Find the best place to call home in North London
Houses for Sale & to Rent brings you an overview of the region to help you find the perfect home
Situated north of the River Thames, North London stretches from Finsbury and Clerkenwell which sit on the very edge of the financial district right the way to the boundary between Greater London and Hertfordshire.
The development of Regent’s Canal in the borough of Islington stimulated expansion across North London in the early 19th century, which continued at a pace as the railway network boosted economic growth in the area and increased urbanisation.
Barnet, Camden Town, Enfield, Hampstead, Haringey and Islington are among the major areas within North London, which are home to myriad galleries, parks, restaurants, markets, and more.
What is living in North London like?
North London is widely regarded as an excellent place to live. In addition to benefiting from excellent connections to the rest of London and beyond, this area is known for its vibrancy and cosmopolitan vibe. After all, more than a million people call North London home.
From Camden, with its famous markets and beautiful canals to the picturesque beauty of Hampstead’s parks, there really is something for absolutely everyone in North London. Hang out on the Heath with friends on warm summer days, browse myriad independent shops, and eat in countless restaurants and eateries specialising in cuisine from around the world.
North London has a wide variety of properties, ranging from modern apartment complexes to traditional Edwardian and Victorian townhouses. You’ll also find converted factories that celebrate their industrial past and secluded mews offering an additional layer of peace and quiet amidst all the hubbub.
Pros and cons of living in North London
To kick things off on a positive note, let’s start by looking at some of the many advantages of living in North London
- Transport connections
London has expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which operates 24 hours a day, all year round in a bid to tackle air pollution. The area now includes all areas within the North Circular, including Islington, Hampstead, and Camden. The areas of Barnet and Enfield are currently not in the zone, but drivers elsewhere in North London will need to determine whether their vehicle meets the ULEZ standards. If not, a daily charge will apply. Notably, for electric car owners, there are several electric vehicle charging points situated in most North London boroughs.
The good news is that North London benefits from excellent transport connections. North London is served by the Central, Piccadilly, Victoria and Northern tube lines as well as the London Overground and boasts more than 25 individual stations. North London is also well-served by TFL buses, which collectively ensure that getting from A to B is as efficient and straightforward as possible. As an example, it is possible to get from Highgate to Leicester Square in 15 minutes.
- Schools
North London has a variety of excellent schools. Within three miles of Barnet, for example, families will find more than 150 schools, many of which have received outstanding Ofstead ratings. There are more than 300 schools within a three-mile radius of Islington and, again, many have been awarded outstanding or good Ofstead ratings.
Now, let’s look at a few cons of choosing to make North London your home.
- Property prices
In Barnet, the average rate for private rental properties sat at £1,365 per month in 2018/19. To afford a property at this price point, the total household income would need to be in excess of £40,950 annually. In Haringey, this figure was £1,425, and in Enfield it was £1,275. In Camden and Islington, these figures were even higher sitting at £2,000 and £1,733 respectively. Households would therefore need to be bringing in over £50,000 annually to afford to rent in these boroughs.
In terms of average house prices, figures from the House Price Index published in March 2019 show that the average property in Barnet was worth £512,636. This figure was £539,321 for properties in Haringey, and in Enfield the average property was worth £393,237. Unsurprisingly, Camden and Islington are among the most expensive areas to purchase property in North London, with figures sitting at £804,551 and £629,885 respectively.
- Air pollution
Most major cities have a problem with air pollution and London is no exception. As Barnet is situated away from central London, it generally experiences the best air quality in North London. In terms of short term exposure, the air quality is marginally above the guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), however over the longer-term, residents will be exposed to twice the recommended safe level of air pollution.
In Camden, air pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines on an average of 10 days every month and long term residents will be exposed to more than three times the recommended safe levels. This figure is even higher in Islington, where pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines on an average of 20 days out of every 30.
Is North London a safe place to live?
The 2021 edition of the Economist’s Safe Cities report names London as the 15th safest city in the world based on a variety of data including infrastructure, personal safety, and health, which is five places higher than the city was placed in 2017.
Crime rates naturally vary by neighbourhood and borough, however generally North London isn’t considered to be a notoriously dangerous place to live. According to data, Enfield, Haringey and Islington have slightly higher than average rates of crime, with theft and vehicle offences generally the most prevalent. In Enfield between March 2020 and March 2021, the crime rate was 27.25, and Haringey was slightly higher at 28.75.
Notably, crime rates in Barnet are generally regarded as being very low and reported violent crime sits markedly below the national average in this area. For context, during the same March 2020 to March 2021 period, the crime rate in Barnet was 20.25.
Between June 2019 and May 2020, crimes associated with antisocial behaviour were the most common in North London. There is also some data to suggest that crime in North London is increasing at pace, with reports rising by more than 50% in just 12 months.
Which celebrities live in North London?
As you might expect, North London is home to numerous celebrities. Primrose Hill has been a celebrity hotspot for decades and although the likes of Kate Moss and Noel Gallagher have moved on, a new generation of celebs including model Suki Waterhouse and Georgia May Jagger are making this trendy location one of their main bases. It’s not difficult to see why, as this beautiful area of Camden boasts stunning views across Regent’s Park and is full to the brim with pastel-hued Regency townhouses.
Many of the original Primrose Hill residents haven’t moved far, choosing to remain in North London. Highgate has been one of the top choices for celebrities throughout the decades, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and T.S. Eliot opting to pen some of their most famous works in the area. Now, residents of Highgate include Kate Moss and Jude Law to name but a few, which has helped the area to retain its title of being home to some of London’s most expensive postcodes.
Despite being so close to all the action, Barnet feels tucked away which is likely why many famous faces have chosen to set up home here. Zayn Malik from One Direction fame is known to have a home in central Barnet and Arsene Wenger has owned the same property in Totteridge for more than two decades. Emma Bunton and her family also reside in Barnet, which isn’t far from her home borough of Finchley.
It’s also worth noting that a not inconsiderable number of national treasure level celebrities are from Enfield, including David Jason, Bruce Forsyth, and the one and only Adele.
Things to consider when moving to North London
As North London is a bustling area of the wider city, it is important to really think about whether it can offer the lifestyle you’re looking for. Traffic jams are commonplace, public transportation will be busy at peak times, and even small considerations such as which broadband provider to choose can be more challenging than you might initially expect. Why? Well, as there are large numbers of people living in very close proximity, many of whom will want to be online at the same time, it is not unusual for providers to manage congestion by prioritising certain connections at the expense of others.
Similarly, it is vital to consider whether the numbers stack up to allow you to secure your ideal property in your ideal area. After all, after researching crime rates, amenities, schools and transport links to find a location that suits you and your lifestyle, it won’t be a pleasant realisation to discover that your budget won’t stretch as far as you would like.
It can also be beneficial to spend some time exploring several boroughs and neighbourhoods in North London to ensure you get the full experience and find the perfect location for you and your family. Finsbury Park, for example, is a big draw for families, largely thanks to its beautiful 110-acre park complete with tennis courts, a boating lake, and football pitches. Conversely, the borough of Islington attracts young professionals eager to work hard and play hard. Angel has a strong creative community and attracts artists and writers from all over the world.
Overall, if North London suits you and your lifestyle, you will undoubtedly be very happy with your decision to set up home in this vibrant and very special part of London.
