Highgate versus West Hampstead

[publady]

We are about to downsize to a flat in London. Which area would you recommend for young retirees: West Hampstead or Highgate? We are attracted to London by the theatre, concerts etc but would still like a friendly, community vibe locally.

Both are nice areas with very good access to central London for the theatre etc but of the two I'd prefer Highgate as an area, Highgate village is lovely, nice shops, restaurants, bars etc and you have direct access to the heath and also Highgate cemetery for walks - it's a bit hilly is the only negative but you get great views

The only thing is it's quite £££, if your budget got you a much nicer place in West Hamspstead then that would be a significant consideration... you can very easily hop on a bus from West Hamsptead to Hampstead proper or indeed to Highgate so it's not like you'd lack for the shops etc there?

Highgate for sure

In theory Highgate is nicer, it's greener, prettier and posher. But it's quite spread out, hilly as said before and the tube is not convenient for a lot of it. West Hampstead is cheaper, busier and more urban. I think I'd find WH easier for convenient living.

There is usually a huge price difference between the two.

Highgate! Love it.

Very much this.

Do you drive? If so parking is a nightmare in WH and there are road works on the main road (West End Lane) almost every week.

But everything is much more compact and local - lots of supermarket shops, chemists, transport links, bookshops, cafes, butcher, baker, library etc within walking distance as all are on the main high street.

The only thing is with Chipotle and now Five Guys opening up I would be concerned the area is changing a bit.

Why not spend a week in each and decide for yourself? You could probably find an Airbnb

Thank you for all these thoughts - perceptive and sensible. In the end, we have gone for Cholmley Gardens, WH. Highgate was a bit beyond our budget.

Highgate. It's exactly where I'd retire if I wanted to be in London. Lovely village atmosphere.

Terrible transport links in Highgate. A friend of mine who is retiring is definitely getting away after 30 years of living there.
West Hampstead is far better if you are retired

A friend of mine lived in that street and loved it! She had to move abroad, but with regret

I think you'll be happier there. Much busier, connected and cohesive