South West London has long held a particular appeal for families seeking a balance between cosmopolitan living and the gentler pace of suburbia. Bordered by the Thames and blessed with an expanse of green spaces, when it comes to finding the ideal place to settle down and raise children in London, South West London is a favourite among families searching for their forever home.
Below, we explore five of the area’s most desirable family neighbourhoods - each distinctive, yet united by a shared promise of security, sophistication and long-term value.
Richmond
Set along a curve of the River Thames, Richmond features a mix of city perks all whilst retaining a village-like feel. The town has attracted royalty and aristocracy since the 16th century, when Henry VII established Richmond Palace in 1501, drawn by the area’s natural beauty and perfect riverside location. Nearby Richmond Park - created by Charles I in the 17th century as a royal hunting ground - holds the title of London’s largest green space and is protected by European conservation laws.
Richmond is a location that speaks quietly of its credentials, with elegant Georgian and Victorian houses, excellent independent schools and the vast natural canvas of Richmond Park, which is a rare asset for any major city. Its architecture frames a lively town centre around Richmond Green, home to a thriving high street of independent boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Outstanding schools, including The Vineyard and King’s House, make it a favourite with families, while offering ample leisure opportunities, from tennis and rowing to the Richmond Theatre, that cement its reputation as one of London’s most desirable and well-rounded neighbourhoods.
Wimbledon
Located just southwest of London, Wimbledon is best known around the world for its famous tennis tournament, however there's so much more to the area than Centre Court. With green spaces like Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Park, and its proximity to Putney Common and the River Thames, it offers a perfect balance of countryside and city living.
Wimbledon Village sits beside the Common and still carries the character of its medieval roots, boasting a high street that is packed with independent shops, cafés, boutiques and family-run butchers and bakeries. There’s also a Sunday farmers’ market and regular festivals on the Common- including BookFest and a classical music event.
Wimbledon is particularly prized for its period properties that date from the 16th century, as well as Georgian-style cottages, Victorian villas and townhouses. The area is generally more popular with families who have settled in the town, with transport links offering a route to Waterloo that is reachable in about 17 minutes, whilst other services easily connect to Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras. Education is equally impressive, with some of the best-known including St Matthew’s C of E and Wimbledon Chase, along with top independent schools like King’s College and Wimbledon High, making it one of London’s most appealing places to live.
Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington & Chelsea has long been known as one of London’s most elegant and exclusive neighbourhoods. With grand townhouses, spotless streets and designer shops on every corner, it’s little wonder the area draws in celebrities, professionals and families seeking a home that’s close to the heart of the city.
It’s not just about looks either as the borough is steeped in history and culture. From the royal halls of Kensington Palace to the iconic Royal Albert Hall and museums like the V&A, there’s no shortage of fascinating places to explore. On sunny days, places like Kensington Gardens and Holland Park offer peaceful greenery that’s perfect for summer picnics or a quiet stroll.
Families are drawn here for the outstanding schools, from elite prep schools to internationally recognised universities, whilst the borough’s excellent transport links and multiple Tube lines make day-to-day life smooth and well-connected.
Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames offers riverside living with a lively town feel. The area boasts a rich history and is home to one of England’s oldest markets and the Coronation Stone, where Anglo-Saxon kings were once crowned. Today, its streets sit alongside shops like those in the Bentall Centre, alongside a wealth of cafés, pubs and restaurants.
The Thames offers scenic walks and bike rides, whilst nearby Canbury Gardens and nearby Richmond Park provide plenty of room to relax or stay active. The town also has a strong arts scene, with the Rose Theatre and local festivals bringing culture to the forefront. With fast trains to Waterloo in around 30 minutes and easy access to the A3, it’s well connected for both city commutes and countryside escapes.
Battersea
Battersea has undergone a notable transformation over the past two decades—from industrial edge-land to urban oasis. At the heart of this regeneration is the ambitious redevelopment of Battersea Power Station, now filled with shops, restaurants and even a bar tucked inside the original Control Room.
Yet Battersea’s appeal isn’t just in its modern developments – the older streets around Battersea Park are lined with a plethora of handsome Victorian terraces. The park itself is a major highlight, stretching over 200 acres along the Thames and offering everything from sports areas and a boating lake to a children’s zoo and gardens, making it a favourite spot for weekend strolls and picnics.
Connectivity has also improved, thanks to new Tube stations like Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms, making commuting into central London much easier. Education here has also kept pace, with schools such as Thomas’s Battersea and Newton Prep earning plaudits from parents.
South West London has a way of feeling both familiar and full of discovery. Life here tends to unfold at a gentler pace, marked by riverside walks, local markets and friendly neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods aren’t just great places to live, for many, it’s simply where London starts to feel like home.
