Finchley Central vs North Finchley

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Hi there,

I’m currently looking at properties in Finchley to buy. East Finchley is outside of my budget unfortunately but I am deliberating between Finchley Central and North Finchley/Woodside Park.

From what I’ve read, Finchley Central seems to be the more highly regarded area in terms of location (obviously ever so slightly more central), crime level (or there lack of) and affluence (not that matters that much).

However, having had a gander around both areas, I feel like North Finchley's High Street is better, with more well known shops and an ever slightly less rundown feel compared to Central. The backstreets, towards West Finchley station and Woodside Station seem nice but quite suburban/family orientated.

North Finchley/Woodside Park also has the benefit of being closer to Totteridge, whereas Finchley Central slightly closer to Hampstead and Golders Green.

Has anyone had experience living in these areas? I know they’re very close in terms of proximity but each part of Finchley seems to have its own pros and cons, so would be interested to see what others think.

Thanks!

I've lived in Finchley Central and East Finchley, not North Finchley. Do you need to consider schools and commute?

Personally I am with you - I think North Finchley is a better - Arts Depot, busy high street with a Waterstones / Waitrose, near to the cinema / bowling / gym, nice cafes & independent food shops and West Finchley station is nearby as you say and also it is a lovely leafy little station.

North Finchley will put you in better school catchments I think - Wren & Compton.

I know the area very well, and I'd generally agree with your assessment. I'm always quite surprised at how grotty Ballards Lane is, relative to the area's affluence, but aesthetics aside it has all the basics covered and excellent public transport links. Woodside Park station is slightly tucked away in comparison. I wasn't sure how proximity to Totteridge matters either way?

How old are your children? School catchments are usually quite a big consideration in deciding between the two.

I prefer North Finchley any day: better shops, more mainstream supermarkets, great parks and open spaces. You can live in Woodside Park or North Finchley and be within walking distance of the high street and the greenway. The schools are good too though watch the catchments carefully.

If your budget stretches, perhaps also consider Whetstone? The high street is better these days - organic shops, French bakery, many restaurants - but is more expensive unless you look at area towards Barnet/Friern Barnet.

Agree with others.
North finchley and whetstone are nicer/better IMO.
The finchley central area that goes over towards the north circular and Hendon central are grim no man's lands

In my personal experience Finchley Central has a residential feeling which is very peaceful, and it has some beautiful roads such as Windermere, holly park, etc etc lots of large detached and semi detached houses with large gardens.

it is a big farther from the high street indeed, albeit that is why it gives it such a residential charme.

we are actively considering to move there, and through the bridge is very quick to get into the suburbs

I used to live in Finchley - just around the corner from West Finchley tube.

N Finchley is good for catchment areas. Plenty there (and for kids). Good transport links.

We always felt safe. The other side of ballards lane a bit cheaper. I always felt that Finchley Central seemed run down a bit. But then they’ve got Essex park which I loved.

We live nearby and I would say definitely North Finchley.

Hello I was wondering if East Finchley is a good area to live in . Are there any shops or train stations ? Is it safe ?

ES is very safe, has a northern line tube and good schools.
It suffers from heavy traffic and busy roads nearby.