Sutton and areas within the borough received all sorts of names, the majority of which were positive.
However, especially towards the end of the year, the area had some of its weaknesses highlighted.
From being the country’s safest place to one of the capital’s unhappiest places, here is a full roundup of all the titles Sutton picked up this year.
Best Place to Live – The Times
In January, The Times named Sutton the 8th best place to live in England.
The ranking evaluated a mix of factors, including local schools, crime levels, housing affordability, and green spaces.
Sutton was the third London borough on the list, behind Richmond and Merton, and sixth in the south of England overall.
The borough’s appeal was highlighted by its mix of leafy streets, community events, and thriving local amenities.
The Times said that 17 per cent of schools in Sutton were rated outstanding by Ofsted, including Avenue Primary Academy and St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School.
Its convenient transport links to central London, regular buses to nearby towns, and relatively affordable housing contributed to the high ranking.
Best Place to Retire – The Telegraph
Sutton also featured in The Telegraph’s list of best places to retire in the UK, taking 6th place.
The survey focused on accessibility, safety, property values, and closeness to health services.
Sutton stood out as the cheapest London borough on the list, with average house prices significantly lower than areas such as Westminster or Kingston.
Frances McDonald from Savills Research noted that retirees often look for convenience and independence, with Sutton’s combination of services, parks, and transport connections as key factors for older residents.
The Telegraph described the town centre as a “respectable high street” and praised local attractions including museums, cafés, and community spaces.
Safest Neighbourhoods – Area 360
March brought further recognition for safety, with several Sutton neighbourhoods named among London’s safest.
Cheam, Carshalton, and Wallington were singled out for low crime rates and strong community networks.
Cheam recorded a crime rate of just 78.6 per 1,000 residents, while Carshalton recorded 60.8 per 1,000.
Despite some high-profile incidents, like the Green Wrythe Lane stabbing, both areas were praised for being places where people feel safe.
Best Place to Live – Worcester Park
Worcester Park, in the north of Sutton, was recognised by Property Finders Garrington in April as one of the top 20 best places to live in England, ranking 12th nationally.
The area scored highly for schools, connectivity, and employment opportunities.
The area was praised for its direct rail links to central London, while the neighbourhood retains a suburban, village-like atmosphere.
The recognition comes as part of a wider trend, with multiple Sutton areas performing strongly in surveys.
Safest Place in Great Britain – Get Licensed
In September, Sutton achieved a national milestone, being named the safest place in Great Britain.
The study by CCTV operator training provider Get Licensed evaluated towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales, assessing crime rates, year-on-year reductions, and reoffending.
Sutton topped the Safety Index with a crime rate of 61 per 1,000 residents and low anti-social behaviour reports.
The study also highlighted Sutton’s extensive CCTV coverage and low reoffending rate, putting the borough ahead of neighbouring south London areas such as Kingston and Richmond.
One of the Worst Boroughs in South London – The Telegraph
In October, Sutton was also placed 23rd out of 32 London boroughs in The Telegraph’s borough rankings.
While the borough retained its strong community feel and green spaces, it scored lower in cultural sites and hospitality.
Attractions like Beddington Park, Nonsuch Park, and local museums were recognised, but nightlife and entertainment options were limited compared with other London boroughs.
Least Desirable Area – St Helier
November saw St Helier named the least desirable area in Sutton, according to a TikTok ranking by @adamlondontalks.
The estate, one of the largest in the country, faces challenges including deprivation and anti-social behaviour.
Despite this, residents benefit from strong transport links and a resilient local community, with groups actively supporting young people and improving communal spaces.
Unhappiest Borough Ranking – Rightmove
Finally, in December, Sutton ranked 22nd in London and 171st nationally in Rightmove’s happiness survey.
While the borough provides excellent schools, suburban space, and transport links, overall satisfaction was lower than other London areas.
Richmond-upon-Thames claimed the top spot for happiness, while Barking & Dagenham ranked lowest.
