What is Tottenham Hale N17 like to live? House swap

[SingleMommaBoss]

My children (DD 10 and DS 8) and I live in a council house in the southwest. It’s a two bed in a quiet area. I love it here, but both children have special needs and I have been trying to get them their own bedroom. I have someone from N17 interested in a house swap. It’s a 3bed house with an additional toilet downstairs (helpful with children’s needs).

My question is, what is the area really like? I know I can easily find work in my field there. Also, I might have more support from friends who live in London. I have been researching the area, but the media and posts seems to focus mainly on negatives… I understand that there is more than that. I just wanted to know what is it really like from people who live there. I have moved a lot since living in England and if I was by myself it would be great… but now as a single mother with the children I have questions regarding schools, safety etc.

I know it would be a big change. We are very sheltered here. It’s a small quiet village. I know that the children would have a different experience and view of life… More opportunities, more cultural exposure, different activities… but I also would like them to feel happy and safe.
I would really appreciate if I could just have opinions or any advice. Thank you 😊

It’s really hard to say without knowing more about where you currently live, the ages of your kids, their interests, academic potential, your earning potential, how your ethnicity would gel with that of your neighbours. Look at Harris Academy Tottenham and also the London Academy of Excellence 6th form. We live in the borough but in a more “genteel” bit. I go to TH for shopping in the retail park and to get the train (the station is really well linked). It’s not pretty but I’m not sure I’d love being a teen in a quiet dull village in the Southwest- my in laws are from that part of the country so I do have a feel for both. London has a huge amount of brilliant stuff on your doorstep and you are minutes away from a tube to get out of the immediate area, as well as a big bus station. Maybe talk more to your London friends and go up for a visit. Good luck.

And job prospects for your kids better when they are older too.

I worked a few days in that area a few months ago and didn't feel safe. I wouldn't actively go back and wouldnt want to raise my DC there. If the area you r in is safe I think stay put.

I find that very difficult to believe.

Tottenham Hale is ridiculously expensive now.

I am very familiar with Tottenham Hale. I know it too well...

The LEA is Haringey. For SEND they are an absolute nightmare.

They were rated inadequate by OFSTED last year.

Tottenham Hale is changing rapidly. The rate of gentrification is crazy. There is a growing group of white, middle class professionals in Tottenham but more towards Downhills Park and West Green Road.

The divide between the rich and the poor is stark

The local schools in Tottenham Hale are awful. There are 4 or 5 primary schools.
I moved my dd from one of the Harris Academies as it was authoritarian to an insane level.
The other Harris Academy through school has a well known bullying and behaviour problem.

I have lived in Tottenham for years but I wouldn't walk in Tottenham Hale at night.

There are no services here. Everything is so stretched.
I really would recommend you come and look around at different times and on different days.

Personally I wouldn't move here.