Based on historical trends and current data, East London is generally considered poorer, with higher levels of income deprivation, particularly in boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Newham. While wealth and poverty coexist across the city, the East End has historically lower income levels compared to the wealthier West End.
The poorest parts of London are concentrated in boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Newham, especially regarding income deprivation for children and older people, with pockets of poverty also in Brent, Barking & Dagenham, and parts of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. These areas face high rates of poverty, with some wards like Northumberland Park (Haringey) and Stonebridge (Brent) being among the most deprived.
Boroughs with higher levels of poverty are largely north of the river - especially in Inner and East London. Lower levels of poverty are more often in London's outer boroughs - particularly in the Southern edges of the city. This illustrates how, in London, wealth and poverty sit side by side.
The richest areas in London consistently include Kensington & Chelsea, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Belgravia, known for ultra-prime properties, luxury amenities, and high concentrations of wealth, with Mayfair often topping lists for highest average property prices and Kensington & Chelsea for highest average wages, alongside prestigious areas like Holland Park and Hampstead.
Neither East nor West London is inherently "better"; they offer distinct lifestyles: West London is known for classic, affluent charm, museums, grand parks (Hyde Park, Kew Gardens), period properties, and iconic landmarks, with higher prices. East London is trendy, diverse, often cheaper, boasts regeneration, vibrant markets (Portobello, Borough), and a more "up-and-coming" vibe, though with some rougher pockets. The best choice depends on your budget, desired atmosphere (glamorous vs. gritty-cool), and priorities (luxury/culture vs. development/affordability).
. . . while the least white place in London - by far - is Southall Broadway, where just 8.7% of the population consider themselves White British. There's only one ward in the city with a more than 5% Chinese population, which Millwall in Tower Hamlets at 5.4%.
When it comes to luxury, Knightsbridge is unmatched. Home to Harrods, Hyde Park and some of the city's most elegant residences, this area is a magnet for international billionaires, celebrities and royals alike.
Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Belgravia and Mayfair have long been considered among the most prestigious areas in London, along with village-like Hampstead. Yet the property market is always evolving. For example, in South London, Battersea has entered a new phase of high-rise luxury living.
North London is the picture-postcard version — heritage streets, artisan bakeries, leafy garden squares, and a Tube network that makes commuting effortless. South London, meanwhile, breathes a little easier — more space, more greenery, and a growing creative pulse that feels distinctly local (and often better value).
While inner boroughs like Westminster have historically recorded the highest rates of rough sleeping, there has been a noticeable shift. Street homelessness is increasing in outer boroughs, particularly in West London, where Ealing has reported some of the highest rates of rough sleeping.
Both west London boroughs are home to the vast majority of the most expensive streets in the whole of the UK, in the likes of Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Belgravia.
Which part of London is safest? Richmond upon Thames (including areas like Teddington) consistently ranks as the safest borough in London, thanks to its low crime rates (about 72 crimes per 1000 people as of 2024), riverside parks, strong community vibe, and excellent schools.
The least happy borough in London, according to Rightmove's data, was Barking and Dagenham. Coming in dead-last place out of the capital's 33 boroughs, the east London area ranked 220th nationally.
Almost 40% of children in London (around 800,000) are classified as living in poverty (compared to 30% across the UK). The boroughs experiencing the highest levels of poverty are generally in the east, with Tower Hamlets and Camden with having the highest proportion of children living in poverty.
There are nine Local Authority Districts ranked as most deprived on both the Income Deprivation Domain and the Employment Deprivation Domain – Birmingham, Blackpool, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Blackburn with Darwen, Kingston upon Hull, Oldham, Wolverhampton and Walsall (see Table 7).
Notting Hill and Kensington & Cheslea are known the world over for their fantastic restaurants and high-end stores, while Chiswick, Acton and Kew feel like they're not even in London given their villagey-esque vibes.
As a rule west London is prettier, as well as richer. Take Portobello Market, which is a beautiful sight all year round. The architecture is different here, too. While east London is full of tower blocks, west London is home to more celebrities and comes with a more glamorous, wealthy capital city feel.
Some of the best London neighbourhoods for luxury student living are Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, South Kensington and Chelsea. These areas are close to various popular institutions and landmarks, making it easy for students to access campus and fun spots.
The Kardashians frequently stay at iconic, luxurious London hotels like Claridge's in Mayfair, known for its penthouses, and the Rosewood London, popular for its plush suites and Scarfes Bar, with Kourtney and Travis seen there, while Kris and Khloe have also been spotted at The Corinthia Hotel, showing a preference for top-tier Mayfair/central London establishments for their lavish stays and shopping trips.
Brixton is mainly residential, though includes Brixton Market and a substantial retail sector. It is a multi-ethnic community, with a large percentage of its population of Afro-Caribbean descent. It lies within Inner London and is bordered by Stockwell, Clapham, Streatham, Camberwell, Tulse Hill, Balham and Herne Hill.
Greater London has the largest Pakistani community in the United Kingdom. The 2021 Census recorded 290,549 Pakistanis living in London. However, it only forms 3.3% of London's population, which is significantly lower than other British cities.
Cities across the UK regions with high White British populations included Swansea (91.5%), Kingston Upon Hull (89.7%), Plymouth (92.2%), Darlington (93.7%), Belfast (96.4% – NI classification "white"), Norwich (84.7%), Liverpool (84.8%) and Chelmsford (90.0%).
