A Guide To Moving and Living In Enfield
Enfield is a friendly borough in North London that is rich in history, has great restaurants, plenty of shops and things to do, and happens to be one of the cheapest places to rent in London.
With prices a lot lower than other boroughs in London, you will get a lot more for your money here. The borough itself is well connected by public transport, with National Rail, the Overground and the Piccadilly Line, as well as regular buses across the borough and London.
So what is living in Enfield like? This guide from Compare My Move looks into all you will need to know before moving to Enfield.
Enfield Transport
Despite being located more than 10 miles north-east of Central London, Enfield has great connections to Central London via the Piccadilly Line, which stops at Arnos Grove, Southgate, Oakwood and Cockfosters. This underground service should take about 30 minutes to get you into Leicester Square.
Enfield Town also has a National Rail train station with regular trains to Liverpool street in just 30 minutes, with the new Overground providing a similar service into Central London.
Enfield also has great connections to the M25 and North Circular. Many people who live in Enfield are commuters who work in the city centre due to its transport links and lower cost of living.
Cost of Living in Enfield
Enfield is cheaper than most other places in London when it comes to rent. With 2 bed flats starting at £995 PCM, you are likely to get a lot more for your money in Enfield.
The area itself is popular among young professionals and families who want quick access to London amenities without the London price tag, as well as the hustle and bustle.
The most affordable places to live in a one bed flat are:
- Ponder's End - £720 PCM
- Lower Edmonton - £720 PCM
- Enfield Lock - £663 PCM
Food and Drink in Enfield
Alongside the usual chain restaurants found across London, Enfield offers a host of independent eateries and places to drink. They include:
- The Crown and Horseshoes – Sitting on the river in Enfield Town, this gastropub offers everything you could want with its large beer garden and relaxed family atmosphere. Their pub grub menu includes all the classic English dishes, including sausage and mash, steak and ale pie, and flame-grilled burgers.
- Saathi – This contemporary Indian restaurant is a local favourite for their friendly atmosphere and flavoursome dishes. They, too, offer a wide range of dishes and even do take-away if you fancy a night in.
- Beautiful South – This restaurant has served Enfield for nearly two decades and has established a renowned reputation their fine French and Mediterranean food and candle-lit atmosphere.
- Robin hood – Great to visit on a cold winter day, the Robin Hood offers a roaring fire, great wine selection and a menu of warm seasonal dishes.
Enfield Shopping
Enfield is only a short train journey from London's major shopping streets, like Oxford Street and Bond Street. However, the borough also offers a number of shopping opportunities a little closer to home, if that's what you need. This includes:
- Pearsons – Founded in 1903, Pearsons is the oldest department store in Enfield offering a whole range of different brands and items.
- Palace Gardens Shopping Centre – This is a great open-air shopping centre housing all the big names. The centre offers WiFi and plenty of parking.
- Parkside Farm Shop – A ‘pick you own' farm in Enfield, this farm shop specialises in a variety of farm produce sourced from local farmers and producers, as well as a tasty range of homemade cakes.
Things to Do in Enfield
- Capel Manor Gardens – Walking among the plants and flowers within the 30 acres of gardens will make you feel a million miles away from London's hustle and bustle. With the Parkside Farm Shop nearby, pick up some nibbles during your visit.
- Lee Valley White Water Centre – The water centre offers a whole range of activities, including white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing and even camping on a nearby camping site.
- Chicken Shed Theatre – This unique and eccentric theatre was founded in a disused chicken shed in the 1970s, and now showcases a full calendar of performances, from mime and dance to musical theatre.
Considering living in Enfield? Use Comparemymove.com to receive up to six free removal quotes and save up to 70% on your enfield removals.
For a full rundown of how Enfield may compare to the rest of London, check out our comprehensive guide to moving to London.
Main image: "Little Park Gardens, Big Route" by Aubrey Morandarte licensed by CC BY 2.0
