Baby friendly areas in north and east London?

[Bublife]

Hi everyone, I’m looking into where to move to and would love thoughts and recommendations for areas in north and east London that are friendly, have a sense of community/connection, access to nice open green spaces and good transport links into London. I am a solo mum to a beautiful 3 month old baby boy and a little dog so want somewhere I can get to know people in the area and have access to baby groups and fun activities for my son (and good schools for when he’s a bit older), and parks for the pup. At the moment I’m considering Enfield chase or Walthamstow, what are your thoughts?? Thanks!!

There are babies everywhere in Walthamstow, definitely baby friendly! Don’t know enough about Enfield

Are you buying or renting? What’s your budget? Are you on maternity leave so need to be somewhere accessible for work?

Budget is key here.

As someone else said OP this is budget dependent and buying or renting - I know loads of nice family areas in N London- just depends if they are in budget. We lived in crouch end when my son was small and that was great for things

What is your budget?

My mum used to take my son to lots of activities in Enfield when he was younger. He is 15 now… The park in Enfield is lovely schools are good too but lots can change in 4 years.

Bush Hill Park is also nice if you go on the right side of the train station, its an easy walk into Town.

Tufnell Park in North London is full of young families

Highbury Fields and Upper St area of Islington is nice with green spaces at Highbury Fields, and has lots of baby and toddler activities and great primary schools.

This is really helpful, thank you everyone! I want to buy, budget is £625k or so, which gets you a lot more in wathamstow or Enfield than in the more central boroughs. Currently on maternity leave so will need to be somewhere with good transport links into central London but with enough in the local area to enjoy the locality too.

which side of bush hill park is nice? Will also look into Tufnell Park and Highbury fields, this is super helpful. There are so many areas I don’t know where to start!!!

Tufnell Park has really nice Victorian properties and is walking distance from Hampstead Heath. Also has a tube and overground nearby also. But I have to warn you, for that budget you will probably only get a 1 or 2 bed flat. It’s pricey!

All around Victoria Park is very baby and dog friendly. Lots of green space, plus good transport options, lots to do.

I think this selection would get you maybe what you want in nice areas that fit your bill- all green areas with facilities and I think good with a young child - I've only looked in north London as I'm presuming that side is more convenient for you given you suggested Walthamstow or Enfield.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/136888316

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/136612616

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137468984

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/135931103

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/136933025

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137023445

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132191723

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137975864

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/135775616

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/134941043

West side of the tracks is the more desirable part of Bush Hill Park. Although your money will ho further the other side.

Upminster or Gidea Park

Walthamstow has a lovely children's centre in Lloyd Park. My loved the outdoor playgroup there.

If you’re looking at Walthamstow you should also check out Highams Park. Full of families and near the forest, park etc. you get more for your money. Train direct to Liverpool Street

Walthamstow and the greater area around it (including Chingford and Woodford) is lovely. Family friendly nature and lots of other stuff going on too. I feel like the area is really on the up and has a nice sense of identity but so easy to get to London too.

I can also vouch for the Walthamstow - Highams Park/Chingford (esp North Chingford) - Woodford axis. Good transport, green spaces, stuff to do. Sense of community. Should be able to get something decent in budget (i.e. a 2 or 3 bed house, rather a flat (which is what you’re generally looking at in Highbury / Finsbury Park etc)

@Bublife if you are thinking about schools then Crouch End, Muswell Hill, parts of East Finchley, Victoria Park, Winchmore Hill, parts of Stroud Green (Finsbury Park) for primary schools. Secondary schools are tricky in Islington and Hackney.

Leytonstone - very child friendly and a bit cheaper than Walthamstow

The second house @Crikeyalmighty linked to would put you in the catchment of a popular state primary school.

Wanstead is mummy central and so lovely. Plus on central line so good transport links. What do you want for your £625k? Not super cheap here, but if you go for an e18 post code (technically South Woodford) instead of e11 you can enjoy wanstead but in a slightly cheaper property.

About 25 baby classes a day here!. Also Redbridge children centres currently offer 2-4 free baby or toddler classes a day across Woodford green and aldersbrook.

Agree with pps on chingford too. That would have been my back up if we didn’t live in wanstead.

@Crikeyalmighty the links you’ve shared are great thank you!! Some super properties and in areas I hadn’t considered before 😍 great to have some more ideas to explore

@Bublife glad I was in the right ballpark for you. I don't think you have to go as far out as Enfield (although I don't have an issue with Enfield) I would def say to visit these areas and see what you think- I know those areas and think they may be right for you. I would personally have suggested as first choices Crouch End (my son was born when we lived there, Muswell Hill or Tufnell Park but I think to get anything of quality and a decent size they are going to be slightly over budget. Walthamstow is a different thing I feel- some nice houses but a bit more urban , a bit grittier in parts (I've lived there too) - you may be ok with that though and it does have the tube of course.

Not sure if you are looking in N London for specific reasons ? If not I would have suggested Wimbledon or st Margaret's (Richmond/twickenham area) which I think also will have the vibe you might like and hold their money well too- some examples here - Richmond and Wimbledon both on both tube and rail which is useful !

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/130128716

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/136496696

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131440811

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132058553