What's Wood Green like?

[lazysummer]

DD and her boyfriend are looking at flats in this area. Is it a good and safe place to live? She currently lives in Clapham Common.

Horrible area, I'm afraid. Lived nearby all my life and avoid walking down the high street at night. I would consider it one of the most run down areas of north London (unless there's actually a nice posh bit I've never come across, entirely possible)

No and no. People say it's vibrant and lively. But compare the crime stats and see what you think.
www.ukcrimestats.com/Constituency/65883
www.ukcrimestats.com/Neighbourhood/Metropolitan_Police_Service/Clapham_Common

I've been there once. That was enough.

A dump

For e.g November 2016 in Clapham Common there were 20 violent crimes. In Hornsey and Wood Green there were 224

I haven't been there for a few years so things could have improved but back then, I would not have felt at all safe walking around there at night.

As PP have said it's really grim, especially compared to Clapham Common. Are they renting or buying? If they need a cheaper area they could look at Camberwell/Denmark Hill/Sydenham/Forest Hill etc.

I lived there years ago and really liked it ! Was near ally pally I suppose it's changed

Not the nicest part of North London. I sometimes go there daytime for shops and some decent Turkish restaurants.
If they are closer to Ally Pally (some bits have the same postcode) that's ok. There are much nicer and safer neighbourhoods in north London.

Erm, hang on a minute it's not really grim! We've been here a while and it's very nice. It's nothing like Clapham Common, which is fairly grim in my opinion. Full of estate agents and poncy tapas.

We know all our neighbours for the first time since I moved to London, there are fab schools, great transport links (Piccadilly line and overground from ally pally), bars and gastro/ hipster pubs, ally pally for gigs and fireworks, organic shops selling gluten free brownies (what further proof do you need) and yes the high road is a bit depressing. But that's only one bit of it.

I'd say it's up and coming but the reality is that it's already come up, and prices are fairly high. £800k for a 3 bed round our way.

Reynolds I'm another Clapham hater.

Reynolds - glad you like it. Out of interest would you consider that you live nearer to Tottenham, Turnpike Lane or Muswell Hill?

Depends very much which part of Wood Green. Wood Green is technically N22, which includes roads that are nearer Palmers Green, Bowes Park and Alexandra Park ( Muswell Hill borders). The bits nearer Tottenham and Turnpike Lane are not so nice.

Hideous. A million fried chicken shops and stinks of weed. Filthy. Quite far out too. I'd rather go further out and not be in the middle of a slum.

It's horrible, especially compared to Clapham. Or lots of other places actually. I used to live in Walthamstow (hardly the nicest part of town) and it was miles better than Wood Green.

Thanks so much for very speedy responses. They are going to buy, so looking for an up and coming area, where they can afford to buy.

I lived there eight years ago and it was fairly grim, but near Ally Pally which was better. It was also great for getting into Central London reasonably quickly. I had a weekend job at the Wood Green Wetherspoons and we would regularly have to chuck prostitutes/drug users out of the toilets. One morning I came in and cleared up loads of red wine and glass which had been spilled over a table - only to be told it was blood from a massive fight the night before.

But it might have improved!

My friends live there now and have said it's fun but dangerous. I'm in Putney and often go to Clapham Common (not bad but junction is livelier) I think if I were to buy then Wood Green wouldn't be on my list of options. Lots of places like drama schools moving out of there and down south. I would recommend they look more on the outskirts and maybe consider coming SW

Thanks to all for the contributions. I will pass on the mumsnet wisdom.

I know it well; the high street seems to be going to seed, it recently lost M n S and it's the only place in London I've had my purse stolen... having said that, the streets round Noel Park aren't too bad or North of the station, but the high road is dire and I don't say that lightly. I've taught near there for nearly 15 years and me and my colleagues have often commented on how the high road is full of angry/drunk/high/starey people. I'd live there over Clapham though!

Utterly fucking grim

Friends of ours live there and love it. Families with young kids. Personally I hate Clapham, but if their budget is Wood Green they couldn't afford Clapham anyway so it's a moot point. If they can afford a starter home in London they should absolutely buy there. So the area is a bit gritty - it's improving.

Depends which bit of Wood Green. But like all areas really. Some good some bad.

What's their budget? Lots of two bed garden flats in Walthamstow for 400-450. Night tube, lots to do. I have a few friends moved from wood green area. It's okay wood green. I lived there as a student and worked in a bar. Wouldn't walk around late night but wouldn't most places. Def nicer and less nice bits. Like everywhere.

Have a look at Hainault for affordable (ish) housing: 3 bed terraced for £400k. Central Line trains and ok high street.