Barnet offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique appeal. In this comprehensive guide on the best areas to move to in Barnet, we explore top residential spots, detailing their amenities, community vibes, and what makes them stand out. Discover which area suits your lifestyle the best, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly environment, luxurious living, or vibrant community life.
Key Takeaways
- Barnet offers a blend of urban and suburban living with notable neighbourhoods such as High Barnet, Mill Hill, Totteridge, East Barnet, and New Barnet, each providing unique amenities and strong community attractions.
- Property prices in Barnet are higher than the London average, reflecting the area’s desirability, with an average house price of £584,000 in May 2024 and a diverse range of housing options.
- Barnet features vibrant community events, local markets, excellent educational opportunities, and ample recreational facilities, contributing to a lively and family-friendly lifestyle.
Exploring Barnet’s Top Residential Areas
Barnet offers a high standard of living with diverse communities, extensive greenbelt areas, and a blend of urban and suburban living that is hard to find elsewhere. Its numerous parks and historic sites provide a family-friendly atmosphere that is enhanced by Barnet Council’s commitment to green spaces, such as their plan to plant 5,000 trees. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Barnet is a sought-after place to live and work, and the efforts of Barnet Council play a significant role in maintaining this appeal.
High Barnet, Mill Hill, Totteridge, East Barnet, and New Barnet stand out among the various areas in Barnet. These neighbourhoods each possess a unique charm and array of amenities, catering to an array of preferences and lifestyles. Let’s examine what elevates these areas to be among the most desirable places to reside in Barnet.
High Barnet
High Barnet is known for its historic high street, where you can find unique shops like Room 89 offering vintage items and craft workshops. The historic Barnet Market, which has been running since the 12th century, adds to the area’s charm and provides a vibrant shopping experience. Additionally, the 17th-century Ye Olde Mitre Inne, a historic inn where Charles Dickens found inspiration for Oliver Twist, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Education is a highlight in High Barnet, home to Queen Elizabeth’s School, which was awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all areas in May 2022 and named ‘State School of the Year’ by The Sunday Times in 2022. The school’s 450th anniversary was celebrated in 2023, marking a long history of academic excellence.
People who enjoy green spaces, such as the Dollis Valley Greenwalk, will find Hadley Green in High Barnet appealing. The scenic pond and floating duck house make it a peaceful urban retreat. Combined with excellent transport links via High Barnet Tube Station, this area is perfect for families and professionals alike.
Mill Hill
Mill Hill boasts:
- a strong community spirit
- a family-friendly environment
- open spaces, such as Mill Hill Park, which offers plenty of recreational opportunities
- historic architecture
- a peaceful suburban environment
All of these factors make it an appealing place to live.
Mill Hill also benefits from:
- Excellent transport links
- Mill Hill Broadway offers easy connections to central London
- Availability of National Rail services ensures convenient commuting for residents
This combination of community, history, and accessibility makes Mill Hill a top choice for many.
Totteridge
Totteridge is one of Barnet’s most affluent neighbourhoods, known for its luxurious lifestyle. The area features large Edwardian houses and prestigious golf clubs, adding to its high-end appeal. For affluent professionals, Totteridge offers a desirable location with easy access to central London.
Totteridge’s allure comes from the blend of luxurious homes and its proximity to central London, making it a standout area in Barnet. Whether you are looking for a prestigious address or a serene environment, Totteridge has much to offer.
East Barnet
East Barnet is a family-friendly area with a strong sense of community. It is known for its good local schools and family-friendly amenities, making it an ideal place for raising children. Local parks like Oak Hill Park provide ample recreational spaces for families to enjoy.
The family-oriented atmosphere and high-quality schools contribute to East Barnet’s desirability as a place to live. It combines the best of suburban living with a strong community ethos.
New Barnet
New Barnet offers convenient shopping options at Spires Shopping Centre, which features a range of high street stores, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, Brent Cross Shopping Centre is another excellent location for those who value easy access to amenities.
Located in the borough of Barnet, New Barnet also offers excellent transport links, with New Barnet station offering National Rail services to Moorgate and Welwyn Garden City. The combination of shopping and transport options makes New Barnet a practical and appealing area to live.
