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Original poster

Relocating to North London with one year old - Where to live?

173 replies

AnouchHa · 27/03/2024 13:17

Hi mums,
My partner and I are relocating to London with our 1 year old after two years in France where I am from. I was hoping to stay in France, but unfortunately that's not a possibility and we are finding ourselves quite urgently looking for a place in London. We are looking to rent a 2 or 3 bedrooms with good connections to Kings cross where we work. I don't want my commute to Kings cross to be longer than 30 minutes because I work a lot and I want to make the most of my free time to be with my daughter. So we've identified areas along the Victoria line (Highbury, Finsbury Park and potentially Stoke Newington), Northern line (Chalk Farm, Mornington Crescent, Hampstead station, Tufnell Park) and Piccadilly (Arsenal). One of our big priority is of course to find a child friendly neighbourhood, with good green spaces and lots of families. Schools are not really a criteria for us for the moment.
Rent prices and availability are obviously a real issue at the moment, not to mention that we are still in France so it's not easy to visit. That's why I want ot be as knowledgeable about the areas as possible so I can streamline the search...
Would any of you live in one of the areas mentioned and would be willing to tell me more about what they love about it, and what parts of it are best for a small family vs what parts to avoid? Or have any tips on how to look for a property there outside of traditional ways maybe? Or would you have any other areas to recommend that I've missed?
Thanks so much for reading me !
Anouch

OP posts:
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Original poster
AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 19:18

GetDressedYeMerryGentlemen · 05/04/2024 23:30

There are bits of N7 that I’d consider. There are some nice old Victorian houses near Paradise Park and Arundel square. Paradise is a nice park for kids and it’s only 10 mins to Highbury and Islington and 5 mins from there to Kings X or very walkable/bikeable. It’s not quite as nice as some of the areas mentioned but it’s gentrifying quickly and Holloway Road and Upper street have some great restaurants/bars etc. You feel very in the thick of things.

Also the other side of the road between Drayton Park, FP and Arsenal but I’d stay off the main routes past the stadium as you will be affected by football.

Having said that I’ve just had a look on Rightmove and it seems the rental market has gone a bit bonkers so you might struggle to get 3 beds and a garden for 4k even in the slightly ropier bits. It almost makes me want to rent out flat out, go and live somewhere super cheap and pocket the difference!

Caledonian Road has gentrified a lot and the new flats round the clock tower are nice. My husband lived there before we met and really liked it.

Exactly, rent has gone mental... We saw a flat in a new build in the former Emirates Stadium which is over my budget but not of much... Would you know that are? I know Highbury well but not so much around the Emirates Stadium... https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146268173

Check out this 3 bedroom apartment for rent on Rightmove

3 bedroom apartment for rent in Marquis Court, Marquis Road, Kings Cross NW1 for £4,117 pcm. Marketed by Goldschmidt and Howland, Camden - Lettings

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146268173

OP posts:
Original poster
AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 19:27

AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 19:18

Exactly, rent has gone mental... We saw a flat in a new build in the former Emirates Stadium which is over my budget but not of much... Would you know that are? I know Highbury well but not so much around the Emirates Stadium... https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146268173

Show quote history

Oh wait I sent the wrong link... Here it is! https://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/66998589/?utm_campaign=propertyalert_rent_instant&utm_medium=email&utm_source=alert

OP posts:
GetDressedYeMerryGentlemen · 07/04/2024 21:29

The old emirates stadium looks like a really nice development. It’s close to Highbury fields and the nicer end of Blackstock Road but a bit out of the way so you don’t get all of the stadium traffic.

The development around the new stadium (big blue building) is nice as well. I’ve been to a house party in one of those flats and the views were great. Will hear the match noise though.

There is also another new build block on the other side of the road called VizN7 that’s nice and is close to a nursery. All three blocks were done as part of the redevelopment of the stadium

This agent specialises in those three https://www.stadiumresidential.com/properties/to-rent. No three beds at the moment but probably worth registering your interest.

The ones in the old stadium definitely nicest and best location if you can get it in budget.

