Living in Friern Barnet, London
What this article covers
- What makes Friern Barnet a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Friern Barnet for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Friern Barnet
Friern Barnet, a suburban district of Greater London, offers a balanced myriad of charms and challenges to its residents. This area forms a unique blend of urban conveniences and rural tranquillity, making it a favoured dwelling for both working professionals and families.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Friern Barnet can be steep, with average rental costs sitting at around £1,573 per month. If you’re considering purchasing, the average house price is roughly £644,675 for properties, making homeownership a substantial investment. Apartments or flats, on the other hand, have an average cost of around £329,652.
Transportation
The transportation in Friern Barnet is commendable. There are efficient bus services and multiple train stations nearby, ensuring commuters can easily access Central London, making it favourable for professionals working in the city. However, rush-hour traffic can prove to be quite overwhelming.
Safety
Friern Barnet is generally considered safe with low crime rates, though like any urban area, instances of crime do occur. The local community is active and promotes a safe and welcoming environment, making Friern Barnet generally suitable for families. However, as always, due diligence is advised.
The Balance
Ultimately, living in Friern Barnet provides a balance of cosmopolitan life and peaceful living. The cost of living and occasional traffic may appear as downsides, yet the efficient transport system, suburban serenity, and community-oriented safety measures compensate for this, appealing to both working professionals and families.
Most popular areas
Friern Barnet Village (N11)
This area is popular due to its fantastic selection of local services such as shops, cafes, and local schools making it highly desirable to families. The historic architecture of the borough and the Friary Park nearby also add to its charm.
Woodhouse Road (N12)
This area is popular as it’s in close proximity to the North Finchley, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It also benefits from having good transport links and schools, making it a good choice for both working professionals and families.
Holly Park (N11)
This area is popular for its green spaces, notably Holly Park and Brunswick Park. Its strategic location near Arnos Grove Underground Station and New Southgate railway station makes commutes less stressful. Also, it offers various leisure amenities and has a variety of properties.
Least popular areas
Colney Hatch (N11)
This area is less popular because it’s slightly down-market compared to other neighborhoods in Friern Barnet. Also, it has fewer amenities and some people may find the proximity to North Circular Road off-putting because of traffic noise.
Princes Park (N11)
Princes Park is a little less popular due to being a less-developed part of the area. It lacks the variety of services and entertainment facilities that other parts of Friern Barnet have. Public transport options are also less robust.
The Bald Faced Stag Area (N2)
Although it has a vibrant local pub, this area is less favorable for some due to its proximity to busy roads like A406 which leads to more traffic and noise compared to other residential areas. It also lacks local amenities, like schools and parks.
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