Richmond-upon-Thames tops South London friendliest rankings for 2026

Richmond-upon-Thames has been named south london’s friendliest place to live for 2026, alongside the happiest place to live in London for the same year. The ranking draws on the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide and the annual Rightmove Happy at Home Index, placing the borough at the top on resident experience and local amenities.

Richmond-upon-Thames rankings

The Sunday Times sent independent judges to assess broadband speeds, transport connectivity, educational infrastructure, and the vitality of local commerce. Rightmove compiled data from thousands of residents about safety, neighborly interaction, and civic pride. Together, those measures put Richmond-upon-Thames ahead on both friendliness and happiness.

The borough’s appeal also rests on its setting. Richmond Park covers 2,500 acres and is known for free-roaming deer herds and ancient oak ecosystems, while residents have immediate access to the towpaths along the River Thames. The borough sits mere miles from the City of London.

TW9 and TW10

Estate agents operating in the TW9 and TW10 postcodes described the housing landscape as immaculately maintained period properties and low-density housing. Residents also report frequent civic engagement, including neighborhood watch programs and conservation volunteering in the royal parks.

That picture sits alongside a harder reality for people trying to move there. The source says securing a residence in Richmond requires formidable financial resources, and criticism of these rankings is that happiness in affluent postcodes can reflect the absence of financial anxiety as much as local quality of life.

For readers considering the area, the practical takeaway is straightforward: Richmond’s top ranking reflects a combination of green space, commuting access, resident sentiment, and well-kept housing stock, but the same features help keep entry into the borough out of reach for many buyers.