Old Stadium: https://www.stadiumresidential.com/property-to-rent/highbury-stadium-square-london-n5-epc-rating-b

VizoN7 https://www.stadiumresidential.com/property-to-rent/vizion-7-n7-energy-rating-d

Id want to go for a walk around the ones at the back of Kings Cross. Some areas really nice but also bits where it’s quite industrial and not ideal for walking round at night. I think you’d need to check it out properly.

We've got the right property 🏠 for you

Find your ideal 🌟 home among our online listings.

https://www.stadiumresidential.com/properties/to-rent

Original poster
AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 22:58

WhereAreWeNow · 07/04/2024 22:56

How about this @AnouchHa or are you more looking for a furnished new development? This is a nice area, near tube, heath, and Waterlow Park https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/145695257?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=lettings&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_LET

This house is perfect and just what i would be looking for in Tufnell Park! but it’s a fake, I called the estate agent about it last Monday and they told me it’s not available anymore... but for some reason they leave the ad on (I suspect to attract people while they have nothing available) :(

OP posts:
Original poster
AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 23:00

GetDressedYeMerryGentlemen · 07/04/2024 21:29

The old emirates stadium looks like a really nice development. It’s close to Highbury fields and the nicer end of Blackstock Road but a bit out of the way so you don’t get all of the stadium traffic.

The development around the new stadium (big blue building) is nice as well. I’ve been to a house party in one of those flats and the views were great. Will hear the match noise though.

There is also another new build block on the other side of the road called VizN7 that’s nice and is close to a nursery. All three blocks were done as part of the redevelopment of the stadium

This agent specialises in those three https://www.stadiumresidential.com/properties/to-rent. No three beds at the moment but probably worth registering your interest.

The ones in the old stadium definitely nicest and best location if you can get it in budget.

Old Stadium: https://www.stadiumresidential.com/property-to-rent/highbury-stadium-square-london-n5-epc-rating-b

VizoN7 https://www.stadiumresidential.com/property-to-rent/vizion-7-n7-energy-rating-d

Id want to go for a walk around the ones at the back of Kings Cross. Some areas really nice but also bits where it’s quite industrial and not ideal for walking round at night. I think you’d need to check it out properly.

Thank you so so helpful!

OP posts:
Original poster
AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 23:03

HelenHywater · 07/04/2024 20:06

I'd steer clear of Caledonian road if I were you.

What about this flat Burghley Road or this house Leighton Place

Both in Tufnell park.

House looks nice! Hadn't seen it for some reason... Thank you will check it out!

OP posts:
WhereAreWeNow · 08/04/2024 06:30

AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 22:58

This house is perfect and just what i would be looking for in Tufnell Park! but it’s a fake, I called the estate agent about it last Monday and they told me it’s not available anymore... but for some reason they leave the ad on (I suspect to attract people while they have nothing available) :(

Show quote history

Oh no. That's so annoying. Lovely area though. Hopefully there will be some other places available round there.

zaxxon · 08/04/2024 08:23

AnouchHa · 07/04/2024 19:10

Thank you that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for! Will most likely not walk late at night but still making me think twice about it... But looking at Google Maps it's even quicker to go via York Way rather than Camley street, would that be better?

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York Way is fine - not particularly nice, but perfectly safe as a busy road. It won't be a shorter walk to the tube, because the tube entrance is next to St Pancras road so you have to go round the station. But maybe your office is on the other side.

Coal drops yard/granary square are nice traffic-free spaces with posh shops, ice cream and fantastic fountains for kids to play in in hot weather. Not green, though.

Shame about that Tufnell park flat that Wherearewenow listed - that was gorgeous! I still reckon you'll like it better in those same neighbourhoods further north, closer to gospel oak. They have a nice feeling to them.

LoinChop · 08/04/2024 08:36

I recommend east Finchley. One stop on the northern line on from Highgate. You have a nice high street with all the essentials, cherry tree woods and cold fall woods, you can easily walk to Highgate woods. Good nurseries ((not sure about bilingual though). It's full of families. Muswell Hill is about 3 stops on the bus if you want a wider range of shops.

