Residents of a frequently overlooked London borough are making a bold claim: they believe they live in the very best part of the capital. This comes in direct response to a viral social media trend that seemingly dismissed areas outside a specific central zone.
The 'London Banana' and the Bromley Backlash
The debate was ignited by scholar Saul Sadka, who created a map of London shaped like a banana. He suggested that staying within this 'London Banana' was key to enjoying life in the city, while areas outside it were 'best avoided'. Bromley, situated in Greater London, falls conspicuously outside this favoured fruit-shaped boundary.
However, locals in Bromley are passionately contesting this view. They feel their borough is unjustly overlooked and dismissed with stereotypes of being 'too far out' and 'full of old people'. One long-term resident told the Daily Mail, "I've lived in Bromley all my life and I love it here. Personally I think it's the best place to live in London."
Greenery, Affordability, and a 20-Minute Commute
Those championing Bromley point to a powerful combination of benefits that they argue rivals any inner-London postcode. A key advantage is the surprisingly quick connection to the centre; many residents report a train journey of less than 20 minutes to central London.
"People always say to me 'is that not too far out?', but it's really easy for me to get to work," said one local. "In fact, I get to work a lot quicker than some people I know who live on the Tube network in north London, including those places in the banana."
Beyond transport, the borough's appeal is rooted in its environment and value:
- Green Spaces: Large parts of Bromley are designated Green Belt land, featuring parks like Kelsey Park and Crystal Palace Park.
- Affordable Housing: Recent data shows the average house price in Bromley was £524,000 as of September 2025, notably below the London average of £556,000.
- Low Crime: Bromley ranks among London's top 10 safest boroughs, with a crime rate 15% lower than the capital's average.
- Good Schools: The area boasts several grammar schools, contributing to its family-friendly reputation.
One resident summarised the unique choice Bromley offers: "In 15 minutes, I can either be in central London, or I can be in the countryside. Not many places in London have that."
A Community of Champions
The pride in the area is shared across generations. Linda Toomey, 77, a lifelong Beckenham resident, praised the local amenities, friendly people, and excellent transport links. Meanwhile, Patrick, 27, who has lived in Beckenham for four years, loves the mix of urban and suburban life, stating, "You can get into London in under half an hour, but you've also got beautiful green spaces." His dedication runs so deep he is now running for local council.
Conservative councillor Michael Tickner, a resident since age 12, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the wide roads, friendly atmosphere, and vibrant hospitality scene in areas like Beckenham High Street.
While acknowledging that house prices remain high by national standards, locals argue you get significant value compared to inner London. As one resident put it, living in a trendy area like Clapham might shave minutes off a commute but means "paying a lot more money for a smaller flat" and sacrificing the green, spacious lifestyle Bromley provides.
The message from this corner of southeast London is clear: when judging the best place to live, it might be wise to look beyond the banana.
