Crouch End vs Fulham

[sonta8]

Heyy,

We are looking for an apartment for renting and we have found some apartment in Fulham and Crouch End. It’s my husband and I and we have a dog. We don’t have kids yet but we are ttc. Which area is better for young families? We like going out to nearby pubs and restaurants but it seems like both areas have a good number of them? Both apartments have similar rents but we are getting a nicer place in Crouch End. Does it make sense to pick Crouch End over Fulham?

Crouch End is very good for young families. It has Alexandra Palace, Highgate Wood, Priory Park, a few children's centres, a library, children's bookshop, lots of children's activities, Finsbury Park. Good for meeting other families, socialising. Good pubs too. It has no tube so that's worth considering.
I don't know Fulham, though, so can't compare.

I would pick Crouch End every day of the week. Lovely town centre, easy access to so much green space, great transport links to two tube stations, or a leisurely 30/40 minute bus ride to central London. To me, Fulham feels more "built-up" and almost a little claustrophobic in comparison.

Yes, another vote for Crouch End.

Knowing both areas, I'd say they're both pretty good for a young family. Both have plenty of shops, cafes, activities and public space. I particularly liked being near the river in Fulham. If you haven't already done so, definitely worth spending a few hours walking around each of them. Otherwise, just go for where you can find the nicer property!

Thanks @Indigotree !

We are looking at an apartment on Tottenham Lane (Close to Arthouse) It’s a new build apartment - we were a bit worried if it will be unsafe as it seems quite busy. Do you think it’s safe there? We would be living in gated apartment though.

Fulham wins over Crouch End for being more central and having the tube, and excellent school options. With kids you'll want to make the most of London, going to attractions and park in town, not just local facilities. Just going to the local cinema and library you might as well be living out of London and not paying the rent premium for a capital city lifestyle.

They have very different vibes

Fulham is busier, has more of an inner-London feel. Lots of small parks but no big parks in walking distance, although you’ve got the river.

Loads and loads of family things, Chelsea and Westminster hospital has one of the best maternity units in the country, good transport links (but quite bad traffic)

Crouch End is more suburban and the transport isn’t as good. Loads of open space and a village feel. I’m guessing you will get a lot more space for your money than in sw6

Thanks @julia09 @HarrietJet @Janesmom ! We are definitely getting a nicer place at Fulham

Crouch End is as safe as anywhere on London really. I would generally have thought a busier street was safer than a quiet one on the whole and you're right by the bus stop there which would be handy if you're traveling alone at night, It is across the road from the YMCA hostel but I've not seen any trouble there. There might be other reasons to prefer a quieter street but I don't think safety should be one of them. Crouch End is great for families. I know Fulham less well.

Thanks @allowfree @longestlurkerever @tenbob - that’s super helpful!

@longestlurkerever Makes sense on convenience for coming alone at night. I would mostly get Great Northern train to Hornsey which should be a less lonely walk.

I’ve lived in both and would say Crouch End with kids. Bus to Finsbury Park then step free to Victoria/Piccadilly or overground to old street/moorgate is better than district line. Better local stuff. Nicer people. Also the air quality is better - I cut down my asthma meds dramatically when we moved and haven’t been hospitalised since living in west london.

The river is lovely though.

Thanks @DonnatellaLyman ! Great to hear about air quality!

I do prefer Crouch End; but "nicer people" is a bit
Everybody? Hardly.

That’s a fair comment.

’I found it friendlier’ would probably have been better. Sorry Fulham people!

I absolutely love Crouch End, I used to live close by and would do so again if I could afford a family sized home there.

We get the bus into the centre from Crouch End and it's only about 30-40 minutes to Covent Garden, the Southbank, etc. on the 91, depending on traffic. Also it's easy to go from Archway tube.