Considering Southgate for schools and community, or other under £1m areas

[Inaina]

Hi, my kid’s only 2 but we’re planning to move from Finchley Central, so I’m starting to look at areas with good primary and secondary schools for the future. We’re after somewhere with a nice community feel — somewhere we can settle long-term.
We recently checked out Southgate and it seems really good for schools, but I’d love to hear from parents who already live there. What are the schools actually like? What’s the community like day to day? Anything I should know that doesn’t show up on Locrating or ChatGPT?
Also happy to hear any suggestions for other areas with good schools where you can still get a decent house for under £1m 🙂

What size house do you want for £1m? And where do you commute to/any other restrictions on location?

Looking for a 2.5-3 bedroom, with garden (we have a big dog). Right now we commute mostly to Old Street but that can change, so anything under 1h to central London would be good. Ideally looking for a place in North side of London as this is where most of friends live. We've been looking at St Albans too, it's just a little insane with the school catchments (esp for secondary) and house prices in them.

If you’re considering St Albans then have a look at Berkhamsted - half an hour direct trains in Euston. All of the primary schools in the town are fabulous as is the secondary school (there’s only one, but if you live in the town you get in). You also have a chance of getting into the Bucks grammars in Chesham and Aylesbury, but there’s no guarantees. Both mine got places.

90% of house purchases are people moving out of London. Huge numbers of people with small children and a community lifestyle that reflects it. Lots of playgroups, playgrounds, nurseries, kid friendly restaurants / pubs / coffee shops, a cinema, sports centre, tennis club etc and LOTS of green spaces for walking your dog.

You would be able to get something really decent with your budget. Estate agents often describe Northchurch as Berkhamsted (it’s not, it’s a good 30 minute walk to the station) so be warned when looking on Rightmove!

Why don’t you look along the line that goes into Moorgate? Winchmore Hill is nicer than Southgate.

Palmers Green! Direct train to Old St in just over 20 mins. You can get a beautiful 3 or even 4 bed for under 1m. Lovely Primary School - Hazelwood - rated Outstanding in last Ofsted, with a friendly and welcoming community around the school. My DC has thrived there and the school has become an excellent choice under the headteacher Josh Newham.
Example of 4 bed in the catchment of Hazelwood https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/174165599#/?channel=RES_BUY

Also gorgeous areas around Broomfield Park, cafes on Alderman's Hill...