Property Prices in Barnet
Property prices in Barnet are notably higher than the London average, reflecting the area’s desirability. As of May 2024, the average house price in Barnet is £584,000, which is around 15% higher than the London average. This higher cost is offset by the quality of life and amenities available in the borough.
Barnet provides a diverse range of housing options, including:
- Flats and maisonettes averaging £418,000
- Detached properties around £1,405,000
- Semi-detached properties averaging £827,000
- Terraced properties averaging £617,000
Barnet has shown significant property growth over the past five years, with some areas seeing up to 20.7% growth. Whether you’re looking for an investment or a family home, Barnet offers potential for both stability and growth.
Amenities and Lifestyle in Barnet
Barnet’s vibrant community events and local markets contribute to its lively lifestyle. The town boasts a vibrant arts scene with regular events and performances at venues like Artsdepot and the Bull Theatre. These cultural venues provide a rich tapestry of activities for residents to enjoy.
The London borough of Barnet offers a diverse mix of schools, reflecting its cultural diversity and appeal to families across London boroughs. From primary schools to secondary schools like Queen Elizabeth’s, the educational opportunities in the London Borough of Barnet are exceptional.
Leisure opportunities abound in Barnet, from parks and green spaces to sports facilities and community centres, including the New Barnet Leisure Centre. This makes Barnet an appealing place for families and individuals alike, offering something for everyone.
Notable Areas and Their Appeal
Barnet is home to several notable areas, each with unique characteristics and appeals. Some of these areas include:
- Hampstead Garden Suburb: Known for its picturesque scenery and exclusive housing.
- Golders Green: Offers vibrant community life and diverse dining options.
- Colindale: A rapidly developing area with modern amenities and improved infrastructure.
Each of these areas enhances Barnet’s overall appeal, offering residents a variety of living experiences, with the help of local estate agents.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
Hampstead Garden Suburb is renowned for its idyllic scenery and high-end housing, attracting affluent residents. Designed as a model community, its verdant landscape and Arts and Crafts homes make it one of London’s most expensive areas.
Central Square, designed by Lutyens, serves as a focus for spiritual, recreational, and community activities. The area is characterised by its lush greenery and well-maintained parks, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. Wood Street, located nearby, also adds to the charm of this neighbourhood.
Golders Green
Golders Green is renowned for its vibrant community life, featuring diverse dining and shopping options. The area’s lively high street offers numerous local shops and dining options, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.
The availability of various international cuisines makes Golders Green a haven for food enthusiasts, adding to its popularity among those who enjoy a lively community life.
Colindale
Colindale is a rapidly developing area with numerous new housing projects aimed at modernising the area. Its modern amenities and improved infrastructure cater to a growing population, making it increasingly popular.
Colindale’s excellent transport links, including the Northern Line, and variety of housing options make it a compelling choice for those considering a move to Barnet, a popular area in North London.
Summary
Barnet offers a high standard of living with diverse communities, extensive green spaces, and a blend of urban and suburban environments. Each area in Barnet has its unique charm and amenities, making it a desirable place to live for different types of residents. Whether you are drawn to the historic charm of High Barnet, the family-friendly atmosphere of East Barnet, or the luxurious lifestyle of Totteridge, Barnet has something to offer everyone. Consider making Barnet your next home and experience all that this vibrant borough has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Barnet a desirable place to live?
Barnet is a desirable place to live due to its high standard of living, diverse communities, extensive green spaces, and a mix of urban and suburban environments.
How are the property prices in Barnet compared to the London average?
Property prices in Barnet are approximately 15% higher than the London average, indicating the area’s high demand and attractiveness.
What are some notable areas in Barnet?
Notable areas in Barnet include High Barnet for its historic charm, Mill Hill for its community spirit, and Totteridge for its luxurious homes.
What amenities does Barnet offer?
Barnet offers a wide range of amenities, including vibrant community events, diverse schools, cultural venues, and numerous parks and recreational facilities.
How is the transport connectivity in Barnet?
Barnet offers excellent transport links with convenient access to central London, making it ideal for commuters.
