Where to Move from Hong Kong to London: Why I Recommend Richmond Borough

If you’re planning to make the move from Hong Kong to London, one of the best places to consider is Richmond Borough. This area offers a wonderful balance of high-quality education, great green spaces, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for many Hong Kong families—and for good reason.

Richmond offers a perfect balance of suburban charm and easy access to central London.

Education

Waldegrave School is a respected state school for girls located in Twickenham

In terms of education, Richmond offers excellent options. My school, Waldegrave School, is a fantastic state school and is highly regarded for its academic standards, particularly for girls. Other schools in the area include the Turing School, St Catherine’s School in Twickenham, Kew House School, King's House School, and Lady Eleanor Holles School—all of which are great choices for families seeking a quality education. Additionally, The Mall School is known for its solid academic curriculum, and Tiffin Grammar School is just a short distance away for high-achieving students.

Transport Links to Central London

Richmond Riverside is a peaceful family walk

Living in Richmond (which is where I personally live) gives you easy access to the hustle and bustle of central London while offering a peaceful, suburban lifestyle. Richmond is well-connected to London’s city centre, with access to Waterloo in less than 30 minutes via the Overground and Tube. This makes commuting convenient for both work and leisure.

Richmond's Natural Beauty and Historic Charm

Deer in Bushy Park

One of the highlights of living in Richmond is the nature. With vast green spaces like Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Kneller Gardens, and Crane Park, you’ll find plenty of places to relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. For those who love walking, the Richmond Riverside and Twickenham Riverside offer beautiful views, perfect for family strolls or dog walking.

Hampton Court Palace, the former home to King Henry VIII

Richmond also has an incredible amount of history, with landmarks such as Strawberry Hill House, Kew Palace, Marble Hill House, and Hampton Court Palace all nearby. You’ll never run out of things to do or places to explore, and the area has a lovely, historic charm with quaint characters.

Community Life and Integration

Richmond Hill, overlooking London and Surrey

Richmond Borough is known for its friendly, welcoming community. There’s always something happening—from community events to local markets and everything in between. The people are incredibly friendly, and you’ll find that Richmond has a strong presence of fellow Hong Kongers. Whether it’s through local Catholic churches, community groups, or gatherings for Hong Kong families, you’ll feel right at home.

What I love about Richmond is that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. You can integrate into British society while also staying connected to your roots. The diverse range of Hong Kong communities here ensures your children will have friends who understand their background, helping them transition smoothly.

A Worthwhile Investment

The houses in Richmond Borough are full of history, character and charm

While housing in Richmond can be on the more expensive side due to its prime location and high quality of life, it’s a worthwhile investment. You get excellent schools, green spaces, easy access to central London, and a family-friendly environment—all of which contribute to a fantastic quality of life.

Conclusion: An Ideal Location for Hong Kong Families in London

The Great Pagoda in Kew Gardens

Overall Richmond offers a perfect balance of suburban charm and easy access to central London, making it a great choice for Hong Kong families. With top schools, green spaces like Richmond Park, and a vibrant community, it’s a place where both children and parents can thrive, grow, and truly enjoy living in London. The area’s rich history, excellent transport links, and strong support for local families make it a wonderful spot to settle and enjoy a high quality of life. It ticks all the boxes. If you’re considering moving from Hong Kong, I highly recommend it.