Where to live North London/Queens Park/Tuffnel/Dartmouth Park/Islington/Camden

[heffeli]

My daughter and son-in-law are looking to buy in North London to get more space and to start a family. Daughter is a doctor and son-in-law entrepreneur. Both love cycling, the outdoors, friendly neighbours and good schools (state). Daughter leftie, son-in-law mixed politically. Would like young family friendly environment, fun vibe with restaurants etc and good schools a priority. Any thoughts of pro/cons of each area welcome!

Enfield? There is an older mumsnet thread here about moving there that gives more info about the area

What’s their budget?

Tufnel and Dartmouth park are both super close to the Heath!
I don’t know Queens Park well. Downside of Islington, I would say it’s not that green and some bits rough (like all of London I guess!).

Dartmouth Park has beautiful townhouses stones throw from the Heath and Swain’s lane but it’s a bit more of a walk to the tube.

Maybe look at Highgate village too.

Thank you for the thoughts! All helpful.

Stoke Newington, Hackney Wick, Leytonstone (mixture of East and North East)

Sorry I couldn’t message you for some reason. I’d look at Muswell Hill or Crouch End, great primary and secondary schools in both. Transport better from Crouch End even though there’s no tube station. Finsbury Park about 15 mins by bus or there’s Turnpike Lane and Hornsey overground. Good luck.

Queens Park has a huge park (clue’s in the name...) which is great for families.

Queen’s Park is fab and ticks all boxes except perhaps schools. The primaries are good and several to choose from but secondary is OK results wise (average for London states I suppose).

Houses range from £1.2-3.5m.

Otherwise look at Kensal Rise which is a little cheaper.

I think the only genuinely left-wing areas are Stoke Newington and tiny pockets of Camden/Hampstead where inherited-wealth liberals can still be found.

Stokey has a very liberal vibe, with large outbreaks of lentil-weaving. I worked there for a bit and one of my colleagues told me proudly that not only had her 9 year old daughter never been vaccinated , she had never even been to a GP!

The rest of North London is crammed full of City bankers these days, due to house prices.

East Finchley? Long while since I lived there but has tube line, relatively safe, cool cinema, a few nice restaurants, lots of green space nearby - Cherry Tree Wood, Coldfall Wood, Highgate Wood, Hampstead Heath. Possibly a bit on the dull side in terms of nightlife/restaurants/bars but walking distance or short bus ride to Muswell Hill and Crouch End which are more hip and happening. No idea about schools though.

Whats their budget? Have they considered Stoke Newington?

I'm sorry but.... "inherited wealth liberals" perfect for any "genuine leftie".
Who buys a house based on being a "leftie"???

Tufnell Park and Dartmouth Park areas are good for local state schools. There are a few single sex state secondary schools Parliament Hill for girls and William Ellis for boys right beside the Heath. Current popular (mixed) school is Acland Burghley right by Tufnell Park station.
There's quite a few decent eateries/pubs within walking distance of both areas.
I would say a lot of north London is generally pretty left wing/liberal. Stoke Newington is nice with Clissold Park but there are some ridiculously competitive parents.

@gower4

Well, the OP was the one asking not me... But that subset definitely exists as I met quite a few in Camden.

I don't think it is a bad idea to look at political leanings when buying a house. It is just another way of asking: 'Will I feel comfortable there?'