There is no doubt that London ranks as one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. With a multicultural population, it is a colourful city of many different faces and one that is targeted as the place to be by young professionals. As one of the most commercially important cities in the world, London is a central hub for commerce and industry, and the focal point of the transport infrastructure in the UK.
Whether you’re looking for a bright and lively inner-city spot in which to live or a calmer, suburban type of atmosphere, North London is the area to look at, and there are many established and up-and-coming places offering a wealth of attractions. As experienced builders in North London, we’ve seen it all when it comes to living and working in North London and have heard the stories of countless residents telling us what they like and dislike about living in the area. If you’re thinking about moving to North London, this list – put together with the help of an experienced estate agent in the area – will surely be of great help in assisting you with making a decision on where your next home will be. We hope you enjoy it.
Camden
With its famous markets and canal-side walks, Camden has to feature on a list of places to live anywhere, not merely in London. Known also for a wide variety of places to eat, drink and basically hang out, Camden is a thriving yet relaxed area with a mixture of trendy apartments joining traditional larger townhouses. The area is well known for its alternative and artsy scene, which makes it a must for anyone looking to become inspired by the vastly diverse culture and activities available. Places like Camden Market are known for becoming swarmed with tourists on busy weekends and this is why it is perhaps best enjoyed going at your own pace on quiet weekdays – something its residents can enjoy on a daily basis!
If you want to walk into the city you can be at King’s Cross in 20 minutes, and the local tube stations on the Northern Line can have you to Euston in 5 minutes. Trendy, established and convenient, prices are on the rise in Camden so the time to buy is now.
Did you know? Camden has an incredibly rich and diverse musical heritage. It has been home to several famous musicians and music venues, including the legendary Roundhouse, where artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and The Doors have performed, as well as the iconic Camden Palace (now Koko), which has hosted gigs by Madonna, Prince and David Bowie.
Highgate
Located on a hill overlooking the city, Highgate is a quiet and beautiful place to live. With its gloriously beautiful red brick houses and stunning new-build properties, there is a choice for all budgets here, and a high street lined with family-owned smaller businesses is a treat. A little further out than some of the locations on the list, you can still be in Leicester Square in 15 minutes by tube. This is an area largely unchanged in recent years, surrounded by green spaces and a joy to live in – and don’t overlook the choice of traditional pubs.
Nature lovers can also get their fix, with a variety of the best natural attractions in North London right on their doorstep! There are 900 acres of gorgeous parkland to be explored on Hampstead Heath, beautiful meadows and lakes in Kenwood Park and two golf courses where you can spend the day working on your handicap.
Did you know? Highgate is home to Highgate Cemetery, one of London’s most famous cemeteries and the final resting place of numerous famous figures, including Karl Marx and George Eliot. The cemetery is also known for its stunning Gothic architecture and tranquil woodland setting, being listed as a nature reserve.
Archway
If a North London region epitomises ‘up and coming’ it’s Archway. Perfectly located for professionals commuting to The City, Archway has undergone plenty of regeneration in recent years and features a new square in which events are held throughout the year, plus a wide choice of international cuisine at some highly regarded establishments. Archway is perfect for single professionals and young families, with the average age of its residents being around 33 years. If you’re looking to quickly make some friends then there is no better place to look and with a large portion of its residents being Irish – known for their welcoming treatment of newcomers – you will feel right at home in no time!
The Northern Line takes you to King’s Cross in just under 10 minutes and there’s a real community spirit here. Archway is prone to fast-rising property prices as it becomes less of a hidden gem, so check it out now.
Did you know? Archway is named after the Archway Bridge, a distinctive and historic structure designed by John Nash in 1812. It is a Grade II listed monument which offers breathtaking views of North London and is known for its striking Victorian architecture.
Finchley
Finchley has long been considered one of London’s most desirable locations for those looking to settle down in a beautiful, quaint residential area. With Cherry Tree and Victoria Park within walking distance, there is plenty to do for those looking to avoid the more socially vibrant places such as Camden. Couple that with the countless amazing places to eat and you have one of the best choices for those looking to move to North London. Shopaholics will absolutely love the opportunities offered here and will be spoilt for choice when deciding between the local shops situated along Bollards lane and the High Road or the Brent Cross shopping centre just a mile down the road. With a variety of great education options, including 17 primary schools and 6 secondary schools, families looking to settle down in a place where their children can excel should consider Finchley as one of their top choices.
