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Original poster

Southfields vs East Finchley to buy

18 replies

DontBeShy · 18/08/2023 17:54

Early 30s DINK couple (ttc). FTB looking to buy a 3/4 bed house around the 1M mark. Key factors for us are decent commute to Central London, safe neighborhood, good primary schools, good/vibrant high street or surrounding areas with good high street. So far we’ve liked 2 houses, 1 In Southfields and 1 in East Finchley. The EF one is about 10% more expensive. Both are almost the same distance from the station and catchments if good schools in the area. One of us liked the SW vibe better and the other liked North London vibe better.

Any recommendations between the 2, is one area considered much better than the other?

OP posts:
friendlycat · 18/08/2023 23:29

Can’t comment on East Finchley as don’t know that area! But Southfields is very nice. Great access to London, the A3, Wimbledon common etc. very pleasant though parking can be tight as in all areas of inner London.

Easy to walk to nice bars and restaurants and shops.

It’s kind of like you are either a south of the river person or not. And you have two diametrically opposed locations. Good luck with whatever you decide.

cestlavielife · 18/08/2023 23:31

Where do you tend to drive to to visit family or friends? South or north?

DaysofHoney · 18/08/2023 23:51

Southfields over EF for me… EF very urban, the rest of Finchley isn’t great… it’s much more “London” though.

Original poster
DontBeShy · 19/08/2023 05:02

We are immigrants and unfortunately no family in/around London. Our friends are primarily in SE and NW London lol which makes this decision harder.

My wife is liking SF better as it is prettier and close to Wimbledon and I like EF better because it is busier and more ‘London’, well connected to some absolutely gorgeous parts of North London. Safety wise I think they are both generally very safe so not a major factor I think.

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 19/08/2023 13:52

Go to alexandra palace look at the views then go to southfields which views do you prefer?
In the end see where your money gets the house you like

Hhy · 19/08/2023 22:43

I would say do youIcare about secondaries? If so, EF. Southfields doesn't have any good ones. Personally I don't like EFs high street, but schools are better. I think Southfields is marginally safer. However, why not check out Wimbledon, better schools and livelier than both EF and Southfields and better connected.

sunshinesupermum · 19/08/2023 23:01

Southfields is greener than East Finchley if memory serves me correctly. It has quite a village type feel too.

Videogame0 · 19/08/2023 23:08

It really depends where in East Finchley. Is it the cherry tree woods side? If so, definitely there! It’s a really lovely area.

If not, and the house is on other side (ie: not the streets surrounding Cherry Tree woods and the other side of the High Road), then go for Southfields.

SouthernFashionista · 19/08/2023 23:09

Wimbledon for sure. Great schools and transport links.

Original poster
DontBeShy · 20/08/2023 07:37

We don’t care about secondaries right now as it is way too far out in the future. The EF home we are looking at is in the county roads so the good part of EF. We loved Wimbledon but unfortunately it’s more expensive than both so nothing that meets our budget there.

OP posts:
SouthernFashionista · 20/08/2023 08:34

OP, there are numerous houses for under £1m in Wimbledon. Merton Park, Havelock Road, Edna Road, Hardy Road to name but a few.

Original poster
DontBeShy · 20/08/2023 09:29

@SouthernFashionista Mind sharing any links to good 3-4 bed houses < 1.1M in catchments areas of good schools that you have come across ? We are not liking what we’ve seen so far in that area in that price range. The ones in Southfields and East Finchley seem to be offering much better value for money and understandably so given they aren’t as premium locations as Wimbledon

OP posts:
SouthernFashionista · 20/08/2023 10:39

A few above in close proximity to very good schools.

Original poster
DontBeShy · 20/08/2023 11:19

Thank you for sharing the links, I've seen #1 and #3 and unfortunately they don't fall properly into the catchments of any good/outstanding non-religious school in the region (we are not eligible for religious schools).

#2 is something we haven't seen and will definitely check it out. It looks to be in the school zone and close to station which is great. My initial reaction though is the price/sqft feels so much higher than what we are seeing in East Finchley.

OP posts:
SouthernFashionista · 20/08/2023 11:21

With Quicks Rd you have Garfield Primary ten minutes walk away. All Saints is close too and while COE is lightly so.

Original poster
DontBeShy · 20/08/2023 11:23

I checked the school catchment area on locrating and the house seems to be outside of their high probability catchment area

OP posts:
Lavenderflower · 21/08/2023 10:47

I am somewhat familiar with both areas although, I have not travelled to Southfield for years. I would say generally schools are better in Barnet.

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