In the leafy southwest reaches of London, a unique blend of celebrity allure, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit has made Richmond-upon-Thames one of the most coveted addresses in the UK. From the ancient trees and free-roaming deer of Richmond Park to the bustling lanes lined with artisan boutiques and cafes, this riverside enclave has become a magnet for A-list residents and families alike.
It’s not just the likes of Sir David Attenborough, Tom Hardy, or Richard E Grant who are drawn to Richmond’s charms. Even fictional characters, such as Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond, have helped put this picturesque area on the global map, attracting a new wave of admirers from across the Atlantic and beyond. According to Homes & Property, the area’s popularity has soared in recent years, and the reasons are as varied as the people who call it home.
“There’s nowhere in the UK that we would rather live,” says Anissa Cantell, who, along with her husband David, has made Richmond home for two decades. The Cantells run the local estate agency Cantell & Co and have seen firsthand how the area’s “best of both worlds vibe” keeps residents smiling. “Many residents work in London but there’s also a friendly, local community spirit, something you might not expect so close to the capital. You’re 17 minutes from Waterloo yet have the ancient trees and 600 roaming deer of Richmond Park as well as Kew Gardens, The Green and The Thames all on the doorstep.”
Indeed, Richmond Park—the largest Royal Park in London—offers a daily dose of nature that’s hard to match in a major city. Cyclists whiz past centuries-old oaks, while families stroll along the Thames or picnic on Richmond Hill, taking in sweeping views that have inspired artists and writers for generations. The area’s green spaces are more than just a backdrop; they’re a central part of life here, providing a sense of calm and escape that’s rare so close to the city’s heart.
But Richmond’s appeal goes beyond its scenery. The community is a tapestry of corporate professionals, creative types, and international families. “We have three great primary schools so families and young professionals planning ahead like it, and there’s a good balance of corporate and bohemian types. Finance and law are two professions we see often but we also have musicians, actors and painters,” Cantell explains. This diversity is reflected in the area’s cultural offerings, from the historic Richmond Theatre and Curzon cinema to the year-round sporting excitement at nearby Twickenham Rugby Stadium.
Celebrity residents abound. Richard E Grant, the acclaimed actor, has lived in the same Richmond home for 30 years, sharing his affection for the area with fans and neighbors alike. Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley, John Hannah, Helen Baxendale, Jane Horrocks, and Jude Law have all called Richmond home at various times, while broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has famously described his Richmond residence as “his favourite place on earth.” Fearne Cotton once owned a cottage in Petersham, and the area’s star power only seems to grow with each passing year.
Richmond’s international draw is undeniable. The German School in Petersham and the newly opened Thomas’s College on Richmond Hill (which welcomed its first students in September 2025) have made the area especially attractive for European families seeking top-tier education. Edward Adler, Head of Knight Frank’s Richmond office, notes, “Schools remain a major driver for families of all nationalities moving out of London.”
The town’s popularity with Americans has also spiked in recent years. Cantell observes that “Donald Trump’s election saw many who chose to leave the US voting to move to Richmond,” while the global success of Ted Lasso has showcased the area’s real-life charm to an even wider audience. “Ted Lasso’s fictional football club, AFC Richmond, did to Richmond what Emily in Paris did for the French capital, showing the very real beauty of the town,” Cantell says. Actor Nick Mohammed, who plays Nate Shelley on the show, was a Richmond resident even before his television fame. And in a case of life imitating art, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively reportedly purchased a £4 million mansion in the area a couple of years after Reynolds bought Wrexham football club.
When it comes to lifestyle, Richmond is hard to beat. Petersham Nurseries, a 20-minute walk from the town centre along the Thames Path, is a romantic garden centre with a Michelin Green Star restaurant, lifestyle store, and café, all created by the Italian Boglione family. Scott’s Richmond, the first outpost of Mayfair’s famed Mount Street eatery, offers a riverfront terrace that’s become a favorite haunt for celebrities. Other dining hotspots include Sticks N Sushi, Ottolenghi, Madhu’s Brasserie, The Ivy, Buenos Aires, and Bingham Riverhouse. For coffee lovers, on-trend cafes like Kiss the Hippo and a host of enticing delis and boutiques make every stroll an adventure.
Pubs are a cornerstone of Richmond’s social scene. The Cricketers and The Prince’s Head (known to Ted Lasso fans as the Crown & Anchor) are fixtures on The Green, while The Sun Inn near the station is a favored spot for rugby stars. On match days, exuberant crowds make their way to Twickenham, stopping at The White Horse and The Red Cow to refuel and soak up the pre-game atmosphere.
Shopping in Richmond strikes a balance between high street staples and independent flair. Anthropology, Jigsaw, Sweaty Betty, and Aesop are among the well-known names, while Marks & Spencer on George Street is set to become a Foodhall only, with The Gym Group eyeing its upper floor for a new venue. Fitness enthusiasts have flocked to Third Space Richmond, which opened in December 2024, quickly becoming a hub for the area’s “body beautiful” crowd.
Of course, all this comes at a price. According to Rightmove, the average asking price for a home in Richmond is £942,522, with monthly rents averaging £3,189. That’s a far cry from the national averages of £358,138 to buy and £1,385 to rent, and even higher than London’s averages of £661,186 and £2,736 respectively. For those with deeper pockets, a two-bedroom apartment starts at around £750,000, a terrace house at £1 million, and a larger property on Richmond Hill can command £3-5 million. A 4,000-square-foot detached house with parking and gardens will set buyers back closer to £5 million, though Adler notes that better value can be found in neighboring St Margaret’s and Twickenham.
Despite the high property prices, Richmond’s enduring appeal lies in its rare combination of urban convenience, natural beauty, and a welcoming, vibrant community. As Cantell puts it, “I cannot imagine Richmond not suiting anyone over the age of 27.” For many, it’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to belong, whether you’re a movie star, a young family, or simply someone seeking a slice of London life that feels just a little more magical.