Rightmove recently ranked Bexley as the unhappiest south east London borough by asking thousands of people across Great Britain about their feelings toward where they live, covering factors such as community pride, safety, and overall satisfaction.
Of the 32 London boroughs and the City of London included in the survey, Bexley ranked 29th, making it the lowest-ranked borough in south east London and the second lowest across all of south London.
Several factors can shape such a perception of any area, including socioeconomic challenges, crime rates, limited community resources, and personal experiences.
However, beyond this gloomy reputation, Bexley boasts numerous overlooked gems that make it a great place to live.
From its strong community feel to its abundance of green spaces, Bexley offers many positive aspects worth appreciating.
So here are five reasons why calling Bexley “unhappy” doesn’t quite add up.
Green spaces
Bexley is one of London’s greenest boroughs, packed with parks, woods and open spaces.
Danson Park is a local favourite with a boating lake, splash park, and café.
Lesnes Abbey Woods offers woodland walks and views across the skyline.
Foots Cray Meadows is perfect for riverside strolls and dog walks, while Hall Place blends nature with history and family events.
For Londoners craving greenery, Bexley genuinely delivers.
Affordable houses
When it comes to housing costs, Bexley remains one of the more affordable boroughs in south London.
At the end of 2024, it ranked as the third lowest borough in the area for average house prices, behind only Croydon and Sutton.
This relative affordability means that many first-time buyers and families can still find homes with gardens and space to grow.
Compared to neighbouring boroughs like Greenwich or Lewisham, Bexley offers better value without sacrificing access to green spaces and good schools.
For residents, this makes it easier to put down roots and build a stable life.
Hidden gems
Bexley may not grab headlines like some London boroughs, but it’s full of local favourites that residents cherish.
The Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath offers a mix of high street and independent shops, while Sidcup boasts cosy cafés and popular brunch spots.
Crayford’s riverside pubs provide a peaceful retreat, and Bexley Village’s traditional tea rooms add old-world charm.
Hall Place & Gardens remains a standout attraction, blending history with beautiful grounds for families and visitors alike.
These hidden gems give Bexley a character all of its own.
It’s London, but it still holds its Kent roots
Once upon a time, Bexley was in Kent, until the Greater London Act dragged it into the city.
Though officially part of Greater London, Bexley still holds onto its Kentish roots.
The borough’s quiet streets, village-like communities, and historic landmarks give it a distinct character.
Unlike the fast pace of central London, Bexley offers a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Its blend of urban convenience and rural charm makes it feel like the best of both worlds.
For many residents, that mix is a big part of why they love calling Bexley home.
It’s London, but with a gentler pace.
Links to London and Kent
Speaking of London and Kent, Bexley is comfortably positioned to have easy access to both.
Bexley offers solid rail and road connections, with frequent trains into central London and easy access to Kent towns.
Stations like Bexley, Sidcup, and Crayford link commuters to London Bridge and Cannon Street in under an hour, while the nearby A2 and M25 provide smooth routes out to Kent’s countryside.
However, Bexley doesn’t have London Underground or DLR services, which can mean fewer travel options compared to other boroughs.
Despite this, many residents appreciate the balance of quieter stations and direct rail routes.
The transport network allows Bexley to sit comfortably between the city bustle and the calm of Kent.
