Settled by hunter-gatherers more than two millennia ago, London is so much more than just one city. Every area has its own quirks and culture, so no matter what you enjoy, you’ll be able to find a corner of the capital to suit you.
North London has everything, with each neighbourhood offering a different character. There are many reasons why North London is the ideal place to live; here’s just a few.
Green and Open Spaces
Having the facilities and convenience of living in a city doesn’t mean sacrificing access to green and open spaces. If you live north of the river, you’ll have plenty of choice as 26% of the area is made up of parkland.
Alexandra Palace usually referred to as Ally Pally, is a 150-year old Victorian pleasure park which is every bit as wonderful as it sounds. With a boating lake, cafes, theatre and ice rink (winter only), it’s much more than just a regular park.
Other green spaces in North London include Finsbury Park, Highgate Wood and a bit closer to the centre, there’s also Regent’s Park.
Travel Links
Wherever you want to get to, when you’re based in North London it’s easy to plan your route.
The Underground services the north of the city better than the south, with excellent coverage all over the area. There’s also the overground train links if you want to travel east or west. When Crossrail finally opens in 2021-2022, public transport will be even easier than it is now.
For cars, the M25 is within easy reach, plus the North Circular and M1 can be accessed easily from the A1.
Air travel is an option too with Stansted and Luton, both offering domestic and international flights from operators such as Ryanair and easyJet. The biggest airport in the UK is also in North London, on the west side.
Culture
The culture is the beating heart of any city, and in North London, you’ll be able to soak up an atmosphere which is truly authentic.
Primrose Hill and St John’s Wood are ripe for celebrity-spotting, while Camden is loved for its quirky market and curiosities. Highgate Cemetery may sound like a strange suggestion, but it attracts floods of tourists every year for its selection of famous graves, including Karl Marx and George Eliot.The Gothic architecture is also rather incredible and offers an atmospheric slice of Victorian history.
You’ll also find endless concerts, fringe theatre, variety acts and music gigs in North London so if you want to head out, you’ll be inundated with options.
Schools
If you have children or are planning a family, schools may be high on your list of priorities. In North London, there is a wide and diverse choice of schools, many of which offer an excellent education. Although figures are subject to change, at the time of writing, 47% of North London schools were classed as above average.
There are also outstanding facilities for further education, such as Middlesex University and London Metropolitan University.
London is a city that’s got lots to offer, but if you’re looking for an area that has quite literally everything, it’s almost impossible to beat North London.