Living in Barnet, London
What this article covers
- What makes Barnet a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Barnet for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Barnet
Barnet, a suburban borough of Greater London, England, offers residents a blend of city vitality and quaint, countryside charm. The municipality’s vast green spaces, historical ambiance, and vibrant local markets make it a unique residential choice.
Living in Barnet: The Pros
Living in Barnet caters to diverse lifestyles. For working professionals, it presents top-notch transportation links including Northern Line tube stations, major roadways, and bus routes which ensure easy commuting to Central London. The average rental cost is reasonable, placed at around £2000 per month.
It offers an idylic setting for families, with well-respected schools, safe neighbourhoods, and multiple recreational spaces. Housing prices vary significantly depending on location and type, with an average flat price at £445,000 and houses around £700,000.
Living in Barnet: The Cons
While Barnet has many advantages, it also has its drawbacks. The cost of buying a home can be prohibitive for many, especially in popular areas. Commuting time to central London, while facilitated by good transportation, can be lengthy during peak periods.
Safety and Transportation
Barnet generally boasts a safe atmosphere, despite being slightly above the London average for crime rates. As part of Greater London, Barnet’s transportation infrastructure is robust, although services to some parts may be less frequent than in the city centre.
Conclusion
All in all, Barnet provides a balanced lifestyle, catering to both working professionals and families. However, as with any location, potential residents should weigh the pros and cons according to their personal requirements and preferences.
Most popular areas
High Barnet (EN5)
High Barnet or Chipping Barnet is very popular due to its historical charm, and it has a significant selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. It also provides easy access to the country side, making it attractive to people who love nature. The area is serviced by the Northern Line for travel into the City.
East Finchley (N2)
East Finchley is popular for its community spirit, excellent schools, and good transport links into the City and West End. The area is home to plenty of green spaces like Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Wood, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Golders Green (NW11)
Golders Green is in demand for its cultural diversity and has a great variety of eateries from all around the world, especially kosher food due to its large Jewish community. Hampstead Heath is just a short walk away. The area has excellent transport options with the Northern Line servicing Golders Green Underground station.
Least popular areas
Colindale (NW9)
Colindale is a more industrial area of the borough, with a lot of office and apartment block buildings. Despite being home to the Royal Air Force Museum, it doesn’t offer as much in terms of lifestyle and activities as other areas of Barnet.
Grahame Park (NW9)
Grahame Park was originally built as a council estate and although it has been in the process of regeneration for the past few years, it still has a reputation for being one of the less desirable areas in Barnet to live.
Burnt Oak (HA8)
Burnt Oak is one of the least popular areas due to higher levels of crime in comparison to other areas. Despite this, Burnt Oak has a diverse community and provides easy access to the city via the Northern Line, although the area itself has limited attractions and recreational places.
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