Ooh, hello. Great to see lots of new posts about moving to Palmers Green!
We moved from Crouch End a year ago now. We too were in a flat with our son but found out we were expecting twins (now 9 months) so really needed more space.
Like you, we looked at Bounds Green but felt there were no shops, cafes that were local enough. Palmers has beautiful Broomfield Park, the odd nice cafe, waitrose & boots on the high street. Dont get me wrong, it is not crouch end. The high street is a bit ropey in parts & if another bookies opens I might be forced to pelt it with stones, but we felt it had the best balance of stuff we need & (knock on wood) potential to become great. The houses are mostly Edwardian & are generally lovely. The ones nearest the park are the biggests & beautiful (but expensive). We ended up hear Hazelwood school - lovely 3/4 bed houses.
We genuinely have the nicest neighbours who all popped over gave us cards/gifts/wine to welcome us. I have met a few very lovely local mums. All haved moved in the last year or two & are ex crouch end or Ally Pally.
(Also v impressed with the politeness/loveliness of all the trick or treating kids last night)
So badically it's pretty good here. Feels safe, house prices (relatively) readonable. Lovely park, great neighbours. Just wish the high street was better. And to be very honest, I do miss crouch end, but short of a lottery win, we were not going to get a house there so I'll get over that.