Bromley, a leafy South London borough, has been named the best place in London to grow old, according to a new study by care home operator Lovett Care. It ranked 11th out of 294 English areas assessed, making it the only London borough in the national top 15.
Study highlights Bromley's strengths
The Twilight Years Capitals index evaluated 37 measures across six equally weighted themes: health, care, getting around without a car, housing and living costs, the environment, and community and safety. Bromley scored 76.9 out of 100, placing it ahead of all other London boroughs.
The borough performed particularly well for those wanting to get around without a car, ranking second in London and ninth nationally on that theme. It also has the capital's second-best provision of railway stations, according to the study.
Health and financial well-being
Health was another strength for Bromley, which came 19th in England. Life expectancy at 65 stands at a further 21.5 years, and 85.1 per cent of GP appointments were seen the same or next day - the second-highest proportion in London.
On household finances, Bromley had London's second-lowest share of over-60s living on a low income and the third-lowest rate of fuel poverty. While it is not a cheap place to live, its proximity to the city centre and quality of life make it attractive.
Residents praise green spaces and transport links
Residents have previously told MyLondon they enjoy living in Bromley, praising its green spaces, clean atmosphere, and easy access to the countryside. The borough has the charm of a more rural area despite being in Greater London.
Richmond upon Thames came second in London and 18th nationally, boasting the capital's strongest scores for both environment and community and safety. Just 2.89 per cent of adults there reported feeling lonely often or always, the second-lowest rate in England.
Other boroughs in the ranking
Sutton took third place in London and 57th nationally, with 96.1 per cent of its rated care services graded Good or better by the Care Quality Commission.
At the bottom of the table, Kensington and Chelsea finished last overall among the 294 districts assessed, as well as last for housing and living costs. Its house prices were 23.8 times local earnings, and median private rents were £3,591 a month.
