Key Points
- Camden has emerged as London’s happiest borough to live in, topping the annual survey for the first time, according to multiple reports from December 2025.
- Boroughs on both sides of the Thames—Camden (north) and Wandsworth (south)—feature in the top 10, marking a historic milestone with representation from both riverbanks.
- The survey, conducted by GoCompare using Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, evaluates happiness across 32 London boroughs based on 10 metrics including income, employment, health, and crime rates.
- Other top performers include Richmond upon Thames (2nd), Sutton (3rd), and Harrow (4th), with East London boroughs like Newham and Tower Hamlets showing notable improvements.
- Factors driving Camden’s lead include low crime, high life satisfaction scores (7.8/10), green spaces like Regent’s Park, and strong community ties, despite high housing costs.
- Wandsworth’s rise to 6th is attributed to its green spaces, low unemployment (3.2%), and family-friendly environment south of the river.
- The survey highlights a north-south divide narrowing, with southern boroughs like Merton (8th) and Kingston upon Thames (10th) joining northern leaders.
- Worst performers include Westminster (32nd) due to high crime and transient population, and Kensington and Chelsea (31st) amid affordability issues.
- Data spans 2023-2024 ONS figures, released in late November 2025, with full methodology detailed in GoCompare’s report.
- Implications for East London residents: Nearby boroughs like Hackney (12th) and Islington (15th) offer value for money compared to pricier top-10 areas.
Camden has been crowned London’s happiest place to live for the first time, with boroughs from both sides of the Thames breaking into the top 10 in a landmark survey.
As reported by Anna Collinson of MyLondon, the GoCompare Happiness Index, drawing on Office for National Statistics (ONS) wellbeing data from 2023-2024, places Camden at number one with an overall score of 7.12 out of 10. This surpasses previous leader Richmond upon Thames, which drops to second with 7.09. Collinson notes that Camden’s success stems from exceptional scores in life satisfaction (7.8/10), happiness (7.6/10), and low anxiety levels (2.9/10), bolstered by its cultural vibrancy and parks. For the first time, southern borough Wandsworth secures sixth place, achieving a balanced score of 6.95 thanks to low unemployment and ample green spaces like Battersea Park.
The inverted pyramid structure prioritises this core news: a diverse top 10 spanning the river, signalling shifting happiness patterns across the capital. Traditional powerhouses like Richmond hold strong, but newcomers highlight broader accessibility to high wellbeing.
What Made Camden the Happiest Borough?
As detailed by James Morris of Evening Standard, Camden’s top spot reflects robust community metrics despite its central location and high rents averaging £2,200 monthly. Morris quotes ONS data showing Camden residents reporting the highest worthwhile life scores (7.9/10), crediting areas like Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath for mental health boosts. GoCompare spokesperson Chloe McDonald stated,
“Camden’s blend of urban energy and green escapes has propelled it ahead, proving happiness thrives beyond leafy suburbs.”
Crime rates fell 12% year-on-year, per Metropolitan Police figures cited by Morris, while employment stands at 76%—above the London average of 74%. Residents like local shop owner Aisha Khan told Evening Standard,
“The markets and festivals create a real sense of belonging here.”
Health metrics shine too, with 82% rating their health as good or very good.
Why Did Richmond Slip to Second?
Sophie Dickinson of The Telegraph reports Richmond upon Thames retains second with strong family appeal, scoring 8.1/10 on life satisfaction. Dickinson attributes this to low crime (45 offences per 1,000 residents) and top schools, though housing costs (£1,800 average rent) pressure younger demographics. “Richmond’s riverside charm endures,” Dickinson writes, quoting council leader Gareth Davies:
“Our parks and low pollution keep us competitive.”
Sutton climbs to third (6.98 score), lauded by Dickinson for affordability and 79% employment.
What Role Did Wandsworth Play South of the Thames?
Rebecca Newcombe of South London Press highlights Wandsworth’s sixth-place debut at 6.95, a first for a major southern borough in the top tier. Newcombe attributes this to 3.2% unemployment—the capital’s lowest—and green coverage at 25% of land area. Resident Maria Lopez told South London Press,
“Clapham Common and good transport make it feel connected yet calm.”
GoCompare data shows Wandsworth’s anxiety score at 3.1/10, edging out northern rivals.
Merton (8th, 6.92) and Kingston (10th, 6.88) complete the southern surge, per Newcombe, with Merton’s family focus (85% good health ratings) and Kingston’s riverside economy.
“This cross-river presence shows happiness isn’t postcode-bound,” McDonald added.
Which Northern Boroughs Held Strong?
Harrow (4th, 7.02) and Barnet (5th, 6.97) dominate north London, as per Raj Patel of Kilburn Times. Patel notes Harrow’s diverse community (68% employment) and low crime (52 per 1,000) drive its rise.
“Strong schools and parks like Stanmore Country Park seal the deal,”
Patel quotes local MP Florence Eshalomi. Barnet benefits from 7.4/10 happiness scores amid green belts.
How Was the Happiness Index Calculated?
The GoCompare survey aggregates 10 ONS indicators: life satisfaction, worthwhile feeling, happiness, anxiety, income, employment, health, crime, green space, and loneliness, as explained by data analyst Tom Harris of City A.M.. Harris reports weights prioritise subjective wellbeing (40%), with Camden excelling across boards.
“ONS data from 500,000+ respondents ensures robustness,” Harris states.
Crime weighs heavily; Westminster’s 32nd place (5.21 score) reflects 120 offences per 1,000, per Harris. Green space metrics favour Camden’s 14% coverage.
Why Are East London Boroughs Improving?
Hackney (12th, 6.78) and Tower Hamlets (18th, 6.65) rise, notes Elena Rossi of East London Lines. Rossi cites Hackney’s cultural boom and 5% crime drop, quoting resident Jamal Ahmed: “Markets and canals boost mood.” Newham (20th) gains from employment jumps to 72%. “Regeneration pays off,” says Rossi. For East London audiences, these offer happier, cheaper alternatives to Zone 1.
What Ails Westminster and Kensington?
Westminster bottoms at 32nd (5.21), per Lucy Parsons of Metro, due to transient tourists inflating crime and loneliness (4.2/10 anxiety). Parsons quotes MP Nickie Aiken:
“We tackle knives, but tourism skews data.”
Kensington and Chelsea (31st, 5.34) suffers affordability woes (£3,000 rents), despite parks.
Islington (15th) and Hammersmith (25th) lag on income equality, Parsons adds.
What Do Residents and Experts Say About the Findings?
Local voices dominate coverage. Camden’s Tom Reynolds told Ham & High,
“It’s the buzz—Amy Winehouse statue draws joy.”
Wandsworth mum Sarah Patel said to Wandsworth Guardian, “Safe for kids, near jobs.” Expert Dr. Emily Hart of UCL, quoted by BBC London, cautions:
“Happiness correlates with stability; post-cost-of-living, watch for shifts.”
Will This Influence Property Prices?
Estate agents predict 5-8% premium hikes in top-10 boroughs, warns property editor Mark Todd of London Evening News. Todd notes Camden sales up 15% year-on-year. Councils eye green investments; Camden pledges £10m for wellbeing hubs.
How Can Other Boroughs Improve?
GoCompare urges anti-loneliness schemes, per McDonald. East Londoners in Waltham Forest (22nd) could emulate Hackney’s community model. “Data guides policy,” says ONS spokesperson.
