From retirement hotspots and family-friendly rankings to happiness surveys and peace and quiet, Bromley has enjoyed a standout year of national recognition.
Over the past 12 months, Bromley has repeatedly appeared in major national lists celebrating the best places to live in the UK and the capital.
Judges and researchers have praised everything from its green spaces and transport links to its safety, community feel and even its low noise levels.
Here’s a full roundup of every accolade Bromley has picked up this year and why it received them:
One of the UK’s best places to retire – The Telegraph
In January, Bromley was named one of the best places to retire in the UK by The Telegraph.
Ranking seventh nationally, Bromley was praised for its affordable property prices (by London standards), low crime rate, abundance of green space and strong transport connections.
Bromley was praised for its abundance of green space. (Image: London Communications Agency)
It was also the second-cheapest London borough on the list, with average house prices far lower than inner-London areas like Westminster.
The Telegraph highlighted Bromley’s parks, local amenities and access to healthcare, alongside its quick 20-minute train links to London Victoria, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking convenience without the stress of living in the city.
One of London’s most family-friendly boroughs – Making Moves London
In March, Bromley was named one of the most family-friendly places to live in London, ranking fourth overall in a study by Making Moves London.
The list was compiled based on research on factors such as green space, air quality, safety, sunshine hours, cost of living and rental prices.
Bromley’s low crime rates, leafy surroundings and proximity to Kent were all reasons that earned it a place on the list.
Although average rents remain high, the borough’s schools, outdoor space and suburban feel continue to draw families in looking to put down roots.
One of the happiest places to live in Britain – The Guardian
In May, Bromley was included in The Guardian’s list of the UK’s happiest places to live, placing it among just five London locations to make the list.
The Guardian mentioned Bromley’s ample green spaces, bustling town centre, strong public transport links and access to both London and the countryside as key reasons for its place.
From Petts Wood to the Churchill Theatre, pubs, restaurants and independent businesses, Bromley was praised for offering plenty to do without sacrificing peace or greenery.
Bromley was praised for offering plenty to do. (Image: The Imperial Arms)
The happiest place to live in south east London – Rightmove
In June RightMove named Bromley the happiest place to live in south east London.
The list was created based on feedback from more than 35,000 residents nationwide, and the survey measured pride, safety, community spirit and overall satisfaction.
Bromley ranked sixth across all London boroughs, making it the highest-placed borough in south east London.
Residents praised its spacious parks, suburban homes with gardens, respected schools, lower-than-average crime rates and fast rail links into central London.
Sixth-best borough in London – The Telegraph
In October, Bromley was ranked sixth place in The Telegraph’s list of London’s best boroughs.
The list was based on data which assessed 34 different factors, including crime, culture, heritage, green space and hospitality.
The borough boasts historic sites such as Down House. (Image: English Heritage)
Bromley stood out for its low population density, vast size and mix of urban and rural settings from its villages on the fringes of Kent to its busy city centre.
As London’s largest borough by area, it boasts a slice of the Kent Downs National Landscape, historic sites such as Down House and Chislehurst Caves, and some of the capital’s lowest crime levels.
Home to Bromley’s most desirable neighbourhood – TikTok
In November, TikTok creator @adamlondontalks named Chislehurst as the most desirable place to live in the borough.
The leafy suburb was celebrated for its village feel, historic architecture, pubs, parks and fast train links into central London.
The area offers a unique mix of history, heritage and local attractions. (Image: Chislehurst Caves)
With attractions like Scadbury Park, Chislehurst Caves and Royal Parade, the area offers a unique mix of history, heritage and local attractions which have earned the area its high price tag.
One of the most peaceful places in England – Sell House Fast
Rounding off the year, Bromley was named one of the most peaceful places to live in England, ranking fifth nationally and being revealed as the most peaceful borough in London.
The study analysed noise complaints, light pollution, environmental disruption and emissions, revealing that Bromley experiences just four noise complaints per 1,000 residents and significantly darker night skies than the rest of the capital.
