The Journal

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” said English writer Samuel Johnson, paying pithy homage to all the city’s rich offerings. Utterly in thrall to its astonishing history, architecture, culture, and bewildering array of arts, education, and entertainment, Johnson’s words are dated 1777, an incredible, nearly 250 years ago. Even back then, London was a fine city – ever since, it has continued to bloom, almost beyond comprehension drawing in people from all over the UK and right across the globe. The majestic skyline tells a decent story: it’s a thriving, romantic, magnetic powerhouse. Beyond that bird’s eye view, it’s a sprawling behemoth of success and innovation, where old money and new money intertwine and lift each other with a seemingly endless chain of investment. London is an institution in itself, a country of its own to some degree – one of phenomenal resilience and strength, thanks to its deeply entrenched and highly productive systems of government, finance, and corporate life, allied to its creative energy and enduring beauty. In short, London is the place to be – especially for those who have or aspire to have lots of money. Home to around 100 billionaires and another 5,000 or so that are classified as super-rich – people with £20 million plus in non-housing, disposable assets – London is dotted in affluent locales, attracting a loyal following among the privileged. But where exactly do they live, and why do they live there? Here is our expert guide on the most expensive neighborhoods in london.