Did you know? The oldest continuously running cinema in the UK is located in Finchley – the Phoenix Cinema. Originally known as the East Finchley Picturedome, it first opened its doors to the public in 1910 and has been in use ever since. It has a rich history and has been the venue for many important film events including the official UK premiere for the 1933 classic ‘King Kong’. Today, it shows a wide variety of films from modern blockbusters to timeless classics and even the occasional foreign language film.
Finsbury Park
Famous for a thriving social scene in the many eateries and bars, as well as a choice of trendy apartments, Finsbury Park is an address that is considered elite. The park itself is a joy for walkers, runners or those with dogs and hosts music and arts events throughout the year. The Piccadilly and Victoria lines take you into central London in around 10 minutes, yet Finsbury Park remains a quiet, relaxed yet also engaging place to live.
Did you know? Finsbury Park has a rich history dating all the way back to 1860 and has hosted a number of memorable music events. One of these is the 1967 performance by the rock legend Jimi Hendrix, who played here as part of his UK tour. His performance at Finsbury Park is considered to be one of his best and most memorable.
Swiss Cottage
Quiet, leafy and established, Swiss Cottage is a place where people come to live temporarily and then find it is nigh-on perfect for working in London. A choice of traditional townhouses and very swish apartments cater for all budgets while the peaceful nature and old-world charm of the region, plus the presence of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill nearby, make it ideal for the outdoors type too. The tube takes you to Bond Street in 15 minutes. Properties are in demand in Swiss Cottage so don’t hesitate to arrange a viewing if one comes up.
Did you know? The name ‘Swiss Cottage’ comes from a tavern that opened in 1804 and was popular with Swiss artists who had fled the French Revolution and settled in London. The tavern provided a familiar and welcoming environment, serving Swiss cuisine and offering social events and cultural activities. The area around the tavern became known as Swiss Cottage and the name was adopted for the nearby tube station.
Crouch End
For a village atmosphere and friendly vibe just 5 miles from central London, it’s hard to match Crouch End. This is an area that has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years and is now one of the leading art centres in North London. Crouch End is surrounded by green spaces so is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the choice of property makes it a popular place for first-time London buyers. If there’s one downside to Crouch End it’s the lack of an underground station, but commuters can use the overground railway or convenient bus services to get into the city.
Did you know? Crouch End boasts a thriving artistic community and has been a residence to numerous renowned writers, musicians and artists over the years. It has also served as a filming location for various movies and television series, including the widely acclaimed British sitcom ‘Peep Show’.
Muswell Hill
Perhaps the quietest of all North London locations is Muswell Hill, a place replete with historic architecture, grand old houses, and a wealth of property perfect for those who want a getaway from the high-pressure life in the city. Undeniably beautiful, Muswell Hill attracts a type who wants access to leafy, quiet streets, unique boutiques and the arts centre of Alexandra Palace. The adjacent park is a popular place for walking and has a popular farmers market and while a tube station is absent, there are plenty of regular bus routes for commuters.
Did you know? Over the years, Muswell Hill has been home to some prominent figures who have contributed to the area’s rich cultural heritage. Notable personalities include the award-winning novelist and playwright Alan Bennett, Ray Davies of the band The Kinks and the celebrated actor James McAvoy.
Hampstead
The enduring allure of Hampstead Heath, one of the most spectacular green spaces in London, is a major attraction for those choosing to live in Hampstead. But it’s not the only one, for this is a place where you can find trendy and popular independent bookshops and cafes, plus a wide choice of well-supported truly traditional local pubs and bars. Hampstead is very much a place to hang out, which makes property here very popular and constantly in demand. Commuting to central London is simple with Euston just 15 minutes away but be aware, once you visit Hampstead you’ll be hooked – it is that sort of place.
Did you know? Hampstead has a rich artistic heritage and has been home to numerous writers, artists, and musicians over the years. Notable figures who have lived in the area include the novelist Daphne du Maurier, the painter John Constable and the musician Sting. It seems all the famous people like to live in North London!
Which North London area would you like to live in?
That’s nine of the best places to live in North London for you, and we’re sure you’ll agree we’ve given you a good choice of lively, buzzing locations or quitter, village-like places, so there’s something for everyone here. These are all places that are in demand where property is concerned, so start looking right now and find that perfect North London home.
If you’re open to looking at moving to other nearby areas as an option, we recommend these articles, in which we explore the best areas to live in East London and the 7 best places to live in Essex in 2023.
