Living in Greater London
Greater London is a large metropolitan county in the south east of England, made up of a wide range of urban, suburban and green areas. It surrounds the historic core of the City of London and stretches outwards to form a complex patchwork of neighbourhoods, town centres and open spaces. The River Thames runs through the heart of the county, shaping both its geography and its development over many centuries.
The county is divided into a number of boroughs, each with its own character, history and local communities. Some areas developed rapidly through industry and trade, while others grew later as residential districts linked by rail and road networks. Today, Greater London supports a diverse population and a broad economy, with employment across finance, government, culture, education, technology and public services.
Despite its scale and density, Greater London includes extensive parks, commons and waterways that contribute to everyday life. Green spaces, local high streets and neighbourhood centres remain important features alongside major commercial and cultural districts. Overall, Greater London offers a steady balance of historic depth, modern urban living and accessible green space, giving it a distinctive and influential role within England.
Largest Towns in Greater London 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Greater London stretches from 0 ft at Coldharbour up to 741 ft at South Street, a span of 741 ft across 646 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 216 postcode areas in Greater London. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Places in Greater London 646
Postcode Areas in Greater London 20
Greater London is served by 20 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.