culinary scene offers the best of both worlds. On one end, there are high-class restaurants where you can enjoy high-quality cuisines and elegant ambiance. While they're not exactly
London's Michelin-starred restaurants, they're still the kind where you can take your clients out on a business lunch. On the other end, Richmond is rich in traditional English pubs. They're smaller, largely intimate, and mostly affordable diners that serve authentic British cuisine. They're great for eating out regularly and getting used to the local cuisine if you're not that familiar with it yet. Out of all the best restaurants in Richmond in London, here are a few standouts.
- Al Boccon Di' Vino at 14 Red Lion St.
- Bill's Richmond Restaurant at 1-3 Hill Rise
- Chez Lindsay at 11 Hill Rise
- Cocotte Richmond at 30 Hill St.
- Gaucho Richmond in The Towpath, Riverside
- Mignonette Bistro at 109 Kew Road
- Rock and Rose Richmond at 106, 108 Kew Road
- Scotts Richmond at 4 Whittaker Avenue
- The Bootlegger Vault at 5 Hill St.
- The Ivy Richmond Brasserie at 9-11 Hill St.
What to Know About Richmond, London Apartments
As already mentioned, living in Richmond is pretty costly even though it's far from the most expensive part of London. The average rent here is about £2,122.00 per month, which is near but still slightly higher than the city-wide average. It helps to understand that the real estate market in Richmond is better compared to other parts of the city too. It's more common to find grand townhouses and detached homes with lots here than in the city center. At the same time, Richmond still has its fair share of the most
luxurious apartments to rent in London too.
Is Richmond, London a Good Place to Live?
This entire post should have already convinced you that Richmond is one of the best places to live in London. As mentioned previously, it's one of the London Suburbs that's located near the city center yet it's an entirely peaceful and largely residential neighborhood. The quality of life here is high too, complete with all the necessary facilities and even some of the best schools in London for kids. Families moving to London will find it more than suitable for them to settle down here, especially since they can still live a quieter, more suburban life while staying close to the city.
Richmond in London is arguably the best of the city's suburbs. Not only is it fairly near the city center, but it's also an affluent area with a peaceful atmosphere and a lovely family-friendly energy.
