Thoughts on Belsize Park?

[majesticbuttercup]

We've been recommended Belsize Park as a nice area to live, and it certainly seems very popular (and pricey!) for families with children. But location-wise, it looks like it's between Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath, while not being particularly close to either. Nor does it seem to have a sprinkling of smaller parks and playgrounds, the way many London neighbourhoods do — or a good selection of state schools, for that matter! Does anyone with personal experience have any insight into why the area seems to be so well-liked? Just trying to wrap my head around it and whether or not we should consider stretching our budget to live around there... TIA!

it's a posh area.
expensive shops.
v expensive housing.
celebs a plenty.
guess they don't bother about playgrounds etc, leave all that boring stuff to the nanny.
sorry to be negative.
i'm sure you'll get lots of more useful and positive posts shortly.
these are just my impressions over many years observation.

It's a very fashionable place to live. Has access to Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. Very leafy streets. Lots of boutique shops and cafes. Has an independent cinema. 20 mins from central London. Has the tube and plenty of buses. Lots of state and private schools. It's in the borough of Camden which has loads going on.

Shit state schools as they all send their kids private, same as Primrose Hill.

i lived there 20 years ago and it’s a great place and lovely playgrounds in Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill depending on whereabouts you live. Not sure about the schools tho. If you’re looking at North London and have kids and not loads of money to splash around - then personally I would look a little further out edges of Highgate, Hampstead East Finchley Muswell Hill - still good transport and lots going on. Still near Heath and woods plus v good state schools everywhere.Good luck

Belsize Park is a wonderful place to live, I've been here 35+ years. School options are limited though. Unless you are religious or willing to accept religious schools, there's very little available for primary. If you're more towards South End Green you might get Fleet. This is why so many kids here go to private schools. This is why Abacus school was started but I don't think it's found a long term home. Secondary state schools, it's basically Haverstock or UCL Academy. I think kids can do well enough if they've got what it takes, but if they're average (or lower!) they might sink rather than swim. If you are willing to use private schools there's tons of choice. As well as Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath, there are a few playgrounds and small parks, e.g. Antrim Gardens, Swiss Cottage open space, Willow Road playground. Apart from state schools, everything else here is bloody brilliant!