Moving from Crouch End to Palmers Green - is it social suicide!?

HotCrocadile · 2026-04-14T09:18:34+00:00

We are looking to move from Stroud Green area to Palmers Green but having a crisis of confidence. We have a 5 and half year old and are looking to relocate for better house and garden affordability as we are priced out of crouch end. I am however gutted to leave our local community and don't want to feel marooned on the other side of the A406. I do most of the childcare and work from home so I feel like the change will be huge for me and my child. Has anyone up sticks from N4 or similar and moved to the area and started a school in year? I feel like we are mad but we are not able to afford a Crouch End wreck which seems to be the only option with gigantic mortgage until your 75 / 85 years old! We also want to break free from leasehold flat dwelling permanently. Please help!

Pigletin · 14/04/2026 13:32

I think like a lot of us you will need to get over yourself and accept that if you can’t afford the cool areas, you need to start over in a less sexy place. Been there, done that. You start fresh and build a new life in your new home. Not much you can do if you don’t want to saddle yourself with a huge mortgage that will stress you out for years to come. There is life after moving, I promise you that 😊

LughLongArm · 14/04/2026 13:36

What @Pigletin said. I’m sure you’ll shake down eventually with the yahoos.

Yellowstri · 14/04/2026 13:41

Does it have to be Palmers Green? How about East Finchley- cheaper than Crouch End but not so far out. Or the other way, Walthamstow- very villagey and super fast tube.

Original poster

HotCrocadile · 14/04/2026 16:13

LughLongArm · 14/04/2026 13:36

What @Pigletin said. I’m sure you’ll shake down eventually with the yahoos.

Thanks, what are the "yahoos"?

OP posts:

Original poster

HotCrocadile · 14/04/2026 16:16

Pigletin · 14/04/2026 13:32

I think like a lot of us you will need to get over yourself and accept that if you can’t afford the cool areas, you need to start over in a less sexy place. Been there, done that. You start fresh and build a new life in your new home. Not much you can do if you don’t want to saddle yourself with a huge mortgage that will stress you out for years to come. There is life after moving, I promise you that 😊

Edited

Yes, its the starting over I'm scared of. Especially after weathering the loneliest of lockdowns with a new born and shielding for ever due to surgery. I feel like my mum life is hard won through adversity. Im curious to know if you moved to Palmers Green and what you think? How was the transition? Did you move a child in year for example or similar?

OP posts:

CraftyNavySeal · 14/04/2026 16:32

HotCrocadile · 14/04/2026 16:16

Yes, its the starting over I'm scared of. Especially after weathering the loneliest of lockdowns with a new born and shielding for ever due to surgery. I feel like my mum life is hard won through adversity. Im curious to know if you moved to Palmers Green and what you think? How was the transition? Did you move a child in year for example or similar?

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It’s 20 minutes away, you can jump on the train or in the car to see friends.

In a few years you probably find other friends moving up the same way anyway.

I’m from the area and wouldn’t think anything of the distance, it’s just the next borough!

Pinkpony89 · 15/04/2026 22:42

We moved to PG in 2022 with a toddler, same reasons as you. Have never looked back, loads of the other parents and families we've met moved here for the same reasons and loads from Islington/ Crouch End/Stoke Newington etc. Walthamstow wasn't affordable for us in terms of what you get for your money. Ultimately depends what you're looking for in terms of amenities/ vibes - but I love it and found it very friendly from day 1 compared to having a miserable time in Covid where none of our neighbours spoke to us. Can't walk down the street without bumping into someone we know and it's got a great community feel, possibly as it is its own little area. Some people do complain about the high street / crime etc which I think are issues you'd get anywhere in London. Maybe spend a bit of time hanging around at a weekend etc, going to parks and playgrounds to see how you find it. Having a primary age kid is a big advantage in terms of meeting new people if you do decide to move.

tbx0773 · 15/04/2026 22:53

@HotCrocadile Palmers Green is just so different to Crouch End but not necessarily worse.. I would argue that Stroud Green is a v different community / neighbourhood to CE also.
have you considered other areas on that train line? Hornsey? Ally Pally? Bowes Park?

Original poster

HotCrocadile · 16/04/2026 11:03

Pinkpony89 · 15/04/2026 22:42

We moved to PG in 2022 with a toddler, same reasons as you. Have never looked back, loads of the other parents and families we've met moved here for the same reasons and loads from Islington/ Crouch End/Stoke Newington etc. Walthamstow wasn't affordable for us in terms of what you get for your money. Ultimately depends what you're looking for in terms of amenities/ vibes - but I love it and found it very friendly from day 1 compared to having a miserable time in Covid where none of our neighbours spoke to us. Can't walk down the street without bumping into someone we know and it's got a great community feel, possibly as it is its own little area. Some people do complain about the high street / crime etc which I think are issues you'd get anywhere in London. Maybe spend a bit of time hanging around at a weekend etc, going to parks and playgrounds to see how you find it. Having a primary age kid is a big advantage in terms of meeting new people if you do decide to move.

Edited

Thank you so much for this reassurance! It's great to hear from someone who has taken similar path. Where would you say the community is/ hangs out? Is it in parks? Devonshire Square? Local school events? Be great to get an idea of how to meet people! Thanks again x

OP posts:

Pinkpony89 · 16/04/2026 17:39

Sadly not many places to hang out other than cafes, parks and playgrounds but there are lots of events in Broomfield Park - they have a big festival in early Sept. Depending on area you're looking to live / school catchment Hazelwood school has a very active PTA and runs lots of events, Palmers Green library is good and well stocked and does holiday craft events , Hazelwood rec is well used by local families and you've also got Grovelands a bit further up. The Fox pub is pretty family friendly, lots of nice brunch options like Kiva and Stage house and Holtwhites bakery also v popular. Worth checking out Palmers Green action team on Instagram and Palmers Green parents on Facebook to get a sense of the area.