The happiest places to live in London ⁠— are they north or south of the River Thames?

If the capital was split into two – with the snake of the River Thames acting as the dividing line between south and north London – which is the best half to live in, and where are people happiest?

London is home to lots of unique boroughs and neighbourhoods, with their own special identities, and thriving communities. So it’s no surprise that in our annual Happy at Home survey this year, locations across north and south London have tied when it comes to ranking among the top 10 happiest places to live.

Local residents have given the highest scores to five boroughs north of the river, and five to the south, for things like community spirit, a sense of belonging, and local green spaces and nature. You can see the full results of this year’s survey here.

Take a closer look at the top 10 happiest places to live in London below.

South of the River Thames

Richmond upon Thames
Happiest areas in London placing: 1

The highest placed London area in this year’s Happy at Home survey, Richmond upon Thames, is home to the largest of London’s Royal Parks — Richmond Park, and its famous deer, as well as Kew Gardens.

Wandsworth
Happiest areas in London placing: 4

The borough of Wandsworth is found in south-west London, and also has lots of notable green spaces, including Battersea Park and Wandsworth Common.

Southwark
Happiest areas in London placing: 5

Stretching from the banks of the River Thames down towards Dulwich, Southwark in south-east London is home to 130 parks and open spaces.

Lewisham
Happiest areas in London placing: 9

Found in south-east London, Lewisham was named London’s Borough of Culture for 2022. It includes areas like Deptford, Brockley and New Cross.

Bromley
Happiest areas in London placing: 10

Found around 10 miles south-east of Charing Cross, Bromley is a bustling market town in the southern-most area of south London. And it’s neighboured by the greenery of ‘England’s garden’, Kent.

North of the river

Islington
Happiest areas in London placing: 2

Home to the bustle of Upper Street with its myriad of independent shops, Islington is the highest placed north London borough in this year’s survey. Notable green spaces include Highbury Fields, and Caledonian Park, with its historic clock tower.

Westminster
Happiest areas in London placing: 3

This central London borough also has city status, and is ranked as the third happiest place to live in London, and took 51^st place nationally. Westminster is home to multiple world-famous landmarks, museums and galleries.

Camden
Happiest areas in London placing: 6

Known for its world-famous locks and market, Camden has a mix of metropolitan bustle and quiet residential streets.

Hackney
Happiest areas in London placing: 7

With its mix of sprawling green spaces and thriving cultural scene, Hackney has been named the seventh happiest borough to live in London in our 2022 survey.

Haringey
Happiest areas in London placing: 8

Home to Alexandra Palace, the culinary haven of Green Lanes, and the famed ‘Haringey ladder’ of pretty residential streets, this north London borough is ranked as the eighth happiest borough.

The header image for this article was provided courtesy of iMove Property, Crystal Palace.

READ MORE: The ten happiest areas to live, as voted by residents