Moving to North London
North London is made up of the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster. Home to more than 1.4 million people, the area has a larger population than many of the other UK and European cities. It also has a lot to offer, from newly rejuvenated parks and restaurants to nightclubs and markets.
In this guide, Compare My Move introduces you to some of the most popular areas to help when it comes to moving to North London, their transport links, best schools and employment sectors, in addition to the activities and sights which will be available on your doorstep.
Property in North London
North London is home to a variety of cultural and historical landmarks and fascinating architecture for its residents to enjoy. It's one of the most multicultural areas in the UK and considered a more upmarket part of London.
Unsurprisingly then, the cost of buying a house in North London is high, especially in sought-after areas such as Angel and Hampstead. For North London as a whole, the average property price currently sits at £860,724.
The average rent is £1,998 PCM, and there are many rental websites in London to help you find a suitable property.
Homes in the area range from modern apartments to Victorian and Edwardian homes, with secluded mews and converted buildings including warehouses and former factories.
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Best Areas to Live in North London
Below we’ve listed some of the most popular areas to live in North London. They’re upmarket and have a lot to offer, but they do carry a considerable price tag.
If you’re in the market for homes on the higher end of the scale, North London offers some stunning areas, each with their own unique character and beautiful historic home.
Once you've decided on an area, it's important to book your North London removal company to get prepared in advance.
| Area | Average Property Price | Average Rent (pcm) |
|---|---|---|
Finsbury Park | £631,513 | £1,620 pcm |
Islington | £1,038,513 | £2,238 pcm |
Angel | £1,129,462 | £2,448 pcm |
Camden Town | £1,638,792 | £2,934 pcm |
Hampstead | £2,112,233 | £5,061 pcm |
1. Finsbury Park
Located within the three boroughs of Haringey, Islington and Hackney, recent redevelopment programmes have led to the emergence of revamped and modernised eateries, cafes, restaurants and bars for its residents to enjoy. The average property price here is currently £631,513.
This area is appealing to young professionals and families alike.The park is one of the best features, boasting 110 acres of space with tennis courts, football pitches, and a boating lake.
2. Islington
This is an inner-city district within the borough of Islington. The borough has fantastic transport links, connected by the Underground, with ten tube stops near the Islington area.
Upper Street is a popular place with several restaurants, bars and homeware shops giving its residents many options for activities and nightlife. Some of the more popular properties are Georgian and Victorian terraces, with the average property price £1,038,513.
3. Angel
Another area located in the borough of Islington, Angel has beautiful canal-side cafes with amazing views, a strong creative and cultural identity, yet manages to fly under the radar and doesn't have a touristy presence.
The area is in a fantastic central location, with beautiful architecture and a selection of restaurants. Largely the residents consist of a combination of artistic and media professionals. A property here on average will set you back £1,129,462.
4. Camden Town
Camden and some of the areas surrounding it offer affordable properties and a more alternative lifestyle for its residents. One of Camden's best features is its sheer amount of variety. Regarding property, you can find anything from wealthy townhouses to ex-social housing. The average property price here is currently £1,638,792.
Camden Town has some of the best transport links. Two branches of the Northern Line operate at Camden Town station, the Overground serves Camden Road, and there are several buses available. It's only a 20-minute walk to Kings Cross St Pancras too.
5. Hampstead
Located in the borough of Camden, houses in the area are larger than average, so would be perfect for families. Hampstead is one of the wealthiest parts of London, so if you are saving up and on a budget, you might want to avoid looking for properties here. This is the most expensive location on our list, with the average property price currently at £2,112,233.
The wealth in the area has allowed independent retailers, bookshops, grocers and butchers that have existed for generations, to survive and flourish. This has created a pleasant community feeling in the area which doesn't look to be subsiding.
Schools and Education in North London
North London is host to a number of excellent schools, both public and private, in addition to specialist schools and colleges. The area also boasts a selection of higher education institutions. London Metropolitan University is located in Islington and serves as a public research university offering 160 degree courses to over 9,000 students.
For young families moving to the area, we’re selected some of the top schools in the area, based on their Ofsted rating, for both Primary school ages and Secondary school ages:
Primary Schools in North London
| Primary School | Postcode Area | Ages | Ofsted Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Ambler Primary School and Children's Centre | N4 | 3-11 | Outstanding |
Gillespie Primary School | N5 | 3-11 | Outstanding |
Grafton Primary School | N7 | 2-11 | Outstanding |
St John's Highbury Vale CofE Primary School | N5 | 4-11 | Outstanding |
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School | N19 | 3-11 | Outstanding |
Secondary Schools in North London
| Secondary School | Postcode Area | Ages | Ofsted Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Secondary School | Postcode Area | Ages | Ofsted Rating |
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School | N1 | 11-16 | Outstanding |
Highbury Fields School | N5 | 11-18 | Outstanding |
The Archer Academy | N2 | 11-16 | Outstanding |
Acland Burghley School | NW5 | 11-18 | Good |
Highgate Wood Secondary School | N8 | 11-18 | Good |
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Where To Work In North London
With a population of over 1 million and a workforce of 300,000, North London is an important component of the capital’s economy.
The public sector, made up of the fields of public administration, health and education, is the biggest contributor to the North London economy. The sector employs 40% (over 120,000) of the total workforce of 300,000, and Hackney and Camden Council are two of the biggest employers, with 17,000 employees between them.
Another major part of North London’s economy is the retail sector. The area has several town centres which are major shopping areas including Edgeware, Enfield Town, Walthamstow and Wood Green. Along with growing restaurant, bar and hotels in the district, it accounts for 23% of all jobs.
The main commercial centres are located in and around Edgeware, Enfield Town, Walthamstow and Wood Green.
North London’s creative sector is quickly developing, with 3,000 businesses in the arts and creative industries, employing 12,000 people. Creative industries are usually located in Muswell Hill, Waltham Forest and Barnet areas.
Transport in North London
North London has a huge population, which means congested road networks. The growing population means this will only get worse, so public transport is the recommended choice for getting around North London as it’s much easier and quicker.
Some parts of North London have dedicated bus lanes that use specific routes to avoid congestion. Generally, the London Underground is one of the quickest ways to travel. The region contains 27 stations on the Piccadilly, Northern, Victoria and Central lines.
Entertainment in North London
North London is known for its vibrant nightlife and some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars. For anyone looking to save money, you will find a bargain in Finsbury Park, while Blackstock Road, which runs between Islington and Hackney, hosts several independent shops.
Camden Market is famous for its variety, with over 350 retailers, several markets, shops and stalls selling anything you can imagine. You will have more than enough to choose from, including antiques and vintage clothing.
The area has a multitude of food options, music scenes, fashion and art along Regent's Canal. It's also got attractions like the Jewish Museum and the London Zoo for you to visit.
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Crime in North London
During the period of June 2019 to May 2020, the majority of crime in the area were antisocial behaviour crimes, which made up 301% of all crimes in North London. It is also the fastest growing crime in the area, increasing by 52.5% in 12 months.
Violent crime was the second most prominent type of crime in the area, making up 18.1% of all crime for the same time period. Nevertheless, the area saw a drop of 33.6% of crimes related to possession of a weapon, 23.1% decrease in burglary crime and a drop of 14.8% in crime relating to criminal damage and arson.
Areas in North London such as Camden and Haringey have experienced high levels of crime in recent years, however other areas in North London such as Angel and Hampstead are considered safer areas to live.
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