Muswell Hill vs Hampstead Garden Suburb vs Dulwich

[Hopeful06]

My husband and I are going to start a family soon and planning to buy our first house together. We would like a safe, leafy area with good state schools and nice high street. We narrowed it down to 3 areas: Muswell Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb and Dulwich. I would very much appreciate if you could share your experience living in either of these areas and your recommendations

We’ve been in Muswell Hill 4 years, it’s really lovely. Good schools, green spaces, near Ally Pally/Highgate wood. Downsides are house prices and no tube (although we are near fortis green and a 15 minute walk to East Finchley/few minutes on bus.

Which part of Dulwich - village/west/east?

It’ll depend on your budget and where you both work.

I’d go for the East Finchley end of Muswell Hill. Some lovey quite roads of Fortess Green road, and near East Finchley tube. Much more lively environment, cafes, restaurants etc.
HGS is more residential, no tube.
Don’t know Dulwich.

HGS is a bit of a black hole for decent secondary state schools. Henrietta Barnett doesn’t really count as it’s so difficult to get into.

Thank you for the recommendations re Muswell a Hill, it's very helpful.
Our budget is roughly £1m, we are looking to buy 3/4 bedroom semi. We work in the City/Canary wharf.
I don't know Dulwich very well, is there a particular part You would recommend?

For that budget you need to look at the north side of HGS (North of the A1), you won't find that amount of house for than money on the south side unless it needs a lot of work. I'd recommend Godfrey and Barr or Litchfields as decent local estate agents.