Everything you need to know about moving to Richmond

Are you thinking about moving to Richmond? If so, this is a fantastic place to consider spending the next chapter of your life. With open green spaces, historic houses, and a warm sense of community - not to mention some of the lowest levels of poverty and crime in the UK - Richmond is also just a mere half-hour away from central London.

Or, are you here because you watched the Ted Lasso series and wanted to check if it’s a real place? (Spoiler alert: It is!)

Either way, let’s take a look at some of the things that make it so special.

What’s the Richmond neighbourhood like?

To set the scene, the Richmond neighbourhood is the biggest district in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the only Greater London borough to span both sides of the River Thames. Other notable districts include Kew, Twickenham, and Ham, amongst others.

On a sunny day in Richmond, you’ll find a buzz around the riverside, with couples, families, and tourists enjoying a lively, yet relaxing atmosphere on a leisurely walk, or a delicious refreshment in one of many popular pubs or cafes.

Richmond was once home to British royalty and their court, and you’re never far away from fascinating historic buildings such as Hampton Court Palace, Ham House, Richmond Theatre, and the Church of Mary Magdalene.

If you love the tranquillity of nature, Richmond Park is a vast green space that’s right on your doorstep and makes up a whopping 75% of the Richmond district. Encircled by an 8-mile, Grade II listed wall, it’s seven times bigger than Hyde Park and 32 times bigger than Greenwich Park!

In fact, at 2,300 acres, it’s the largest of all the Royal Parks and home to 650 red and fallow deer, who wander freely and shape the park’s biodiversity. There’s so much space to explore, and for busy professionals or young families, it’s a gift when you need time in nature.

Richmond is extremely picturesque, with a very diverse range of properties to choose from,  and a host of great restaurants, pubs, and shops. The area also has exemplary schools, excellent educational facilities, and very low levels of crime.

Despite being a short tube ride from the heart of the capital (it’s the last stop on the District Line), Richmond has retained the quaint feel of a village and has housing options to cater for all tastes.

What’s the average house price in Richmond?

When it comes to property prices in Richmond, figures reflect an extremely high demand for such an idyllic location. The housing market is extremely competitive, with prices varying, depending on the exact location and type of property you're interested in.

It’s home to many of Britain’s most famous and successful actors, musicians, and celebrities, and you may bump into the likes of Mick Jagger, Tom Hardy, Amanda Holden, Jane Horrocks, or even Sir David Attenborough (if you’re very lucky).

In the borough of Richmond upon Thames, the village of Petersham and the district of Kew are the most expensive, followed by Richmond itself, while places like Twickenham and Teddington offer slightly more affordable choices.

What’s the cost of living in Richmond?

Living expenses in Richmond, including utility costs, are on a par with London averages. However, the cost of commuting may add a significant amount to your monthly outgoings, as Richmond is outside Central London’s zones.

The main supermarkets can all be found in and around Richmond, but when you’re budgeting for groceries and eating out, bear in mind that exclusive restaurants and upmarket cafes could become part of your lifestyle!

Local Council Tax rates can be found on the Richmond upon Thames Borough Council website and will vary depending on the property band of whichever property you consider.

For a detailed breakdown of what to expect, check out all Richmond's local amenities.

Employment opportunities in Richmond

If you’ve no intention of commuting to work, Richmond isn’t just a great place to live; it’s also a great place to work. There are plenty of job opportunities, ranging from local businesses and retail work to corporate offices and up-and-coming digital firms in the area’s thriving tech industry.

For more information, take a closer look at all of the employment opportunities in Richmond.

Are the schools and education facilities good in Richmond?

This is an area where parents can have complete confidence that their children have access to the best education and opportunities. In fact, Richmond is home to some of the UK's highest-performing schools.

Celebrated institutions such as Waldegrave School for Girls and Orleans Park School, along with various outstanding primary schools, have a reputation that’s well deserved. For those considering private education, schools like King's House School and the Old Vicarage School are prestigious alternatives.

How easy Is It to get around in Richmond?

Getting around in Richmond is really easy. Train links are excellent, with Underground and Overground services. Frequent regular buses also serve the borough, ensuring it’s very well-connected to the rest of London. Having a car is convenient, but many of Richmond’s residents find it’s not necessary.

Are healthcare facilities accessible in Richmond?

No matter where you choose to live, access to a good standard of healthcare is crucial. In Richmond, you’ll find that healthcare facilities are within easy reach, including the large local NHS hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital, along with many private practices that offer a wide range of services.

What can you do for entertainment in Richmond?

If you’re looking for a lively social life, there are plenty of clubs and societies to enjoy, whether you love sports or have a keen interest in the arts. On a sunny day, Richmond Green is a favourite spot for locals, and there may even be a cricket match to enjoy.

Richmond's bars, cafes, and restaurants, particularly around the Green and along the river, are welcoming and lively. The demographic in all these places is a mix of professionals, families, and retirees, and the atmosphere is extremely friendly and community-oriented.

Shopping options

When it comes to shopping, Richmond has plenty of premier high-street brands, but also unique, independent stores such as TitFerTat Hats, Alligator’s Mouth Children’s Bookshop, Bolder & Co Jewellers, Kooks Unlimited Cookware, Richmond Sports, Curated Man Clothing, BOA Boutique and many others.

For more information about shopping in Richmond Upon Thames take a look at Visit Richmond.

Entertainment facilities

Music

The borough of Richmond on Thames has a long history of music. Built in 1963, The Crawdaddy Club saw the rise of bands like The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds, and the borough still has a reputation for great live performances. The Eel Pie Club, The Turk’s Head, The Bull’s Head, The Crown and One Kew Road are all well worth a visit.

Film, Theatre & Children’s Events

There is a wide range of venues in Richmond and surrounding districts, and residents are spoiled for choice with films, popular plays, international ballets, and even exciting live shows for children. Richmond Theatre hosts many performances and is a beautiful Victorian building, designed by famous theatre architect Frank Matcham.

Outdoor entertainment

Outdoor activities are very popular in Richmond, which has a thriving sporting community, plus easy access to cycling and boating activities on the River Thames. There are wonderful nature trails in Richmond Park, and many workshops and events are held at the Royal Botanic Gardens in nearby Kew.

Lots of events are also held throughout the year at Richmond’s many beautiful historic houses and estates. But, don’t just take our word for it - for a comprehensive picture of everything there is to do in this vibrant community take a look at a full events calendar here.

How safe Is living in Richmond?

Feeling safe is so important, wherever you choose to live. There’s good news here: in terms of crime rates, Richmond consistently ranks as the safest borough in London. It has significantly lower levels of crime than the Greater London average, as confirmed by the latest crime rate reports.

What’s the weather like in Richmond?

Richmond shares the temperate maritime climate of London, which means mild but unpredictable weather. The UK is known for its changeable conditions, so while you might enjoy plenty of crisp, sunny days, don’t forget your umbrella just in case!

Ready to buy a new home in Richmond?

Does all this sound good? If you’re ready to look at moving to Richmond, it’s important to find a trustworthy, reputable estate agent in Richmond to help you navigate your journey.

Why not take a look at our current listings or get in touch with us at Bartlett & Partners? As a premium estate agent, located right at the heart of this popular community, we’ll help you make Richmond your home.