Advice on Wood Green Area?

[Relocation2019]

Looking for advice on moving my family of 5 (primary age) to the Wood Green area? Found some very reasonable 3/4 bedrooms near parks and good schools. We are relocating from overseas so I don't know the areas directly. Want to stay in Zone 3/4 on the Piccadilly or Central line preferably. Thanks in advance!

It is a bit lively/rough. But plenty of families live there and it's much better value than surrounding areas eg Muswell Hill, Highgate, Islington etc

I would definitely spend a week there and see what you think

Given the gangs and stabbings, I wouldn't choose to live there personally.

Generally, outer London has better schools, more greenery and is safer. If you're keen on staying closer in, you'll need to be more careful where you choose. Muswell Hill is known for excellent schools.

www.met.police.uk/sd/stats-and-data/met/crime-data-dashboard/

This website will give you more info on crime + you can google gangs/stabbings in a particular area if that's something you'd like to avoid.

www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk

That's where you get school stats. Generally, you'll find good primaries in most places and secondary schools are trickier. Given that you're moving with school-aged children, they'll be allocated whatever places are available in the area, which might be the top school but could be a rubbish school far away too.

As a rule of thumb, I'd say SW London is the safest with best schools and low crime. It also has the largest parks, e.g. Richmond Park is 2500 acres. No Central of Picadilly lines, though.

It’s rough and I wouldn’t move there with a family. Sorry

I use to live just outside Wood Green and would pop in if I had to but I really did not enjoy going there. There have been shootings and stabbings there in recent years. Have you considered somewhere like Arnos Grove, Southgate and Oakwood? They are on the same line but a few stops after and imo lovely.

Definitely not. Look at Enfield. Further out but much safer and better value for money.

I wouldn’t even have considered it as a first time buyer. It’s actually gotten worse.

I lived there as a student 20+ years ago and wouldn't have chosen the area in a million years...it sounds like it hasn't enjoyed the gentrification of other parts of London! Palmers Green and Southgate were nicer, and Crouch End/Muswell Hill, although much more pricey.

Definitely spend some time there before deciding

I’m used to London being rough, but it’s also very crowded in that area. Even Arnos Grove or Finchley would at least be a bit less packed.

I don't know much about Wood Green so would defer to the above comments! However, given your commute constraints and required access to schools, you might find this website really helpful.

It's quite clever as it helps find the right place based on your budget/commute/lifestyle (e.g. schools, green space, etc) needs. They also have a service in which they can do video viewings for you if you are relocating from abroad. Good luck!

Get further towards Crouch End, if you can.

Loved my years in Crouch End - like a village but near London.