Calling North Londoners - insider savvy needed

[muffinchops]

Having lived for approx 5 years in West Hampstead, my dh and I moved out to Hertfordshire 4 years ago (on the basis that we wanted a house and couldn't afford one in W.H at that time). However, I have never settled where we are as I desperately miss the buzz, the culture and the sheer variety of people and places that London has to offer. In my immediate vicinity, the only place that does a capuccino is the local BP garage!

I have recently resigned from my job in the City in order to concentrate on my ds who is now 10 months old, whilst I pursue an interest in training to be a counsellor and now that I do not at least have to go to work in London, I just can't hack it here, although I have met some lovely mums via the nct.

In short, am thinking of relocating back to north London (although dh might take some persuading)and would love to hear from mums in the Highgate, Crouch End, Hampstead area on pros and cons so I can make more of an informed decision bearing in mind I now have ds.

Any advice/comments would be much appreciated.

Hi Muffinchops

I am presuming, forgive if I am wrong, that you have a fairly large budget. Well then Highgate is great for tinies and toddlers (we do not have a large budget which is why we are moving to Australia in 6 weeks)

I have DS1m 3ys and DS2 10 months and just the sheer number of parks and open spaces available within strolling distance has made it a very easy place to bring kids up in. There are heaps of activites all over the area, Colourstrings, MonkeyMusic that kind of thing and the place is crawling with women like yourself (I mean that in the most positive way), those who have had one career and have stopped to focus on kids but do not rule out re-training or going back to work once the kids are a bit older.

I think the cons are the bunfights for private school and decent nursery places, if that is the road you would go down. (thank the lord I don't have to get involved in all that) and also parking is tight all over the show. Also, as I am sure you are aware, it costs an arm and a leg to buy property here.

This may give you a better overview of what's going on.
families north

Sorry to butt in - is it too nosy to ask where you used to live in WH, muffinchops? I lived in Gondar Gardens and Ulysses Road, both off Fortune Green, for a few years. Loved it so much and really, really miss it. Great area.

Tell me to b*gger off if I'm being nosy, though

Hi moominmama,

Ah, bought a wistful smile to my face when you mentioned those roads. I first lived on Cannon Hill and then Parsifal Road. I have a friend who currently rents a flat on Crediton Hill and love going to visit her so I can check out if all the old haunts are still there. Sigh....

Hey Suziewong, thanks for that website, I'll have a good look at it later. Also, if you need a lovely, lovely friend in Perth someone I know moved there a year ago, she is a great gal and I can put you in touch (you've probably got lots of friends/relatives there already).
muffinchops, must say I LOVE it where we live but do realise its on the pricey side (Belsize Park). As we have a son with autism this location has been fantastic to get access to services, lots of great charities offering all sort of activities and easy access on the tube and overground for helpers to come to our home. With our little DD (15 mos), so far there's lots of things to do but I don't have enough time to do all that we could due to my commitments to DS. I think Crouch End is very nice (but not on tube) and the whole area is great, Highgate, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Ally Pally etc. Very friendly, lots to do. DO let us know what happens.