London stands out as the second-best city globally to raise children, according to a comprehensive study evaluating 50 major cities worldwide.

Key Factors Boosting London’s Ranking

The analysis highlights London’s exceptional offerings, including the second-highest number of child-friendly activities and the highest number of green spaces among all cities surveyed. National education spending, at 5.9% of GDP, further strengthens its position.

Brisbane, Australia, claims the top spot, followed by London. Other top performers include Auckland, New Zealand; Helsinki, Finland; and Sydney, Australia, all within the top five.

Parents Praise London’s Family Appeal

Caroline Antscherl, a South London resident with children aged 13 and 15, views the city as ideal for family life. ‘We can get to the Southbank within 15 minutes by train, and there are so many things to do with our now teenage kids—shows, exhibitions, shopping,’ she says. Her family enjoys nearby parks and an allotment, fostering a strong community feel.

‘We have street parties, know our neighbours, and the kids’ school friends live close by,’ Antscherl adds. She appreciates the area’s diversity, which her children embrace through independent travel on the Tube and trains. ‘I love that our kids know people from a real mix of backgrounds. I don’t think living in the countryside would be nearly as exposed to such a variety of people, places, and life experiences.’

Challenges: High Costs and Crime Concerns

Despite these strengths, London presents hurdles. Average property prices reach £654,969, more than double the national average outside the capital. Renting a one-bedroom home consumes 52% of average income, with families needing larger spaces.

Crime remains a worry, with over 117,000 phone thefts reported in 2024 and shoplifting incidents surging 54% from 58,000 in 2023 to 90,000 in 2024—far exceeding the 15% rise elsewhere in England.

Safety Improvements and Abundant Attractions

politan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasizes London’s relative safety: ‘The homicide rate in London is lower than in Toronto, Paris, Brussels, and Berlin. This is a safe city. I’m not going to pretend it’s perfect, but it is a safe city.’

Recent data supports this, showing 97 homicides in 2025 versus 109 in 2024, an 11% decline. Families benefit from free entry to world-class museums like the Natural History Museum, V&A, Science Museum, and Imperial War Museum. Expansive green areas, including Hampstead Heath, Peckham Rye, Brockwell Park, and Regent’s Park, provide ample outdoor space.