Finding the perfect spot in London for family life is no easy task. With skyrocketing rents, unpredictable commutes, and a never-ending battle for school places, choosing the right borough is crucial. Luckily, Making Moves has done the homework, analysing everything in a study from green spaces to job opportunities, to reveal London’s most family-friendly boroughs in 2025. If you’re on the hunt for the best place to settle down with the little ones, here’s where you should be looking.
Barnet Takes the Top Spot for London’s Most Family-Friendly Borough
Barnet has officially been crowned London’s best borough for families in 2025, scoring 6.8/10. This leafy North London area boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the city, making it an ideal location for raising kids. It also has more schools than any other borough (182), ensuring families have plenty of choices when it comes to education. With 225 soft play areas and 16 libraries, there’s no shortage of ways to keep little ones entertained.
City of Westminster: More Than Just an A-List Playground
Westminster might be known for its celebrity residents, but it’s also surprisingly affordable for families—at least in terms of council tax. Ranking second with a 6.0/10 score, Westminster boasts the second cheapest council tax in London and 3,668 job openings paying over £40,000. Families living here also get access to 160 parks and playgrounds, along with 17 libraries, making it an unexpectedly family-friendly location.
Croydon: Well-Connected and Full of Green Spaces
At 5.9/10, Croydon lands the third spot for family-friendly boroughs in 2025. What makes it stand out? Excellent transport links and a wealth of green spaces. Parks like Lloyd Park, Coombe Woods, and Wandle Park offer plenty of open space for kids to burn off energy. With 212 soft play areas, Croydon is proving that it’s more than just a commuter hub—it’s a great place for families to thrive.
Bromley: Green Spaces and Family-Friendly Dining
Bromley, ranking fourth with a 5.8/10, is one of the greenest boroughs in London. Families moving here will enjoy access to 217 soft play areas and 174 child-friendly restaurants, making it an easy place to enjoy stress-free weekends with the kids. If you’re after a quieter, suburban feel without leaving London, Bromley ticks all the right boxes.
Southwark: A Cultural Hotspot with Family Appeal
Coming in at 5.7/10, Southwark is known for its incredible cultural scene, housing landmarks like the Tate Modern and Bankside Gallery. But it’s not just for art lovers—Southwark is also home to 216 soft play areas, 121 playgrounds, and 3,633 well-paying job openings. Families who want the perfect mix of urban buzz and accessible green spaces will love it here.
Merton, Hillingdon, and More—The Rest of the Top 10
Merton, Hillingdon, and Havering all make it onto the list, scoring between 5.4 and 5.5. Each offers a solid mix of affordability, access to schools, and green spaces, making them great contenders for those looking to settle down. Hackney also makes a surprise appearance, showing that even one of London’s trendiest boroughs can be family-friendly when you know where to look.
Best UK Cities for Families in 2025—Is London Losing Its Crown?
For those willing to venture outside the capital, other UK cities are giving London a run for its money. Birmingham takes the top spot as the UK’s most family-friendly city with a 9.7/10 score, thanks to its low cost of living and cheap council tax. Manchester follows with an 8.5/10, offering a booming job market and top-tier schools. Sheffield rounds out the top three with 8.2/10, boasting the lowest crime rate outside Belfast and an abundance of green spaces.
| # | City | Family Friendly Score (/10) |
| 1 | Barnet | 6.8 |
| 2 | City of Westminster | 6.0 |
| 3 | Croydon | 5.9 |
| 4 | Bromley | 5.8 |
| 5 | Southwark | 5.7 |
| 6 | Merton | 5.5 |
| 7 | Hillingdon | 5.4 |
| 8 | Havering | 5.4 |
| 9 | Hackney | 5.4 |
| 10 | Enfield | 5.4 |
Is London Still the Best Place for Families?
London will always have its perks, but with affordability becoming an increasing challenge, cities like Birmingham and Manchester are becoming serious contenders for family life. However, if you’re set on staying in the capital, Barnet, Westminster, and Croydon offer the best balance of safety, green space, and opportunity.
London might not be the easiest place to raise a family, but with the right borough, it can still be one of the best.