Original poster
AnouchHa · 08/04/2024 08:39

HelenHywater · 07/04/2024 20:06

I'd steer clear of Caledonian road if I were you.

What about this flat Burghley Road or this house Leighton Place

Both in Tufnell park.

Ah I know why I hadn't seen it, it's because it's furnished and I set my filters to unfurnished (we have a lot of furniture in storage right now, and most furnished places have low quality furniture...). Could potentially speak to the estate agent about having it unfurnished!

OP posts:
020LOLZ · 08/04/2024 12:33

I’m in East Finchley. It’s pretty safe, is not too shabby (although it has gone downhill imo), good transport links, next to Muswell Hill and Highgate.
to add, I wouldn’t particularly recommend Finchley Central or North Finchley because they have DEFINITELY gone downhill in the last decade or so

FortunataTagnips · 08/04/2024 14:29

Delete - multiple post.

FortunataTagnips · 08/04/2024 14:29

Another multiple post!

FortunataTagnips · 08/04/2024 14:29

I prefer Finchley Central to East
Finchley - not glamorous, but some
lovely houses away from Ballard’s Lane, and all the food options anyone could ever want.

Original poster
AnouchHa · 09/04/2024 09:30

020LOLZ · 08/04/2024 12:33

I’m in East Finchley. It’s pretty safe, is not too shabby (although it has gone downhill imo), good transport links, next to Muswell Hill and Highgate.
to add, I wouldn’t particularly recommend Finchley Central or North Finchley because they have DEFINITELY gone downhill in the last decade or so

A few people have mentioned East Finchley or Central Finchley, I really need to go and get a feel for the area as I don't know it at all!

OP posts:
Original poster
AnouchHa · 09/04/2024 13:30

For those of you who know the Kentish Town / Tufnell Park area, thoughts on Gaisford street? https://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/67057456/?search_identifier=45eca485b0330b0d6cd29764d39dd30b1de027569dfbee462f03f4ae576ec8fc Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
AnouchHa · 09/04/2024 13:31

AnouchHa · 08/04/2024 08:39

Ah I know why I hadn't seen it, it's because it's furnished and I set my filters to unfurnished (we have a lot of furniture in storage right now, and most furnished places have low quality furniture...). Could potentially speak to the estate agent about having it unfurnished!

Show quote history

What do you think of Gaisford Street (more West Kentish Town) https://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/67057456/?search_identifier=45eca485b0330b0d6cd29764d39dd30b1de027569dfbee462f03f4ae576ec8fc?

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 09/04/2024 13:33

Belsize Park- my son lives in a share there. Highgate v great too- either walk down to archway or across to Highgate tube depending what bit you are in

CSGCSG · 09/04/2024 13:47

I Would go for the Leighton Place one. It is in Kentish Town rather than Tufnell Park. It’s in a lovely secluded turning where children can still play out-within reason.

It is near all the French schools and nursery’s.

State nursery and primary school may be more difficult but you’ve got Kentish Town Prinary and Rhyl and maybe Torriano. If you want Kentish Town primary you would need to start going to church to confirm a place. Although being that close you may get in on distance. You’d get to meet lots of families with small children if you did go to church. This might be an odd thought being from somewhere where the church and state are discrete but the school has children of all religions and none.

https://www.rhylprim.camden.sch.uk/

https://www.kentishtown.camden.sch.uk/school-info/admissions/

https://torriano.camden.sch.uk/

https://www.saintbenets.org.uk/

And if you do end up in the area I suggest going this group.

Home - Rhyl Community Primary School

https://www.rhylprim.camden.sch.uk/

CSGCSG · 09/04/2024 13:50

Gaisford St is nice. People with girls want to live there as it will probably get them into Camden School for Girls. It’s overpriced because of that but the whole area is ridiculous really

Crikeyalmighty · 09/04/2024 14:03

These would be my 2 picks OP in that price range. Both really nice areas - good for tube etc

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146600750#/?channel=RES_LET

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146158112#/?channel=RES_LET

WhereAreWeNow · 09/04/2024 14:51

That's a nice area OP (round the back of Kentish Town). Not as leafy and green as some of the areas you were originally talking about but still very nice and central.